SALE! SALE! SALE!

This week only: save 50% on Diablo III and Reaper of Souls! Click here.

Odds and Ends

I sold my Cartographer's Toolkit which was going for 50,000 gold.

This item was part of the legendary crafting materials which were removed from the game in patch 2.0.6 in June 2014.

It doesn't have any use anymore according to the Diablo III Wiki (click here) and I can use the gold, perfecting gems (my old obsession).

The most gold I had at any given time was around 20,000,000 but I squandered it all away most on combining gems.

I just can't help myself. They're so nice and shiny!

Also got a Keystone of Trials from one of my adventures enabling me to teleport to the Realm of Trials.

The Realm of Trials is an area where players fight waves of monsters to earn higher level Greater Rift Keys.

I tried going at it solo and died at around wave 19. It should be more fun with a group.

This is only found in Adventure Mode in Reaper of Souls or the Ultimate Evil Edition.

Ans speaking of Greater Rift Keys...

I got one!

Higher level Greater Rift Keystones, enables players to start in higher level Greater Rifts.

Wave after wave of monsters spawn attack you with each wave tougher than the one before.

This process continues until you're unable to finish a wave within the time limit.

Don't forget though: there is also no way to respec your skills or change around equipment while in a Trial.

I might try a different build next time and see what happens.

The Bottomless Potion of Mutilation

I was playing the other night and one of the monsters I killed dropped a Bottomless Potion of Mutilation. According to the Diablo III Game Guide the potion instantly restores 60% life and
increases life per kill by 4000–8000 for 5 seconds.

Apparently, aside from the Health Potion, there's a whole variety of potions out there now.

Bottomless Potion of Kulle-Aid
Bottomless Potion of Mutilation
Bottomless Potion of Regeneration
Bottomless Potion of the Diamond
Bottomless Potion of the Leech
Bottomless Potion of the Tower

Haven't had the chance to use it. Frankly I'm worried I won't see one again so I'm keeping it until I get new ones (or one of the others, whichever comes first).

Win Diablo III: Reaper of Souls shirts!!

Are you one of those gamers who bought Diablo III's amazing expansion pack; Reaper of Souls? Want to win some limited edition shirts? Do you live in the Philippines? Then simply answer the survey below to win!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FLR7D4enSKikgXPSIP9oq1tRdr20_uD-ETE73a5vpHg/viewform

The said survey was done by Asiasoft Online (the Philippine distributor of Blizzard games), and they want to know what gamers think of the latest expansion pack. Here's the details from the survey:

"Get a chance to win a limited edition Diablo III: Reaper of Souls T-shirt! All you have to do is participate in this survey and you may be proud new owner of an exclusive D3 shirt. The quiz will be from May 19 to June 1 2014 and we will announce the 3 winners on June 2, 2014."

So what are you waiting for? Join now! :D

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls is COMING TO CONSOLES!

YESSS!! After much speculation (and worrying on my part), Blizzard has finally unveiled that the much awaited expansion pack to Diablo III is coming to the consoles on August 19th 2014!! :D You can read about it more via this link: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/14096399/reaper-of-souls%E2%84%A2-coming-to-console-august-19-5-12-2014

Back then, I've only heard of rumors that the expansion pack will be launching on next-gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox one respectively), but there was no news about the PS3 or Xbox 360 versions. I was worried that Blizzard might skip the previous console gen in favor of the next-gen consoles, which would leave me stuck on the base Diablo III game, with no way for me to experience the expansion pack because:

• I don't plan on buying a PS4 anytime soon, due in part to its high price tag and a very small library of games to get me interested.
• I don't plan on buying the PC version anytime soon, as I've already invested alot of time on the console version, and I don't think I can start a new character again.
• Add the fact that the PC version requires internet to play is another turn off for me.

All is good, however there is a catch to this. Labeled as "Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition", the game will feature both the original Diablo III + Reaper of Souls expansion set, as one game. The caveat to that is those who bought the original Diablo III game, will need to buy the new game to play, thus rendering their old copies of Diablo III virtually useless. Expect tons of for sale threads for Diablo III copies coming as soon as the game is available in the Philippines.

To help sweeten the deal (and lessen the hurt of those who bought the original Diablo III game), those who preorder the game, will receive a bonus item; the Infernal Pauldrons!!

These shoulder plates are wearable at level 1 for all classes, and is primed and ready for transmogrification.

Overall, I'm pretty much happy and excited with the announcement and I can't wait to jump back in with my Barbarian beauty. :D

Things are Challenging Again

For a time, my main concern was getting the best gear (which really meant going shopping at the Auction House) and accumulating as much gold as possible. After Patch 2.0.1 it became more of the adventure again and less of the daily struggle to earn gold.

Aside from the improved system, the bosses were challenging again particularly this guy...

I've died several times and I just couldn't beat him.

Decided to level up first so off I went.

The 50% XP Bonus was particularly helpful. Maybe I'll stand a chance this time. I'll find out tomorrow.

In the meantime, check out what's new with Patch 2.0.1! Click here.

+50% Bonus XP in Diablo III

As of today you can prepare for death's imminent arrival with +50% bonus XP in Diablo III!

Bonus XP ends March 24, 2014. The +50% Boost applies to the PC and Mac only.

Now get going!

Loot 2.0: Best Pants Ever!

I'm loving the massive new Diablo 3 patch that most recently updated the game. I had stopped playing for a while because it had gotten too difficult and it was so hard finding really awesome gear. I started playing again in anticipation of, not only this patch, but Reaper of Souls in general.

In the few days I've been playing, I've gotten so many awesome gear that I've pretty much replaced everything that was given to me by Diablo pal Jonas Diego. Just today I picked up what is probably THE BEST PANTS ever.

"When 3 or more enemies are within 12 yards, you release a vile stench that deals 305% weapon damage as POISON every second for 10 seconds to enemies within 15 yards."

I mean whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

I wouldn't wear that for real though!

Win a trip to SG for the Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Launch Event!

Are you a fan of Diablo III from the PHILIPPINES? Do you want to be at the launch event of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls? If so, our friends at AsiaSoft, is giving away a pair of tickets and goodie bags to a lucky winner from each country (one from the Philippines and another from Malaysia) to join them in Singapore for the Reaper of Souls launch on March 25. (HOW COOL IS THAT?!)

Here's how YOU can win:

    Like  this post on Facebook (click this link)
    Comment with which new feature you are looking forward in Reaper of Souls.

 Example: I can't wait for ROS! Looking forward to the new Crusader class!

The comment post with the most number number of LIKES wins so make sure to share your post with as many friends as possible!

Each winner (one from MALAYSIA and one from the PHILIPPINES) will walk away with the following:

• A pair of return airplane tickets to Singapore
• A pair of goodie bags, each bag consisting of:
• One Funko figurine (assorted design)
• One Blizzcon gachapon figurine (assorted design)
• One Reaper of Souls T-Shirt (assorted sizes)

Contest Starts February 25 and will end on March 7, 2014.

Terms and Conditions Apply (click here to view full details)

Diablo: Reaper of Souls Fan Art Contest

DeviantART and Blizzard have teamed up to give you the Diablo: Reaper of Souls Fan Art Contest!

First prize winner gets the following:

• A 2 night trip to Blizzard HQ in Irvine, CA to meet the artists and developers of Diablo III!*
• A framed print of the 1st place entry signed to the artist by the Diablo III Creative Team
• $5,000 USD
• Signed boxed copy of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition
• 8,000 deviantART Points
• 1-year Premium Membership to deviantART.com

Check out the details here.

Background Download NOW Available!

Eagle eyed gamer out there may notice the little bit of text on the starting graphic when you boot up Diablo informing you that it has begun downloading data for a "future patch". This download is in preparation for the March 25 launch of Reaper of Souls as well as a pre-expansion patch that will be released in the coming months.

The download will be around 6GB in size and include things like models, textures, art files, and other upcoming content in patch 2.0.1 and Reaper of Souls that is already complete.

Guilty Dog

Barbarian wallpaper is from the official Diablo III website. Guilty dog screencap from the YouTube video here.

Diablo: Storm of Light

Blizzard has just released an excerpt from it's upcoming novel, Diablo: Storm of Light.

Written by Nate Kenyon, author of The Order, Storm of Light is a bridge between the events of Diablo III and the story that is to come in its first expansion, Reaper of Souls. In Storm of Light, the Angiris Council has recovered Diablo's Black Soulstone and they now stand vigil over the cursed artifact deep within the glimmering Silver City, unwittingly condemning the High Heavens to its dark corruption.

Check out the cover after the jump!

Adenah the Curio Vendor

Adenah the Curio Vendor appears in the House of Curios in the Fields of Misery of Act I.

She's one of the more rather well-endowed and provocative NPC (non-playable character) in Diablo III (heaven knows there's not a whole lot of them in the game). So well-endowed that I just had to zoom in and get a screen cap (I do it for my blog's readers).

Screen caps after the jump!

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls now ready for pre-order!! (UPDATED!)

Happy New Year everyone!! And to start off 2014 right, our good friends at Asiasoft Philippines (Blizzard's exclusive distribution partner for Diablo III in the Philippines) just shared with us the awesome news that starting today, you can now start pre-ordering digitally the much awaited expansion for the PC and Mac version of Diablo III in the Philippines!! :D

Official boxart for the Standard Edition of
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls expansion

For those who isn't aware of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls expansion, here's a quick teaser trailer:


As shown in the teaser trailer, the upcoming expansion pack will feature:

• Act V: A dark and terrifying chapter sending players on a final confrontation with the Angel of Death; Malthael, itself!!
• The Crusader: A brand new class, that is highly reminiscent of the holy Paladin from Diablo II, that brings the might of the heavens upon those who seek its destruction.
• Increased Level cap from 60 to 70!! Also there will be new spells and abilities for all classes to unlock giving returning players more options in dealing punishment towards the denizens of hell.
• Adventure Mode: A new game mode that give players the freedom to go anywhere and slay anything. Perfect for leveling up or grinding in a particular quest/spot. :D
• Bounties: Randomized objectives that reward players in new ways for exploring the world of Sanctuary. Think sidequests... Diablo-style. :D
• Nephalem Rifts: Fully randomized dungeons offering endless replayability and heaps of amazing loot. Perfect for loot-runs and finding that ever so elusive legendary items you're looking for. :D
• The Mystic: A powerful new NPC that appears who will provide heroes with the ability to customize the look of their loot among others. Best suited for those fashion-savvy adventurers of Santuary. :D
• Loot 2.0: Yes its finally coming folks!! The much talked-about Loot 2.0 arrives with the expansion pack and with it the removal of the Real Money Auction Houses (RMAH) for much satisfying loot-runs in Sanctuary!!

And all of this amazing content comes with the Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Standard Edition, which players can pre-order at a SRP of Php1,800!! Not too bad if I may say so, and its quite close to our estimates (we predicted it to be roughly around Php1,400) on our post regarding the price of the expansion pack once it hits our shores locally!! I'm pleasantly surprised with this news and good job to our local distributor Asiasoft Philippines in keeping the price relatively affordable. :D

And to make the announcement even more awesome, we also have confirmation that Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition will also be arriving here in the Philippines!! 

Official boxart for the Collector's Edition of
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls expansion

The Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Collector's Edition comes with the following bonuses for the hardcore Diablo III player:

• A full complement Diablo III helms, and weapons that are primed for transmogrification.
• A Ghost Wolf minion players can summon to keep them company on their journey.
• Three additional character slots to accommodate new heroes.
• A World of Warcraft in-game companion pet, the Treasure Goblin, ready to compete in Pet Battles.
• A set of StarCraft II Crusader-themed Battle.net portraits and Malthael-themed decals.
• A full-color hardcover artbook.
• A behind-the-scenes Blu-ray/DVD two-disc set.
• A limited edition Diablo III: Reaper of Souls mouse pad.

UPDATE: It was previously announced that the Collector's Edition will be available for Php3,500 locally. However according to the official distributor of Diablo III here in the Philippines; tax, freight charges and other unforeseen expenses caused the price to bump up significantly, and the revised Philippine SRP will now be Php4,500.

We also now have the Philippine launch date. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls will be available nationwide on March 25th, 2014.

As for the console versions of the expansion pack, as well as what game stores will the expansion pack be available, kindly keep posted on our blog for more updates in the future!! :)

So what are you waiting for? Pre-order the expansion pack today!! :D

Diablo III: Book of Cain hands-on!!

Just recently, I got fortunate enough to secure a copy of this wonderful book:

It's the Blizzard-licensed book, Diablo III: Book of Cain!! :D

This wonderfully made book is a must-have for Diablo fans, as this tries to emulate/recapture the look and feel of that tome Deckard Cain carries in-game. Complete with rich lore and history of the entire Diablo trilogy, it gives players an inside look of the world of Sanctuary.

Here's some shots of the book itself:

Front w/ cover label

Back w/ cover label

Front w/o cover label

Back w/o cover label

The book cover itself looks and feels great. It's got a nice matte finish with a slight embossment on the details of the book which feels great. The book itself sports amazing artwork (as expected of Blizzard) to accompany the book's rich lore of the world of Sanctuary. It even has scribbles and notes from Deckard Cain, putting down important notes about certain events, people, places. It tries its best to closely resemble that of the tome that Decark Cain was carrying, as presented in the game. Even the page edges are small "tears" to make it look like an "ancient" book. It's those little attention to detail that makes this book more amazing to behold in person. :D

Just looking at the book coverpage, it reminds me of
those old manuscripts in museums.

It even contains a letter addressed to Deckard Cain's nephew; Leah.
The letter is abit bittersweet and made me a little teary-eyed.
(if you know what will happen to Cain in Diablo III)

The book also details how the world of Sanctuary
was created, with accompanying artwork.

The Archangel of Justice; Tyrael, looking majestic, as his illustration
accompanies his description in this page.

The book also includes description of the many
places in Sanctuary where our heroes hail from;
just like this entry about Ensteig... home to the Demon Hunters.

Aside from the said lore and illustrations, the book also has a special surprise at the back:

It's the map of Sanctuary itself!! To be honest, as a fan of the series, this is the first time I've ever seen the world of Sanctuary detailed as a map, and its simply glorious to behold. Seeing where Lut Gholein is located, or even Tristram is just amazing for a Diablo-fan like myself!! :D

The book is priced locally at Php 1,395 (roughly $31) and is available in Fully Booked. So if you're a fan of the series, this book is definitely an excellent addition to your book collection, as it fully compliments the game and gives fans additional information and lore that fully fleshes out the world of Sanctuary. :) Hopefully I get my hands on it's supplemental book as well; The Book of Tyrael. :D

Diablo III - Reaper of Souls BlizzCon Trailer...Leaked!

Just this morning, a new trailer for the upcoming expansion for Diablo III was leaked via YouTube! The supposed trailer was to be released for BlizzCon, found its way online. The said trailer shows tons of amazing new features you can expect from the expansion pack and more!! Just when I thought I saw everything the expansion has to offer, this trailer showed me a whole lot of content and features for the upcoming expansion.

Here's the video:



What new feature of the expansion pack are you most excited about? Tell us what you think! Write on the comments below!

Find out more about Westmarch

The folks behind Diablo III and the upcoming Diablo III: Reaper of Souls released a couple of morsels, just enough to whet our collective appetites for the upcoming expansion.

Check 'em out below:

Reaper of Souls First Look: Westmarch Level Design

"There was a time when Westmarch was a lively, vibrant city. Now, an unnatural chill hangs over the sprawling mass of Gothic architecture, and the unmistakable stench of decay chokes its few remaining survivors.

Take a trip with us through Reaper of Souls's first zone and peer behind the scenes at our design team's process in putting together the gloom and eeriness of a city under Death's siege."

Click here for the full article.

Reaper of Souls First Look: Historical Westmarch

"What first comes to mind when one thinks of Westmarch, the first zone players will encounter in Diablo III's upcoming expansion, Reaper of Souls?

From the home base of an eponymous order of knights to an architectural wonder built of monuments to King Rakkis's conquests, it is a city steeped in tales both heroic and bloody."

Click here for the full article.

Diablo III Developers Interview

AusGamers interview Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Lead Designer Kevin Martens and Lead Writer Brian Kindregan to talk about their forthcoming expansion.

Click here for the interview.

Transmogrification in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls

Popular World of Warcraft feature, Transmogrifcation, comes into the world of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls through a new ally, Mystic Myriam Jahzia. She'll not only offer advice throughout your hellish adventuring but will also offer Enchanting and Transmogrification.

Transmogrification will allow you to change and customize the appearance of your gear to look like other items that you've found. According to Blizzard, all items with a visual appearance are planned to be available for Transmogrification, including Legendary and Set items.

More details here.