| Diablo 2 by Blizzard Entertainment can be approached from two sides: structure (how the game is controlled, how the plot is advanced, etc.) and content (images displayed, plot, worldview). Diablo 2's structure is excellent: It's a game that is easy to control, yet not so simplistic that it becomes boring. Role-playing elements greatly increase re-playability because each decision about a skill to develop affects the game. The game's content, though, features disturbing cinematic scenes and occult images and themes. The combat part of the game is bloody, and background images become bloodier as the game progresses. The plot holds together for a video game, but Diablo 2's theme is typical within this genre: In the battle of good against evil, evil has frighteningly powerful forces, while on the side of good, there is only the player, at best given minimal help. God is little or nowhere to be seen. In this Deistic worldview, God sets things in motion and leaves us to sort them out. Meanwhile the powers of darkness work with a free hand. |
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