There's no better way to wait for the next Diablo game than to give Diablo II another go in order to get reacquainted with the story and characters. We recommend purchasing the Battle Chest because it includes the original Diablo (which doesn't have a CD key), but we admit that it's hard to get back into the original after being used to all the features from the sequel. We're amazed at how well Diablo II plays despite being an eight year old game.

Both Diablo II and the Lord of Destruction expansion can be purchased from the Blizzard store and downloaded directly. If you manage to dig up your old discs, you can register your keys with Blizzard to access the full download, allowing you to play without the CD.

Download the Diablo II Demo for Windows
Download the Diablo II Demo for Mac

Titan Quest was probably one of the most overlooked hack'n-slash RPG's to release. The setting starts off in the world of Greek and Roman mythology but quickly moves on to include other mythologies. Titan Quest gets almost everything right, using broad and diverse skill trees and the ability to take on a primary and secondary class to create devastating power combinations.

Bargain hunters rejoice, Titan Quest and the Immortal Throne expansion can purchased together from Steam for a low price. That means no fussing with CD's and you can get all the action for the same price as Diablo II alone.

Download the Titan Quest Demo

A few developers left Blizzard to establish their own development company, ArenaNet. Its breakthrough game, Guild Wars, released in 2005 and took the online scene by storm with its challenging gameplay, gorgeous graphics and competitive PvP action. Best of all, there's no subscription fee attached to playing. Two stand-alone campaigns and one expansion later (each introducing new features), the Guild Wars series remains one of the best online multiplayer RPG's around and fans are eagerly awaiting Guild Wars 2. You'll find some very basic Diablo influences in the way the game plays if you look closely, but Guild Wars clearly stands out as a superb series in its own right.

Download the Guild Wars Download Client


Another set of former Blizzard employees started Flagship Studios and went on to create Hellgate: London. The similarities between this game and Diablo II can be clearly seen, from the base classes to the randomly generated maps. However, Hellgate is a full 3D game that takes place in the near future, so players can employ high-tech weapons to help beat back the forces of hell. The game also mixes in some Monty Python-esque humor, which is very different from Diablo's dark and somber tone.

People generally have a mixed reaction to Hellgate. Despite having an optional first-person shooter mode, the game is a hack'n-slash RPG that's very easy to play. Players can go online and play for free or opt for a low-cost paid account for extra benefits like a larger storage locker and access to subscription-only areas.

Download the Hellgate: London Demo


Hellgate: London isn't the only game that Flagship Studios has. A free-to-play MMO in the style of the traditional hack'n-slash action RPG's. Players will come together and play through instanced, randomized dungeons for loot and power. Unfortunately, Mythos is still in closed beta and opportunities to get into the action are limited. We'll see how the game turns out when it's ready for the world. Chances are it will be ready before Diablo III is done.


Designed by Chris Taylor (Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander) and the crew at Gas Powered Games, Dungeon Siege II offers some very impressive team-based RPG action. Much of the emphasis goes to computer controlled henchmen and pets that can be brought into multiplayer and obtaining set armor bonuses. Although some may take issue with some of the game's automations (the henchmen sometimes feel like they're playing the game for you), its very dated graphics and disappointing story (especially from the Broken World expansion), the game features plenty of worthwhile features and innovations that makes it worth playing. Gaining proficiency in a discipline category by using its skills and earning devastating special attacks makes the game stand out by letting players develop their characters without being locked into a base class. Dungeon Siege has "specialties" that determine the kinds items and spells the character is allowed, but the system is very different from traditional RPG classes. The game is well worth checking out.

Download the Dungeon Siege II Demo


Sacred offers a large variety (six in total) of different classes, ranging from angelic heroes to vampires, to choose from. Each offers a unique backstory and special powers that changes how the game is played. Although the graphics may seem a little dated, the game and its expansions should be plenty to keep players involved until Sacred 2: Fallen Angel releases (scheduled for September 2008). The game can be purchased on Steam for a very low price or played on GameTap if you have a subscription.


Players who are getting tired of the sword and sorcery setting can look forward to Space Siege, scheduled to release this fall. Elements that made Dungeon Siege great, like the multi-tiered environments, will be brought over to the new sci-fi themed game, but don't think of it as Dungeon Siege in space. Players will be able to upgrade their characters with cybernetic parts, trading in their humanity for more power to fight off the alien menace. There will also be a fully customizable robotic teammate accompanying players on their adventure. If other Gas Powered Games sci-fi creations like Supreme Commander are any indication, players can look forward to some fast paced action and giant explosions.

Download the HD Space Siege Trailer


Similar to Titan Quest, this upcoming action RPG will be set in a world of Greek and Roman mythology, but follows adventures of Jason and the Argonauts instead of a generic hero. The developers (Liquid Entertainment) will be dialing up the brutality meter quite a bit, so gamers can look forward to parading enemy soldiers' heads on the tips of their spears. Innovative features like dedicating great feats to a patron god of choice to earn favor, which in turn influences the character's fighting style, could turn around the traditional hack'n-slash level grind formula. All taken together, gamers should keep an eye out for Rise of the Argonauts to help sate that bloodlust while waiting for Diablo III.

Download HD Rise of the Argonauts Trailer