Environmental destruction and intense multiplayer battles are in the forge for this PC super-sequel from the makers of World of Warcraft.

The ‘gothic fantasy’ realms of Sanctuary are receiving a next-generation face lift for PC in Diablo III. This long-serving role playing series has been a fan favourite since its debut in 1996. In keeping with the real world timeline, creators Blizzard have set the new story 20 years since hero Deckard Cain last braved the Prime Evils: Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal. Now he must defend the earth against the unholy forces of the Burning Hells. It beats stacking supermarket shelves, Cain, just remember that.

Diablo being a heavily action-oriented series, this second sequel benefits from destructible environments. These don’t just look cool when they crash and crumble, but can be used as weapons, for example falling rocks. There are new character classes such as the Witch Doctor, who can mind read and also use pets, ala World of Warcraft. Other heroes have been “re-imagined” (i.e. better graphics, better animation) such as the classic Barbarian.

Finally, Blizzard has enhanced its online multiplayer platform, Battle.net, to allow for more intense cooperative gameplay in Diablo III.

The official website went live over the weekend, and contains all you need to know so far with the promise of more to come. You can find this all here: http://eu.blizzard.com/diablo3/