Pyramid Review: Diablo II: To Hell And Back (for D&D)

Pyramid Review

Diablo II: To Hell And Back

Published by Wizards of the Coast

Written by Jason Carl, David Eckelberry, Jeff Quick, and Rich Redman

192 b & w pages; $29.95

The Diablo II sourcebook Diablerie went a long way towards bringing the characters, magic items and monsters of the Diablo II game to the 3rd edition D&D rules, but was missing some critical elements like Diablo and the adventures of the Diablo II computer game. To Hell and Back brings those elements to the 3rd edition, but is it enough?

The game starts off with an overview of the Diablo universe's background, with information on the peculiars of the Diablo world. This includes the use of Waypoint Portals, Shrines, Special Areas, and miscellaneous information like Story XP Awards, NPC Hirelings, and monster tactics. Each section is short and to the point.

The four acts The Sightless Eye, The Secret of the Vizjerei, The Infernal Gate, and the Harrowing, follow the computer game closely, but have some variants within them. Each section is mapped out with encounters with the locals. In each act the NPCs are given stats, quotes, and rumors. Those who provide services have information on what type of items and abilities they can provide the party with.

The unique monsters are not segregated, but rather, have stats in abbreviated format. All the end monsters are here, from Andariel, Duriel, and Mephisto to Diablo himelf. Even the minor bosses like Blood Raven and Hephasto the Armorer . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: March 16, 2001

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