[Rhett Butler]

Some things I would like Diablo 3 to feature:

-Hi Def 2D isometric view: Isometric view would make the most sense just because it is the most functional, non intrusive veiwpoint from which to hack and slash, and because of the precedent set by the previous two. 2D because there is no reason to make it 3D, and I also don't know of any hi def isometric games and I would really like to see one. It won't happen though, not a chance in hell. Whatever else it is, Diablo 3 will be 3D.

-Secondary professions. Would be a good way to get some diversity in builds without complicating the class system too much and the inevitable balance problems that creates. Obviously include some new classes, preferably ones *not* copypasta'd from generic fantasy.

-Strong, long SP campaign: Multiplayer is going to be a massive part of any conceivable Diablo 3. I've got nothing against this, just as long as the SP game doesn't feel like an afterthought.

-The level of difficulty we saw in Diablo 2. It's a modern trend to make games easier, because modern gamers don't like dying. This doesn't bother me overmuch in more story oriented cRPGs, there is other stuff going on besides combat, other goals. In aRPGs combat is all there is, so if it is too easy the game is boring.

- Diseases, long lasting poisons and other long term status effects.

- A few roleplaying elements: Talking about roleplaying in relation to Diablo is missing the point. Diablo is aRPG with no pretensions that focuses on hack and slash and it does it well. Trying to make it too cRPG like would dilute this, but things like branching quests and multiple endings are a good addition to almost any game.

-The ability to choose a gender for any class is pretty critical IMO. It only takes a few more character models and it really makes a difference to people's experience. Many players won't play a class of the opposite gender. I know I usually don't.

-A setting that is either on a different continent to the previous games or several hundred years in the future: The point of Diablo is not it's lore, so as long as environments are kept in the same visual style as the previous games I don't think too many fans would go ape**** if the setting were changed a bit, and fleshed out a bit. As is it's pretty bare bones, and uninspiring. A little bit too much of function over form methinks.

-A good construction set.

What I don't want:

-Diablo MMO. I don't like the genre, and will not buy it no matter what universe it's set in.

-More generic fantasy: The classes in Diablo are pretty much bog standard fantasy fare. It isn't fair to criticise it for this considering this is the case in almost all (a)RPGs, but it shouldn't be. People need to start thinking of **** for themselves, or at the very least copying **** that hasn't been copied a thousand times already.

-First person view. I can't believe Blizzard would make Diablo an FPS, but then I was certain Bethsoft would not make Fallout 3 first person and they did. It boggles the mind the silly things people will do to be trendy, so even though I doubt it will happen, it's a possibility. I would still play first person Diablo 3, I just wouldn't buy it.