Hellgate: London

Although I never played Diablo, I can imagine the awesomeness it must possess after beta testing Hellgate: London, which is made by many of the core founders. Known as Flagship Studios, they are releasing this game come halloween! Unlike most mmo's, HGL really can be played all the way through in parties or by the lone wolf type (like me). It offers both online and offline play, and is free after the original purchase. However, if you so choose you may pay a monthly subscription (of I believe 12 bucks) and will have access to more content as well as three more classes, on top of the already accessable six.

These six are divided up into three archetypes which are the Templar, Cabalist, and Hunter. This game offers FPS style gameplay and is equally fun from the POV of a Hunter and Cabalist as from a Templar. The Templar is further divided into a Bladesmaster, who is capable of high melee dps and is always in the forefront of the action. Likewise, the Guardian is always in the forefront but rather than dealing damage, he takes it. This class is much more inclined towards a group. The Cabalist archetype can be divided into the Summoner and the Evoker. The Summoner does exactly as it sounds; it summons. Your first choice of summons include a fiery ranged critter, and a more viscious hound like creature. The Evoker on the other hand, while still magical, does not rely on summons. He is the mage of HGL and is fragile but very powerful. The Hunters are the Marksman and the Engineer. My first class was a Marksman, and it was fun but didn't give me all the flexibility I enjoy playing with. Although I greatly loved the grenade skill... On the other hand, the engineer fights much like the Marksman, shooting from afar with a variety of guns, but comes with various drones to aid in battle, from healing me to equipping guns or swords and being just like a companion in battle, except I don't have to listen to him talk!

The controls of HGL are very simple and very fun. You may assign items and skills to numbers 1-0, as well as Q, E, and the left and right mouse buttons. For example, my left click is assigned to fire both weapons I have equipped, or just one (I'm using a beastly rocket launcher), my right click enables a healing drone, Q summons my customizable drone who does a noticeable amount of damange, and E summons my rocket pelting drone. From there I have less used but important skills and buttons on my number bar.

While only time will tell if the highly debated subscription of HGL is worth it, the game is very promising. It's one of those that you play all night, only to think about all day during work or school the following day. One reason for this, besides the addictive gameplay, is that unlike many games styled this way, the story line is actually one to boast about. You really get the feel that you're in an apocolyptic earth and the remnants of humanity are on the defensive for their own home. You'll find yourself actually reading what quest givers have to say, especially for the main story. Hellgate: London, due in stores October 31, is going to be one of the best games of this very competitive gaming year.