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Second review: Magicka >>
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Diablo III

Genres:
action, RPG, hack and slash, co-op

Available Platform(s):
Playstaion 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, Linux Buy Now >>

About the Game

Diablo III is an intense hack and slash RPG by Blizzard Entertainment. It is set twenty years after Diablo II, but knowledge of these prior installments isn’t needed. In Diablo III, you must return to the fabled Tristram, to seek out the truth about the so called fallen star. If these rumors are true, it means evil is coming back, and it won’t be long until the End Times have started.
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Pros

There are six character classes to choose from, barbarian, crusader, demon hunter, monk, witch doctor, and wizard. Each has an in-depth skill tree and unique abilities. Each class also has different armour and weapons available to them. Usable gear is constantly dropped by enemies, and the game makes it easy to compare, sell, and craft items. Up to four people can play at a time, whether it be local co-op, or online. I recommend co-op, as it can make the game more interesting You don’t need to worry about the other player picking up all the loot from enemies and hoarding it, either. The developers put in a system that awards the loot to the player whose main stats it benefits. For example, if there was a helmet that gave strength to the wearer, it would be given to the barbarian, regardless of who initially picked it up. Diablo III also has great replayability value, as all maps and loot are randomly generated.

Cons

I haven’t encountered any bugs in Diablo III, but I have come across some annoyances. In the console version (when everyone is playing on the same screen), only one person at a time can have their character panel open, and when they do, it pauses the game. So in my experience, between three people, it can be time consuming to check your gear when you get some, and wait for two other people to check. This also happens when the party levels up, as everyone wants to equip new abilities. Also, in my game, we found the difficulty level was way too easy. We changed the settings to the hardest level available to us, but it wasn’t much better. Unfortunately, the hardest difficulty can only be unlocked after finishing the game once. However, this is only one the Xbox version, the Playstation and PC versions seem to be fine.
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Buy dlc bundle now >> Buy expansion now >>

Downloadable Content

Expansions:
  • Reaper of Souls
    • Adds a new act in the story for a
      total of five acts
DLC:
  • Rise of the Necromancer
    • Unlocks the Necromancer
      character class
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Overall

Diablo III is an action-RPG, that has flawless hack and slash mechanics, and an interesting storyline. I recommended this game, especially if you’re looking for something to play with others.
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Magicka
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Magicka

Genres:
Comedy, action, RPG, co-op

Available Platform(s):
Windows, Linux, Mac Buy Now >>

About the Game

Magicka is ridiculous, lighthearted game about wizards and their quest to stop an evil sorcerer. Up to four players can join the fun in this Norse mythology-based fantasy world. You’ll get a good laugh when you accidentally shoot your friend with a lethal fireball, lightning, or some other combination of elements. The witty, fourth wall breaking dialogue is full of clever references and the sarcastic not-vampire Vlad is there to guide you through your journey.
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Pros

The mechanics of Magicka are also interesting. You are a wizard with the ability to combine elements such as fire and earth, to create spells and fight enemies. There is a lot of content to play through in the main adventure, and even more in the DLC (downloadable content). I recommend playing Magicka with at least one other person, because some of the levels can get extremely difficult, and I find it more fun (there is friendly fire, after all). However, multiplayer is not mandatory. The friendly fire is one of my favourite features of the game. All the elements work on the other players, as well as the villagers in each level. I also like how if your character dies there are checkpoints, and in multiplayer, a simple revival spell performed by one of the other players will bring you back. This means that instead of watching the other players battle while you wait for the checkpoint that will revive you, you get maximized gameplay time.

Cons

Although there are a few bugs in Magicka, I haven’t encountered anything game breaking, but this game can be frustrating at times. Such as during the campaign, when the player is sometimes randomly exited from the game into the menu. Also, some of the boss battles can get extremely difficult, and they can consume lots of time.
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Buy DLC bundle now >>

Downloadable Content

DLC:
  • Wizard Survival Kit
    • Adds a new spell and new robes to wear
  • Magicka: Vietnam
    • New Vietnam Rescue Mission mode
  • Magicka: Party Robes DLC & Magicka Gamer Bundle
    • Three new powerful robes for your wizard
  • Magicka: The Stars Are Left
    • A second adventure with three levels, new robes, enemies, and achievements
  • Magicka: The Other Side of the Coin
    • Adds a new story challenge where you can play as the vampire Alucart and his necromancer minions
  • Magicka: Dungeons and Daemons
    • A new story challenge set in the dungeons beneath castle Aldreheim
  • Magicka: Dungeons and Gargoyles
    • A new story challenge set in town old Aldreheim and the sequel to Dungeons and Daemons
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Overall

The pros of Magicka far outweigh the cons. This is a great game for anyone who enjoys action-RPGs, with a comedic twist.
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