Perhaps the most significant addition to the mix is that of the skill system. Instead of possessing pre-determined innate abilities or purchasing spell books, as was the case in the original Diablo, each individual has access to three character-specific skill trees, which grow and expand according to your decisions and existing abilities. The Paladin, for instance, may invest in Combat Skills, as well as Offensive and Defensive Auras. If he wishes to use the Meditation skill of the Defensive Aura tree, he must already be able to use Prayer, Cleansing, and be of a certain level. Along the same lines, the Necromancer may choose from Curses, Poison and Bone Spells, and Summoning Spells; can only call upon the Iron Golem if he's attained Level 24 and has already researched the Clay and Blood Golems. Constantly casting spells could prove to be a severe drain on one's mana stores if it were the only way to activate skills, but fortunately there are several modes that each possess their own benefits and drawbacks. For example, active skills such as the Sorceress' Fire Bolt must be cast in order to use, thereby using up a certain amount of mana. Passive skills, such as the Amazon's Critical Strike, are constantly active without needing to be cast nor requiring any mana. The Paladin's unique Auras function much in the same manner, imbuing himself and all who travel with him with the appropriate elemental resistance or radiant ability when activated. Necromantic Curses also function in this manner, affecting surrounding foes with negative effects, rather than benefiting grouped allies. Despite the immeasurable value that the skill trees add to each character, it's extremely important to consider your investments, as only one skill point is attributed per level, either leaving you to upgrade an existing skill or to branch off and select a new one. Such decisions can completely alter the course of your adventuring, and thus require careful thought before putting them into action.

The hunt for bigger, better and more potent items was part of the original Diablo's appeal, a fact not lost on Blizzard. Consequently, a great many more items and item types have been integrated into the sequel for discovery by curious and ambitious adventurers. As expected, there are the "standard" Magic Items, which are considered to be the most common of the bunch, and consequently offer a moderate to good benefit, such as an added bonus to attack, defense, or statistics. There are also the intermediate Rare Items, which are much more obscure and powerful than the Magic Items, as each contains a minimum of three added benefits. Additionally, for the divinely fortunate, there are the Unique Items, creations of immeasurable power that are the envy of all those who behold them. Such items possess several separate benefits of considerable importance, and can be sold to vendors for an incredibly large sum.

New to the series are the surpassingly hard to find Sets, which contain three or more themed items which complement one another. For example, the Vidala's Rig set consists of an amulet, leather armor, light plated boots and a long battle bow, respectively titled Vidala's Snare, Vidala's Ambush, Vidala's Fetlock and Vidala's Barb. Although Vidala's Fetlock, which provides you with a quicker running ability as well as a 150-point bonus to your stamina, is impressive in itself, it works considerably better when combined with Vidala's Ambush, which increases your defense by 50 points and your dexterity by 11. Altogether, the set would be well-suited for a fleet-footed, high-damage Amazon, and as such provides a very unique and distinct goal to strive for.

If Sets prove too elusive, however, there are more attainable goals to pursue within the realm of Socketed Items. Another newcomer, such items are no-frills, non-magical objects such as helms, shields or weapons that possess open holes or "sockets," in which gems may be inserted for additional benefit. Although Socketed Items aren't difficult to find, the gems that are required to enhance them certainly are, and range in quality from chipped, flawed, normal, and flawless, to perfect. The item which they are inserted into is also a relevant factor, as a normal diamond slipped into a weapon will imbue said weapon with a 136- to 145 percent damage bonus, whereas it will give a 20-point attack bonus when inserted into a helm, and a 9- to 11-point bonus to all elemental resistances when slotted into a shield. Although initially unimpressive, these benefits can grow to levels of considerable power as one progresses and discovers gems of increasing quality. However, the question still has not been answered: Is Diablo II entertaining enough to be worth all the trouble?

What does a sequel have to present to fans in order to be considered a worthy successor? Arguably, it should contain the same general, entertaining gameplay as the original, while presenting sufficient innovation and refinement to distinguish itself as a separate title. Considering Diablo's simplistic, repetitious, click-fest nature, it seems safe enough to say that Diablo II is, for the most part, a success. Like its predecessor, it includes hours of pointing and clicking as you bash dozens of variations of the dozens of monster types, exploring randomized terrain and collecting hard-to-find items. This is what we have come to expect from the original, and it is what we expected from the sequel, which it delivers. We also expected enough changes and additions to push the limits of what we already knew, which it also delivers. The skill tree greatly expands upon the character development, just as the colossal terrain allows for far more exploration than was previously possible in the series. Along with mercenaries, storage areas and much, much more, Diablo II offers a great deal in the way of originality, with general success.

This isn't to say that Diablo II is without its faults: the frustrating and occasionally abrupt learning curve, the somewhat moronic mercenary AI, and severe instability of Battle.net servers all erode at your patience, each providing their own unique set of problems. Still, when all is said and done, it's not these elements that will see you walk away from the game for good. It's the fact that, even with the shiniest bells and the loudest whistles, Diablo II is still about one thing, and one thing only: point, click, and hack 'n' slash. No matter what you add to it, this is the basic variable that you'll follow over and over and over, from the title's hideous beginning to its awe-inspiring end. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not you had your fill of the "one track mind" variable within the first Diablo, or whether you're aching to give it another go. If you're looking to delve into its repetitive world once more, Diablo II is actually a fun, and yes, addictive offering. Is it the game of the year that we were all expecting? I would say no. Still, the much-needed additions help to drive the longevity past the now-defunct novelty. Generally speaking, it is a great experience, and offers a lot of fun to anyone who's willing to set their expectations aside for a highly entertaining, action-filled romp. In the realm of the click-fest, Diablo II still reigns supreme.