If you want an example of what an ideal expansion pack should look like, Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction would probably be it. This expansion overhauled the original so comprehensively it is inconceivable nowadays that someone would play Diablo 2 without installing the expansion pack as well.
For one the pretty ordinary graphics of Diablo 2 is improved to an acceptable level, and secondly Diablo 2 has added a considerable amount of additional content. Another Act is added to the storyline, 2 new characters are added that can be played from the start, numerous additional treasures and weapons were added and finally your character's stash size and weapons that he/she can carry have been increased. Even though all this additions have been made, they all contribute to better the game without changing the essence of what Diablo 2 is all about.
My only critique would be of the personal kind. By the time I installed the expansion, I have had my overdose of the hack-and-slash gameplay that Diablo 2 offers, and the expansion didn't manage to rekindle my flagging interest in Diablo. I just grew tired of killing the same monsters repeatedly just to slowly increase my skills and look for that weapon that's just that little bit better than I already had.
If you are planning to play Diablo 2, don't even bother to install the original without adding the expansion immediately. If you have played the original and liked it, I'm pretty certain you've already tried out & liked the expansion!
For one the pretty ordinary graphics of Diablo 2 is improved to an acceptable level, and secondly Diablo 2 has added a considerable amount of additional content. Another Act is added to the storyline, 2 new characters are added that can be played from the start, numerous additional treasures and weapons were added and finally your character's stash size and weapons that he/she can carry have been increased. Even though all this additions have been made, they all contribute to better the game without changing the essence of what Diablo 2 is all about.
My only critique would be of the personal kind. By the time I installed the expansion, I have had my overdose of the hack-and-slash gameplay that Diablo 2 offers, and the expansion didn't manage to rekindle my flagging interest in Diablo. I just grew tired of killing the same monsters repeatedly just to slowly increase my skills and look for that weapon that's just that little bit better than I already had.
If you are planning to play Diablo 2, don't even bother to install the original without adding the expansion immediately. If you have played the original and liked it, I'm pretty certain you've already tried out & liked the expansion!