I’ve shifted up the skills I use and the modifiers I assigned to them a lot during my time since launch. Collecting them as you go – via “inscriptions” on legendary items – means you’ll always have options, but also limitations to work around, thus forcing you to potentially try out different combinations while you wait for the modifiers you particularly want to drop on items. I’m definitely a fan of the way skill modifiers have been handled in this iteration of Diablo too. I’ve primarily been playing Necromancer since launch, but have also spent considerable time with Demon Hunter, Barbarian and Crusader over the course of pre-launch review access and various betas (with only Monk and Wizard still on the to do list), and each has fun synergistic gameplay options to explore. If you’re a seasoned keyboard and mouse-based Diablo player, however, it’s still nice being able to play Immortal on a big screen, but I actually really liked the touch controls, so for me, adventuring on iPad was the way to go. There’s no option to adjust resolution, for instance, and I’ve been unable to get a controller working reliably on PC, whether wired or through Bluetooth. On PC, using a keyboard and mouse generally feels good, but the platform has a number of other issues to contend with, and it seems very much like a quick port at the moment (hence the “open beta” tag). Controllers are definitely a lot clunkier than touch when it comes to navigating the interface, but it’s workable. For both, all your key controls are within easy reach – primary attack, skills, health potions, and your ultimate, and it’s really satisfying being able to aim and move independently.

The moment-to-moment gameplay feels great, whether you’re using touch controls (which is what I’ve spent 99% of my time on) or a controller tethered to an iOS or Android device. This forward momentum is helped a great deal by the rhythm of combat, which is quintessential Diablo thanks to a solid array of skills to keep combat interesting, paired with the palpable power of being able to cut through most opposition with ease. I couldn’t help but be sucked in by the breakneck pace established across the first 30 or so levels as I grew in power, ranked up my gear, unlocked new skills and found out more about the latest existential threat to Sanctuary, largely via series mascot Deckard Cain. The early going, however, is a heap of fun.

Diablo immortal lines