March's News

  • The Fansite Chat. (3/30)

Blizzard has announed that April's official fansite chat will be held sometime next week.  If you have any questions you would like us to ask, please email them to us here.  Remember that Blizzard randomly answers questions in the chat, so every question won't get answered. 

  • New Downloads... (3/30)

The next installment of Smoke'n'MirrorZ's Challenger Series is out.  Go download the wallpaper for the Paladin, and check up on his great work.  Also, the newest version of the Winters Bot is available in our downloads section.  The Winters Bot is a great Battle.net bot with lots of options. 

  • Fansite Interview. (3/29)

The Diablo II Inferno has won next month's Fansite Interview with Blizzard.  Presently they are asking for suggestions for questions, so if you would like to submit some just email them here.  Good luck, and congradulations everyone at the Diablo II Inferno. 

  • Liber Fictionarum Update. (3/29)

I guess obsession really is the mother of invention.  In any case, the next story in the Liber Fictionarum, The Necromancer, is up and ready to be read.  I really hope everyone enjoys reading these stories as much as I enjoy writing them.  I'm always open to suggestions and criticisms, so email me if you have anything at all to say.  Don't forget our message board either, it's a great way to get in touch with anyone here at ShadowSpiral Diablo II. 

  • The Graveyard is Down... (3/28)

It appears that the Graveyard is temporarily closed, apparently due to some particularly offensive email that its staff received.  I want to go on the record as saying that the Graveyard is an excellent and well-maintained site, and no matter what people say, it has given 100% to the Community.  In the absence of these great sites we will redouble our efforts to keep everyone informed. 

  • Liber Fictionarum Update. (3/27)

The next part of the Liber Fictionarum, The Barbarian, has been posted.  You can read the Liber Fictionarum in its entirety, starting with the Prologue, in the Compendium.  I hope to have the next part of it up sometime next week, but you never know when the muse calls. 

  • Management Changes at Havas. (3/26)

It seems Havas Interactive, the owners of Blizzard, has been restructuring their corporation some.  As a result, a few people have left various companies owned by Havas.  Have no fear though, nothing has happened that effects Blizzard or Diablo II.  For more info click here

  • The Newsletter Has Shipped... (3/26)

The ShadowSpiral Newsletter has been shipped, please email us if you had any problems with it or if you want to offer us some suggestions for it.  If you haven't already subscribed to the newsletter, please feel free to do so.  Those who subscribe today will get today's edition of the newsletter, otherwise the next one will ship April 8. 

  • New Screenshot of the Week. (3/25)

As promised, Blizzard has delivered another Screenshot of the Week, which you can view by clicking on this link:

Remember that the Screenshots of the Week are accessable in our Special Screenshots section. 

  • Diablo II Interview Translation... (3/24)

We have managed to get hold of a translation to the German CendentSoft Interview with Josh Mosler of Cendent.  You can find the interview with translations here and in the Articles section. 

Because of the huge amount of news we've had this month, I've taken the liberty of archiving the latter half of this month (from March 10th to the 1st) and placing it in the News Archive.  If you've missed some of the news releases from this month, you can find them in the March section.  This should help the main page to load faster. 

  • Our Message Board... (3/24)

We've finally gotten around to putting up a message board so visitors and Diablo II fanatics can post suggestions and ask questions, or just talk about Diablo II.  The message board is apt to be an easier way for people to get ahold of the staff as well, so we don't mind if it's used in lieu of an email.  All of the normal forum rules apply here (no foul language, spamming, etc.), such posts will be deleted immediately.  Please visit the message board and tell us what you think, or offer up some suggestions for improvement. 

  • Blizzard at E3. (3/24)

It appears that CDMag.com has unveiled Blizzard's itinerary for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, this from their site:

    Blizzard won't be announcing any new products this year at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), but will instead focus on one particular title to showcase - Diablo II. Blizzard says that they are on schedule for a release this year, and are in the process of finishing Act III and the final character class, the Barbarian. Both the ACT III and the Barbarian class will be on display at E3.

I don't know about you, but this has me almost drooling.  Not only do we get to finally see the reclusive Barbarian, we also get treated to some Act III action.  Another piece of noteworthy info from this snippet is that Blizzard in on schedule for a release this year. 

  • Challenger Series... (3/23)

The next set in the Challenger Series by Smoke'n'MirrorZ is now available for download here.  If you didn't already know, the Challenger Series is a series of character-oriented desktops.  The last one was over the Barbarian, this one features the Sorceress

  • Liber Fictionarum Updated. (3/23)

The next part of the Liber Fictionarum, The Amazon, is now up.  The Liber Fictionarum is the new name for the Diablo II Story Tomes.  You can expect the next addition as soon as I can get to it.  Please email me with any suggestions or comments on the stories. 

  • Yegg's Return. (3/22)

One of the oldest Diablo II fansites out there, Yegg's Tavern, has made its return after a long absence.  It has also returned to our Community section if you ever need to find it again. 

  • The Diablo II Story Tomes... (3/21)

A new addition to the Compendium, the Diablo II Story Tomes are stories that fill in a little of the gap between Diablo and Diablo II, as well as fleshing out the Diablo mythos.  Anyway, see what you think of my fiction skills by checking out part one of the Story Tome, the Prologue

  • CendentSoft Interview. (3/20)

Another great interview went down, this time with Josh Mosler of CendentSoft.  The only catch, it's in German of course.  Seems like Gernany is a veritable goldmine of Diablo II information and news.  Right now the interview is only in German, but we will get ahold of an English version as soon as possible.  In the meanwhile you can listen to it here while I study German in hopes of learning it. 

  • Sorry... (3/20)

It appears that my posts for the day were somehow not uploaded properly, and as a result couldn't be viewed.  I apologize for this error and assure everyone it isn't due to the negligence of me or the ShadowSpiral staff.  The post that didn't make it was the one below this one.  I would also like to announce that both Screenshots of the Week (see Special Screenshots) have been updated with newer versions, each one without the annoying black splotches. 

  • Blizzard's New Programmer. (3/19)

Jason Regier, once of the Myth II team, has joined up with Blizzard North's Diablo II development team.  This from CDMag:

    Computer Games Online has learned that Jason Regier, lead programmer on Bungie's Myth II will be leaving the company to work at Blizzard North. Regier will take on an undisclosed developer position on Blizzard's Diablo II.

    Jason Regier served as lead programmer on Bungie's recently released strategy game Myth II: Soulblighter, and on the original Myth as Senior Programmer. Regier was responsible for the internal tools for the game as well as some AI scripting.

    Regier's long-time friend, and Bungie colleague Doug Zartman told Computer Games Online that the move by Regier was amicable, and that he was psyched that he would know somebody on the Diablo II team. The move is purely a logistical one, as Regier wanted to be closer to loved ones in the area around Blizzard North.

Sounds like an excellent addition to the Diablo II team, let's hope it ushers in some improvements for the game. 

  • New Screenshot of the Week... (3/18)

Blizzard has released their newest screenshot of the week, which can be viewed below or in our Special Screenshots section: 

There's some news I thought would be good to go over.  First, the Compendium has been updated with a box on release dates and system requirements.  This information is as recent and valid as can be at this time.  Secondly, the full version of Internet Explorer 5.0 is out for download today, try other sites as Microsoft is weighed down right now.  Lastly, the next screenshot of the week will be out today, so keep your eyes peeled. 

  • Rumors Abound. (3/17)

It seems like the rumor mill is spinning in full tilt now.  Normally we don't traffic in rumors, but this one seemed newsworthy.  It seems an anonymous gamer has a friend who works for Blizzard, and this friend said that they were planning to implement a sixth character class in the game, a Thief/Assassin type character.  This is merely hearsay, so don't take it down as a fact.  Myself, I severely doubt this will be in Diablo II, but who knows... it could be anything from part of Blizzard's secret projects to part of a planned expansion for Diablo II. 

  • Diablo II TV. (3/16)

It appears that a Diablo II Special appeared on TV's in Germany, and released a massive quantity of news.  Unfortunately the transcripts available thus far are horribly translated and nearly unreadable.  We will let you know when a suitable transcript becomes available.  Until then help yourself to some points and info from the TV Special:

    • The Battle Arena for Diablo II is confirmed.
    • A beta test for U.S. gamers is confirmed.
    • Support for Direct3D will be in Diablo II.
    • The system requirements for Diablo II will be a Pentium 166, a Pentium 133 if you plan to run the game in 3D.

Keep checking in for a translated transcript to become available.  Thanks to the Diablo II Realm for this lead. 

  • The Diablo II Challenger Series. (3/16)

It seems that Smoke'n'MirroZ, the webmaster over at the Diablo II Crypt, is creating a series of desktop themes that relate to each of Diablo II's characters.  The first theme he has made available is the Barbarian theme, then the others will be released weekly.  Although I haven't got a chance to download it, you can be assured that it is quality work.  You can find more information here

  • Article on the Stamina Bar... (3/15)

The Stamina Bar has been a hot topic for debate these past few days, and we couldn't bear not to make a small article about it.  If you're new to the Stamina Bar, or interested in our opinions here at ShadowSpiral Diablo II, then check out "Stamina Bar Blues." 

  • Preview at PC.IGN.COM. (3/14)

There's a new preview over at PC.IGN.COM, which can be read here.  The preview contains no new information, but touts that it does have new screenshots.  Don't believe it, most of their screenshots have been archived here since last year, in our Screenshots section.  Nevertheless, it is a preview, so you can feel free to check it out. 

It seems as though ExtremeBlizzard, one of the newer aspiring fansites, has fallen at the hands of hackers.  This from Alaric:

    Extreme Blizzard has been hacked by an organization that's been terrorizing the internet as of late. The company that manages the server has booted us and will not let us back on the server. We're currently looking for new hosting options, but things are looking bleak right now. On the up side, our hosted sites are still working so please visit haven.extremeblizzard.com and diablo2.extremeblizzard.com in the meantime. We might not be up for another week or so.

I hope ExtremeBlizzard can get back up on their feet sometime soon.  Fortunately, their hosted sites still seem to be up, and can all be visited. 

  • Gameplay AVI in RealVideo Format. (3/13)

We've been informed that the Amazon Gamplay Video is now available in RealVideo format, which can be downloaded from here.  The video needs version 5.1 or better of the RealPlayer program and is approzimately 2.8 MB. 

In light of the Amazon Gameplay Video I thought I would update our Amazon section.  There you can find all the new info gleaned from the video. 

  • Gameplay Video Analysis... (3/12)

I have just finished analyzing the new Gameplay Video that came out yesterday.  The review is up in our Articles section and is rather aptly  named "Amazon Gameplay Video Analysis."  I advise you download and check out the Gameplay Video whenever you can, it's very good. 

  • Screenshot of the Week. (3/11)

The first of Blizzard's Screenshots of the Week is out, this one of the Amazon in the new caves level.  As always it's been added to our collection in the Special Screenshots section.  It's also been posted here for your viewing pleasure: 

As promised, the new AVI featuring the Amazon is hot off the presses.  We haven't got a chance to download it yet, but we have it available for download in our downloads section.  You can also quick-link to it here.  The video is about 25 MB compressed in a zip file.

Update: We've been informed that our link to the video isn't working, this is due to the volume of traffic on Blizzard's server.  A mirror is now listed in our downloads section that you can use while Blizzard's server is still taxed. 

  • Diablo II AVI. (3/10)

Blizzard will be releasing a 20 MB AVI featuring more footage of the Amazon running aroung in Act I some time tomorrow.  You can be sure that this video will be archived in our downloads section as soon as it becomes available.  We'll let you know when it's available. 

  • Diablo Disoveries... (3/10)

It appears that someone who wishes to be called Ed has discovered some spells and spell icons from the earliest betas of Diablo.  The discovery is hosted over at Diabloii.net, and the page can be visited here.  It's a pretty good read... and maybe a small hint into some of the spells in Diablo II. 

  • Bill Roper and Baldur's Gate. (3/10)

This post's header sounds like heresy, but it is true.  Apparently Bill Roper did some add-in voices for Interplay's Baldur's Gate, which some gamers consider to be Diablo II's most heated competetion for the RPG market.  You can see here full description here

We've updated a couple of the sections here at ShadowSpiral Diablo II.  First off, the downloads section now has entries for Topaz Chat, Battle.net Buddy, and Winters Bot.  The Community section has updated links to new sites and the BGN and Blizzard Live Wire have been woefully removed.  Keep checking back for new updates and info. 

  • Click Signs with Acclaim. (3/9)

Doron Gartner and Ben Haas, two members of Diablo's development team before they left Blizzard and went on to form Click Entertainment, have just signed on to Acclaim.  Under Acclaim they will be developing an RPG game featuring seven samurai warriors defending their country. 

  • Battle.net Support FAQ... (3/9)

Blizzard has added a Battle.net Support FAQ to their Battle.net page.  This FAQ will help people who have been having problems logging onto Battle.net servers.  The FAQ has also been added our Community section, so if you need it in the future you'll find it there. 

  • Focus on Specialized Fansites. (3/8)

I have written another article, named "Focus on Specialized Fansites", this one over specialized fansites in the Diablo II Community.  You can find this article in our Articles section. 

  • New Look of the Suggestions Forum. (3/8)

Have you seen the Diablo II Suggestions Forum lately?  I suggest you go see it because Blizzard has put their new look for it up, and I must say it looks incredible.  Don't take my word for it though, head over there yourself. 

  • Official German Diablo II Site. (3/7)

Seeing as how the Gamestar Video exploded on the scene, followed by the Watchtower Interview, is it really odd to hear that Blizzard's Official German Diablo II Site has recently opened?  This site is an exact duplicate of their other official site, only in German instead of English. 

  • Character Updates... (3/7)

I thought I would post several of the character updates gleaned from the Watchtower Interview, in case anyone didn't read it or missed it.  The Necromancer should have his own section of screenshots on the Official Diablo II Site by the end of this month, these screenshots will also show off his new and improved look.  The Barbarian will start showing his head in screenshots sometime in April. 

  • The ShadowSpiral Newsletter. (3/6)

The ShadowSpiral Newsletter, a biweekly newsletter sent via email, is on the forges.  The Newsletter will feature the month's news in greater detail, with editorials from the entire ShadowSpiral staff.  It will also feature posts from the Suggestions Forum, as well as picture analyses and other news.  To subscribe to the ShadowSpiral Newsletter, just send an email to us with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line and no body text. 

  • Gamespot's Designer Diary... (3/5)

Well, the Gamespot Designer Diary for this month is out, and is over cinematics and goes into detail with Matt Samia, Blizzard's cutscene designer.  It talks of cutscenes pertaining to the characters and to the Prime Evils: Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto.  It also says there will be five movies, and each will be nearly five minutes long.  Another story element that appears is the presence of the Archangel Tyrial, which would be familiar to anyone who knows Diablo's backstory.  Here are some sketches and a rendered shot from the designer diary: 

The Blizzard Monthly Interview with the Diablo II Watchtower has been posted, and can be viewed in it's entirety here.  This Interview has several good pieces of new info, and is a definite must to read... our Compendium will be updated with the new info soon. 

Well, it seems that several people had a few questions about the whole multiplayer thread, so Erich Schaefer made this post to clarify the topic:

    Battle.net only characters will be seperate and unable to interact with non-battle.net only ("open") characters.   "Open" characters (gotta come up with a term here) will be able to create and join games through battle.net with other open characters, but not with battle.net only characters. Sort of like two seperate realms of existance. (We are trying to make this more understandable as we design it; it won;t be so complex in the end.)  The purpose of server-side (battle.net only) characters will be to ensure greater integrity of the characters; a more controlled playing experience.  The purpose of non-server-side (open) characters is to offer a greater variety of methods to connect with other players. As of right now, these open characters are identicle to single-player characters.  We are considering allowing a one-way transfer of battle.net only characters to open games, but any advances or equipment changes would not be brought back to battle.net. Not sure of this now.  I hope thats a better explanation.

There, that should clear some things up, I hope.  Basically, "open" characters and "Battle.net only" characters won't be able to interact (join each other's games).  Sounds good to me. 

  • News from the Forums... (3/3)

This in from the Battle.net forums:

    There will be battle.net only characters that will be only playable on battle.net, these will be least affected by cheating, duping and hacks. There will also be "open" characters, playable through battle.net, IPX, single-player, etc. We will have less control over the integrity of these characters. So, in summary, you can play Diablo 2 just like you play Diablo, and with even more options. AND/OR you can play with more secure characters, but only on battle.net. Kind of won't suck, huh?

This is good news, as it satisfies all people's concerns with the whole multiplayer conundrum.  Basically this means that there will be "open" characters, accessible through both Battle.net and IPX/modem, then there will also be "Battle.net only" characters, usable only on Battle.net.  The two will be separate of one another, unable to interact.  This will hopefully make a safe-haven for non-cheaters. 

  • New Diablo II Screensaver. (3/3)

The new Diablo II Screensaver is available over at the Temple of Stone, you should download it safistfy those pre-release blues. 

Yes, Blizzard is pulling out all of the stops to stop the hacking on Battle.net.  Check this post out to see what I mean.  In the meantime, report any and all hacks you see on Battle.net to this email address: hacks@blizzard.com

  • PCGames Preview. (3/2)

We have just been informed of a new preview over at PCGames, which you can view here.  Although the preview is mostly old news, there are a few bits of new info gleaming in the rubble, including news of a banking system in Diablo II. 

Browsing Battle.net I came across this post by Geoff Frazier of Blizzard.  These are their updated release dates and estimated release dates for their current known projects:

    Mac Starcraft: March, 1999.
    Mac Starcraft Brood War: June, 1999.
    Warcraft II Platinum: Summer, 1999.
    Diablo II: Second half of 1999.

This agrees with all the current information we know, and I would peg Diablo II's release date around September, but that's just my guess. 

  • Part II of GameStar RealVideo... (3/2)

Part II of the RealVideo GameStar movie is out, and you can check it out here.  I recommend you see this video if you haven't already, it caused a buzz in the Community for nearly two months. 

ExtremeBlizzard, a new Blizzard coverage site, has just opened its doors.  Kind of strange, the BGN closed, and then a site with the same motif opens.  But enough conspiracy theories from me, just check out ExtremeBlizzard, I'm sure you'll be pleased at their efforts. 

  • "Weep for the Fallen..." (3/1)

The Blizzard Games Network, known as the BGN, has recently left the Community, closing down their website for good.  We will miss the WebMasters of the BGN sorely, and can only hope that their next projects will be of the same caliber.  Fortunately, all hosted sites under the BGN are still up, so you can still visit them. 

  • We've Archived February's News... (3/1)

Well, we've archived the news for February, which can now be found in our News Archive.  Who would have thought that one month could have so much news?  In total, we archived over thirty posts and we can only hope that this month will continue that trend.

                 - Darkk (WebMaster)
                 

 

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Skill of the Week

Iron Maiden
Harkening back to an inquisitional torture, the Iron Maiden curse causes all damage an enemy does to you to be returned to that enemy as well.  Part of the Necromancer´s
Curses, it is a powerful addition to his arsenal.

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