Diablo III
For: Xbox 360, PS3
From: Blizzard
Four stars (out of five)
Everything from Civilization to Counter-Strike has made it big with the mouse-and-keyboard set but struggled to have any impact when been ''ported'' to the console world.
Still, the proliferation of consoles around the world is a massive carrot for games companies, even for one like Blizzard that will be riding its World of Warcraft cash cow for a long time yet.
Just over a year ago, Diablo III made a massive splash when it launched on PC, selling 3.5 million copies in 24 hours, and 6.3 million in its first week.
Talk of a console version escalated, then was confirmed in January.
So, here it is. A point-and-click classic transformed into an Xbox/PlayStation move-stick-and-press-button effort.
And it actually kind of works.
If you have neither played nor seen Diablo III on PC, you can be forgiven for thinking this is simply a very impressive newcomer to the console world.
The action-RPG allows you to choose from five character classes - Barbarian, Wizard, Monk, Witch Doctor or Demon Hunter - all of whom can be equipped with various weaponry and unlock new spells.
Gameplay is smooth, with the left stick controlling movement, the right used for dodging/rolling, and the various skills mapped to the face and shoulder buttons.
An auto-targeting device compensates for the lack of precise movement offered by a computer mouse, and it works reasonably well.
Quests and exploration keep the single-player campaign rolling along at a brisk pace, and the abundance of loot will delight RPG fans.
Online multiplayer options feature, while a new four-player ''couch co-op'' mode is also included.
Diablo III has a cracking difficulty curve.
You can start on the easiest setting, rack up some experience and loot, then replay on harder levels with a head start.
There is no doubt the console version is scaled down and sped up compared with the PC title.
Snobs may scoff, but those of us who just want a fun experience will be delighted with this game.
