You’ve heard us mention that there’s going to be a Diablo II: Lord of Destruction ladder reset on May 26th, 2015. You’ve also heard us mention that many of us in the Shattered Soulstone community are going to be using this opportunity as a diversion from the Season 3 grind and revisit the game that sparked our addiction. You may have even heard us casually mention that we will be rolling hardcore characters for the new ladder. What you haven’t heard are the specific details on how we are going to coordinate our efforts to take a trip down memory lane together.
WONDER NO LONGER!
While there are no clan systems nor communities built in to Diablo II, we do have the modern advances of our Mumble server and this website to at least give folks some idea on how to play together. Obviously the BEST way to play together is to hop on Mumble, especially since we’re playing Hardcore and we highly encourage everyone to hop on…
It’s A LOT MORE FUN to be on Mumble while playing. (Mumble server details can be found in the sidebar)
Beyond that we will be concentrating our efforts on the US East servers and if you’re looking for a Shattered Soulstone game, we encourage everyone to use “SScast Game #” syntax to help identify and coordinate group play. Should we need to employ password protection to keep our games spam-bot free, we also encourage game creators to use “redredwine” as the password.
We’re not quite sure how long our interest with stay with Diablo II, but suffice to say most of us will at least clear Normal, maybe Nightmare. Doubt many of us in the community will have the wherewithal to climb to 99, but who knows!
Now, if you’re not big into reading, let’s give you the TLDR;
May 26th, 2015 Diablo II: Lord of Destruction ladder reset
In our 79th episode, we are unfortunately, once again, down a Jen. THANKS ALLERGENS. Yet we are 4 strong after wrangling in Tim, from the Kulle Story Bro podcast, to guest host. After some discussion about what we beverages we were enjoying we get down to business and talk about what we’ve been up to: Tim delves into the world of magic and wizardry, Breja is not a fan of the hardcore Demon Hunter, Nevik has been dashing through the paragon levels, and Lanntonio is once again a holy Crusader.
Check out Audible for your FREE, no obligation 30 day trial including a free 1 credit book. Go to bit.ly/sspbook to start your trial today!
In this episode:
* We received a BUNCH of emails but due to time constraints we had to push these emails off until episode 80. We love to hear stories of triumph or tragedy from our listeners, so send in yours to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com!
* We posed the question on Twitter over a month ago and then went on an impromptu hiatus (scheduling issues) so while not as timely as we anticipated, we still wanted to know what your plans for season 3 were. Be sure to follow the show on Twitter to participate in future Questions of the Show.
* Patch 2.2 and Season 3 has come! We discuss our progress, triumphs, and loot luck from the almighty RNGesus. We also briefly discuss the most recent controversy with the blood shard exploit and the following repercussions.
* REJOICE! It’s back! YES, Official Forum Thread Masterpiece theater makes its triumphant return to the show, finally. Your participation can ensure that this fun segment makes an appearance every show. Send your Official Forum Thread Masterpiece Theater audio segments (or humorous forum threads) to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
Links for you to Visit:
* We brought in Tim, host of the Kulle Story Bro podcast, to keep Jen’s spot in the proverbial pouch warm. It’s a fantastic podcast so be sure to check out their latest episode.
* YouTuber ZiggyD was able to sit down and interview Wyatt Cheng. As with all interactions with Wyatt, insight on the iterative design process was shared. Be sure to check out the full interview.
* If you can’t get enough of Story Time with Wyatt he joined the fine folks at The Westmarch Workshop for the entire show and dropped such bombs as trials being removed. For the entire conversation, be sure to listen to episode 46 of The Westmarch Workshop.
* If punching things isn’t your thing BUT SMASHING THINGS to support your team mates is, be sure to check out TacoTrap’s Double Scorpion Support Barbarian build recently featured on Blizzard’s Play Your Way Thursday feature.
* Finally we leave you with a relaxing YouTube video of the #1 Season 2 Hardcore Wizard, DarenNiiSama, successfully clearing a GR50 AND a GR51. No big deal, right?
Other Entertainment/Games:
* Never knew that an old Sega Saturn strategy game could get anyone pumped up for some demon slaying, but evidently it works for @Torrack1714 ^^;
* When not slaying demons in Diablo and spending time with his family, guest-host Tim has been playing Final Fantasy Type-0 HD.
* Fan of Anime? Fan of Mecha? Fan of Mecha Anime? Be sure to check out Aldnoah.Zero which recently concluded its second (and final?) season over at Cruchyroll.
* One of the best things about Final Fantasy X is the voice acting. Top notch, never any forced moments, especially forced laughter. NOPE.
Song of the Show:
While technically not the official Song of the Show – this beloved segment will be making a triumphant return Soon™ – we didn’t want to leave you without something musical to enjoy. So we bring to you the song/trailer of the Hearthstone: Blackrock Mountain expansion. It’s quite catchy, despite what some of the hosts may think of the actual game 🙂
Have a Diablo III related comment, question, story, or rant that you’d like to share with all of us? Send your email, or short audio comment, to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
In our 78th episode, we are unfortunately down a Jen once more. THANKS ALLERGENS. After an extremely brief introduction we get straight down to business by discussing BREAKING Diablo news and what we’ve been up to: Breja is closing in on seasonal paragon 100, Lanntonio got his witch doctor to the T6 promised land, and Nevik lost his wizard.
Check out Audible for your FREE, no obligation 30 day trial including a free 1 credit book. Go to bit.ly/sspbook to start your trial today!
In this episode:
* We received a bundle of emails from Shayds and Kherova! We love to hear stories of triumph or tragedy from our listeners, so send in yours to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com!
* We posed the question on Twitter that was quickly invalidated by some late breaking news from Blizzard. Yet it was interesting to see just how far off all of us were for predicting the end of Season 2, when Patch 2.2 would deploy, and finally when Season 3 would start. Be sure to follow the show on Twitter to participate in future Questions of the Show.
* Hours before recording this show, Blizzard decided to finalize and announce their plans for Patch 2.2 and when Season 2 would end and Season 3 would start. Needless to say we were shocked with how soon everything was going to happen. What are your thoughts? Too soon? Not soon enough? Just right? Let us know by sending an email to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
* BUT WAIT, SOMETHING ELSE AMAZING HAPPENED! Shattered Soulstone clan member Electryon dropped a little suggestion that BLEW Nevik’s mind. We have Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Treasure Goblin Spooker and soon to be added is The Corrupted Ashbringer and we can probably safely assume to see Frostmourne in the future, but what about the Warglaives of Azzinoth? Melee Demon Hunter anyone? LET’S MAKE THIS A REAL THING!
* Oh yah, and Blizzcon 2015 was announced. No big deal, right? Okay, we’re just being silly. If you’re looking to attend the convention this year, be sure to check out Blizzard’s official tips for securing tickets. Are you planning on being in Anaheim in early November?
* It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you that we did not produce an Official Forum Thread Masterpiece theater (again) for this episode. Not to pull a guilt trip, but YOU have the power to not let this happen again! Your participation can ensure that this fun segment makes an appearance every show. Send your Official Forum Thread Masterpiece Theater audio segments (or humorous forum threads) to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
Links for you to Visit:
* The results are in! Here are your Blizzard Stream Awards 2014 (powered by Twitch.tv). Congratulations to DatModz for winning Best Overall Diablo III streamer, Alkaizerx for winning Most Educational Diablo III streamer, and Quin69 for winning Favorite New Diablo III streamer awards!
* Feeling a bit saucy? Need to spice up your Diablo III gameplay? Davlok has you covered with his Gong Mode: Sriracha Edition Monk featured on the most recent Play Your Way Thursday feature. We’re sure it will heat things up!
* If you have been a long time listener of the show the name Matthew Rossi should be quite familiar. In fact we mentioned him last week, and he’s back again with another Diablo-flavored Know Your Lore article over at Blizzard Watch going over the first part of the History of the Nephalem. If you’re even remotely interested in fleshing out some of the lore bits of the game, be sure to check this article (and all of his future articles) out!
* Up until Nevik realized a distinct lack of monk representation he was all in favor of a cyberpunk Diablo. Check out the Fan Art Collection compiled over at Diablo.IncGamers featuring some of the amazing pieces of mash-up fan art.
* Finally, are you a transmog fanatic? Have you come up with a slick look for your character(s)? Be sure to submit your transmog ideas to Blizzpro’s newest Diablo feature: Transmog Tuesday.
* Disappointed by the latest edition to SimCity? You’re not alone and the folks over at Paradox Interactive put together a fantastic game – Cities: Skylines – that should satisfy event he most discerning SimCity fan.
* Finally we leave you with a game that Nevik has already crowned his Game of the Year for 2015. Ori and the Blind Forest by Moon Studios is simply stunning, from the fluid gameplay, to the gorgeous artistic aesthetic and moving plot line you’re sure to fall in love, especially if you’re a fan of Metroidvania-style games.
Have a Diablo III related comment, question, story, or rant that you’d like to share with all of us? Send your email, or short audio comment, to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
In our 77th episode, we are back up to full strength … in numbers. After discussing all of the pharmaceuticals we all are on we get down to business by discussing what we’ve been up to: Breja has been here, there, and everywhere, Jen has been slowly leveling her seasonal hardcore Demon Hunter, Lanntonio managed to slip some puking in, in between games of Hearthstone, and Nevik continues to pursue the perfect greater rift to climb the leaderboards.
Check out Audible for your FREE, no obligation 30 day trial including a free 1 credit book. Go to bit.ly/sspbook to start your trial today!
In this episode:
* We received a pair of emails from listener Adam! We love to hear stories of triumph or tragedy from our listeners, so send in yours to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com!
* We posed the question on Twitter asking what you are most excited for coming in Patch 2.2. Be sure to follow our show account, @ShatteredStone, on Twitter for future Questions of the Show.
* With Patch 2.2 hitting the PTR we naturally talked about a few of the new features that has us excited. For the juicy details on what Patch 2.2 contains be sure to check out the patch notes.
* Hot on the heels of Patch 2.2 PTR, game designer John Yang informed us on Twitter that the old Chocolate class sets would be receiving a 7th item to help add some flexibility in gearing for their set bonuses.
* Microtransactions are coming, but not for the NA/EU regions. We share our thoughts and opinions on this development and they may or may not surprise you! What are your thoughts and opinions on microtransactions in Diablo III? Send an email to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com and let us know!
* It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you that we did not produce an Official Forum Thread Masterpiece theater (again) for this episode. Not to pull a guilt trip, but YOU have the power to not let this happen again! Your participation can ensure that this fun segment makes an appearance every show. Send your Official Forum Thread Masterpiece Theater audio segments (or humorous forum threads) to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
* Finally we leave you with some Vizjerei Clan shenanigans from the Patch 2.2 PTR. (Note: the frame rate performance issues highlighted in this video were addressed in a small patch deployed to the PTR late last week)
Song of the Show:
Unfortunately Nevik has been devoting almost every waking moment to grinding away in Season Two and forgot to find something to treat your ears to. Fret not! Our next episode will almost assuredly (for really reals this time!) have a musical selection at the end of the show. Until then, enjoy some sweet chords by guitarist Jonas Lefvert.
Have a Diablo III related comment, question, story, or rant that you’d like to share with all of us? Send your email, or short audio comment, to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
In this episode, we are again FOUR STRONG! After sipping on some of the rainbow-colored friendship brew we get down to business by discussing what we’ve been up to in-game: Jen is Gurr’ng all over the place, Nevik is monkeying around on the seasonal hardcore solo monk leaderboards (phew, that was a mouthful), and Lanntonio couldn’t take it anymore and hopped in to hardcore seasons with spotty internet!
Check out Audible for your FREE, no obligation 30 day trial including a free 1 credit book. Go to bit.ly/sspbook to start your trial today!
In this episode:
* We read, and respond to, a mountain of emails we received from our wonderful listeners. This batch came to us from Rebur, Kageri Leblue, Simon, and an EXTRA SPECIAL one from Amy! We love to hear stories of triumph or tragedy from our listeners, so keep them coming, really!
* We posed the question on Twitter asking for your votes on the next class Jen should level to 70. Unfortunately we did not receive too many responses, but the victor was clear: puke doctor MONK**! Be sure to follow our show account, @ShatteredStone, on Twitter for future Questions of the Show.
** Okay, okay. It was actually the puke doctor ;_; but @JeremyTStevens did have an amazing vote.
* Patch 2.1 dropped in our laps immediately after episode 67 and we’ve already seen quite a few hotfixes that have changed the landscape of the game dramatically. Have you benefited from the drastically increased drop rates on horadic cache specific legendary items?
* Season 1 opened up a few days after the patch went live and we discuss our experiences and thoughts on the rampant exploitation of a few bounties skewing the competition for the Race to the Top conquest. Blizzard responded by disabling the problematic bounties, but the damage has already been done. Has the integrity of season 1 been forever tainted/compromised? Send your thoughts to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
* It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you that we did not produce an Official Forum Thread Masterpiece theater for this episode. Not to pull a guilt trip, but YOU have the power to not let this happen again! Your participation can ensure that this fun segment makes an appearance every show. Send your Official Forum Thread Masterpiece Theater audio segments (or humorous forum threads) to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
Links for you to Visit:
* Taken a break from Diablo III? Not sure of exactly what was added in Patch 2.1? DiabloFans has a wonderful Patch 2.1 Information Round-Up laying out all of the changes for you.
* Legendary gems might be the biggest addition to increasing player power and upgrading them might seems a bit arbitrary. Thankfully redditor Khaozxd but together a handy Legendary Gem Visual Upgrade Chart to help make the process a little easier to understand.
* If the visual chart to leveling up your legendary gems wasn’t enough YouTuber Meathead Mikhail posted a legendary gem guide to give you the low down on them.
* With Nevik fully embracing the way of the Sahptev faith it is only fitting that we bring to you an effective monk build, even in the higher torments. If you’re looking for a COOL monk build to play, check out FriendandMachine’s T5+ Cold Monk guide.
* Last, but not least, we mentioned that friend of the show Rebur (@Chaos5061) had a YouTube channel. Check out his let’s play’sh gameplay videos for Diablo III and Minecraft!
Song of the Show:
For this episode’s Song of the Show we bring to you another prose set to a musical beat. Diablo 3 Rap by Dan Bull is quite simply a lyrical masterpiece and hopefully we will see a Reaper of Souls themed piece from Dan Bull in the future. You can find more of Dan Bull’s work on his YouTube channel and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Have a Diablo III related comment, question, story, or rant that you’d like to share with all of us? Send your email, or short audio comment, to Show@ShatteredSoulstone.com.
