Although it is unlike the first two DS games, DS3 emerges as its own entity in the diablo 2-clone franchise
As far as I can tell, items are automatically assigned to the party members that can use them. Gold is shared between everybody. This eliminates the constant need to get every item in multiplayer. Unlike the first two games, each player sees the cinematics and can choose his or her response, although player 1 makes the final decision. The inventory screen is easy to use and simple. The controls are a little annoying but easy to get used to. The graphics look great, although a lot of abilities have too much AOE effects (like the wizards AOE attack.)
Lets get to the bad: the camera angle is very obnoxious. In addition players cant leave the screen even when other players die (this will probably be patched.) So if a fallen party member is somewhere (say in a cave) you have to stick around and can't run away. The inability to strafe and or move the camera quickly also gets really annoying. I hope these issues can be resolved.
Some fans of the first two games might also find the level-up system annoying. personally I like it. Its NOT a single player game. Its not designed to take each player hours of time choosing abilities. Its designed to give players a fast-paced, entertaining experience. Another genius addition to the game is that when players are leveling up the AI keeps them running with the party so you don't have to wait around. There are a lot of great things about this game and I can guarantee I'll be playing it right up to the point when Diablo 3 comes out. Bliz can probably learn a couple things from obsidian
;-) ;-)