Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform: PS3, 360, PS4, Xbox One
Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition – Review
Roughly ten months ago Diablo 3 was released on the ‘previous’ generation of consoles. A few months later the expansion hit the shelves for those who rather played the PC version and thus the console gamers were left behind. Of course Blizzard took action and was developing a complete version for all consoles, be it current generation as well as the previous generation. Today we are able to share our opinion of the Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition.
To get a complete explanation about how everything works ‘in depth’ it might be best to check out our console review by clicking here and our Reaper of Souls review by clicking here.
Story
This edition bundles both the story of the base Diablo 3 game as well as the Reaper of Souls expansion set. First portion of the game you’ll be chasing Diablo, just as you were doing in the base game. After that it’s all about Malthael and his plan to extinguish all the life from the already barren and grim world.
Just like the PC version and its console predecessor you’ll be treated to great cinematics between acts and smaller cutscenes between certain key events in the acts themselves. Each class will get their own set of unique scenes, which makes the story a tad more personal for your characters.
Note: The story portion is explained further in our previous reviews.
Graphics
As far as the graphics go, the Ultimate Evil Edition received some cosmetic upgrades that put the console version (current generation) on par with the PC version. Details seem to be highlighted a tad more and the game will be smooth sailing all the way.
Having tested the 360 version, it was also clear some small upgrades happened compared to the original base Diablo 3 game on console. Frame rate issues weren’t really noticeable, even when playing with more than one player.
Sound
Sound wise not that much new is happening along the course of this bundled edition. Voice acting remains superb alongside of the tone setting musical soundtrack. Action sequences are decently presented with the right undertone and more serious situations might be able to hit a sensitive snare, until you have to start chopping up your opponents again.
Gameplay
As stated before it’s best to read through the basics in the Diablo 3 console review and the Reaper of Souls expansion review.
Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition remains true to the original release, with the addition of the patched up PC version. You’ll find yourself handling the system of the new difficulties and the newer loot system when playing in the convenience of your sofa.
Of course the Crusader class is added to the fray. It’s easy to say that this class has also been optimized for console play and you’ll be able to add up a new fun character to your list of characters.
If you owned the original Diablo 3 console version, your system will immediately recognize your save files and transfer them to this newer edition of the game. Everything remains intact and you’ll take all of the original ingame achievements with you.
Not only the Crusader has been added, also the new crafting options (Transmogrify), the new level cap and also the adventure mode to keep you occupied after the story has been completed.
The adventure mode works with a bounty system that pretty much just makes grind a tad more amusing. You’ll have to dispose of certain targets in order to get rewarded with experience and extras. With the new difficulty system you’ll be able to create more and more challenging ‘bounties’ as you find better gear. That being said, the drops also scale per difficulty level and thus it will motivate you even further to keep playing the adventure mode.
Scrolling through the menus and so on has not changed at all compared to the initial console version. You’ll find it easy enough to access every menu for your gear and the shops in town. Your inventory is divided per gear type (boots, gloves, …) and the selected item will always compare with the one you have equipped. This makes it quite easy to see which item is best.
Conclusion
After nearly ten months of waiting, the next gen console owner is finally able to join the battle for survival. Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition is a version of Diablo 3 that is certainly on par with the PC version. Add the ability of being able to play together with your friends offline to the equation and you truly have a great game.
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