Blizzard Entertainment has announced Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition will launch on August 19 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. The console-exclusive “Ultimate Evil Edition” includes all of the content from the original Diablo III, as well as new features and updates from the critically-acclaimed “Reaper of Souls” expansion. The edition will include six customizable character classes and five engrossing acts.
The console version of “Reaper of Souls” has been designed to take advantage of the unique features of the console platforms. All four console versions of the “Ultimate Evil Edition” feature 4-player same-screen and online multiplayer—whether you’re banding together on the same couch or joining the fray via PlayStation Network or the Xbox Live online, “Reaper of Souls” makes it easy to experience Diablo in the best way possible with your friends.
A new “Apprentice” mode boosts low-level players’ power while adventuring with high-level friends, making it easier to play together. Players will also be able to share treasures with other players on their friends lists via an in-game mail system, including mysterious Player Gifts containing rare loot for the adventurer whose name they bear.
“The Ultimate Evil Edition brings ‘Reaper of Souls’ to console gamers for the first time, and wraps all of the content, features, and updates we’ve released for ‘Diablo III’ into one epic package,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “Whether you’re a veteran of the crusade against the forces of evil on PC or are just stepping foot into Sanctuary for the first time, there’s never been a better time to experience ‘Diablo III’ from the comfort of your couch.”
In “Reaper of Souls,” the five valiant heroes from Diablo III—Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, Witch Doctor, and Wizard—are joined by a new champion: the Crusader. Clad head to toe in fortified armor, the Crusader is an unstoppable force of righteous destruction who channels the power of divine wrath to visit retribution upon his demonic quarry.
“Reaper of Souls” adds a challenging new act to Diablo III in which players will embark on a dark and perilous journey through terrifying landscapes; explore the legendary city of Westmarch; and slay countless minions, each hell-bent on bringing the players’ heroic quest to a grisly end. The adventure culminates in a climactic confrontation with Malthael, the Angel of Death, whose twisted designs spell ruin for the innocent people of Sanctuary.
In addition to the Crusader hero and Act V, the “Ultimate Evil Edition” includes a revamp of the game’s loot system, an expanded Paragon progression system for max-level characters, and several other improvements to the Diablo III game experience, including:
- Adventure Mode: A new game mode that gives players the freedom to go anywhere and slay anything
- Bounties: Randomized objectives that reward players in new ways for exploring Sanctuary
- Nephalem Rifts: Fully randomized dungeons offering endless replayability and heaps of loot
- Level Cap to 70: Formidable new spells and abilities that take players to new heights of power
- The Mystic: A powerful new artisan who provides heroes with loot-customization options
All of this new content comes with the “Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition,” which players can purchase beginning August 19 at a suggested retail price of $59.99 for the PS4 or Xbox One, or $39.99 for the PS3 or Xbox 360.
Those who preorder their copy of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition will also receive the exclusive Infernal Pauldrons bonus in-game item. Wearable at level 1, these devilishly sharp transmogrifiable shoulderplates provide Health, Life regeneration, and Cooldown Reduction. The key for the Infernal Pauldrons will be available in launch day copies of the “Ultimate Evil Edition” (cannot be transferred across platforms).
In addition, players who fought the forces of evil in the original PS3 or Xbox 360 versions of Diablo III will be able to continue their crusade against death. PS3 characters from the original game can be transferred to either the PS3 or PS4™ version of the “Ultimate Evil Edition,” and Xbox 360 characters can be transferred to the Xbox 360 or Xbox One version.
