Mac users are sharing the glory that is Blizzard's Diablo II with that 'other' platform, the release of this game for Mac having followed quite close behind the PC version. Now Blizzard has announced an expansion pack for this amazing realtime RPG, and they mention the Mac OS version of this pack without the blink of an eye -- unlike their previous 'policy,' which often resulted in the Mac OS release of a title being announced months later than the PC version, for no apparent reason.

With two new character classes, "thousands" of new items and a new Act to explore, this pack will thrill dedicated players and charm those who have not yet purchased a copy of this title. It is assumed that you will have to own the original to use the expansion pack, although this is not explicitly stated in the press release.

Here is an excerpt from the announcement made at the European Consumer Trade Show:

Blizzard Entertainment announced plans for the Diablo II Expansion Set for its number-one selling game, Diablo II.

Diablo II has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide since shipping just two months ago, making it the biggest PC game this year. In the Diablo II Expansion Set, players return to follow the path of Baal, the last of the Prime Evils, into the Barbarian Highlands of the north. Traveling with hordes of demonic minions, Baal intends to corrupt the powerful Worldstone that protects the whole of the mortal plane from the forces of Hell. Players will face a new series of quests and challenges to prevent the vile minions of the underworld from destroying the world of Sanctuary.

Key features include:

Two new character classes (the Assassin and the Druid) each with 30 unique skills/spells

One new act set in the Barbarian Highlands

Ability to play the new character classes through the original four acts of Diablo II

Many new monster types, including bosses and uniques

Interactive environments such as siege towers and fortified battlements

Thousands of new weapons, armor and magical items, including class-specific quest items

New recipes for the Horadric Cube

Increased storage space in the stash

"The success of Diablo II has been overwhelming," said Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder, "we look forward to increasing the game play and depth of Diablo II through the introduction of new character classes and areas to explore."

Availability

Diablo II Expansion Set is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to be released in the first half of 2001 in Windows95/98/2000/NT and Macintosh formats. The expansion set will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide, and will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

System Requirements The minimum system requirements for the Diablo II expansion set are Windows 2000/95/98/NT, Pentium 233 or equivalent, 32 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive and DirectX compatible video card. Additional multiplayer system requirements include 64 MB RAM (for the PC) and a 28.8 Kbps or faster modem.

The Macintosh will require a G3 processor, Mac OS 8.1 or higher, 64 MB RAM plus virtual memory, 4X CD-ROM drive and video support for 256 color display at 800x600.

Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo II Expansion Unveiled at Gamecenter

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