OK, let's go. Out into the wilderness with only a borrowed firebolt skill (from a staff). First impressions: this is still a high quality game, despite the years. The graphics are spare but effective, and the amazing soundtrack and good voice work fill in the rest of the experience.My first skill point - I'll start level 2 with Warmth. Waiting for the blue mana ball to refill is boring. Hmm stat points, I didn't really research much into that. Looks like I don't really need to spend stat points on energy, there will be equipment for that later. What's needed is strength to wear the best equipment. I guess I can just save the stat points until I get something I want to equip. Level 3, I'll take Ice Bolt. Level 4: Charged Bolt - now I don't need this Firebolt staff as a crutch anymore. I found an orb that gives +1 to charged bolt, so I'll use that instead, and maybe a shield. For clearing the Den of Evil, +1 skill point from Akara: hmm, not eligible for any higher level spells yet, so I'll save it.
I see Akara has a new option: Reset Stat/Skill Points. I wonder if you get one of those for each skill level (Nightmare, Hell). Time starts to fast forward. I finish several quests, and start getting into the groove of stocking up on potions, exploring, returning with loot to sell, repeat. Now I have my first hireling and its distracting; I'm not going to resurrect her when she's gone - I work alone. Anyway I am now officially hooked on this game (again).
Oops, I died. No big deal, the experience point penalty is minor and you get sent back to town, but you do have to do your own corpse (and possessions) recovery. I invest a skill point in telekinesis, but sadly it doesn't help me recover from a distance; oh well, at least it was a pre-requisite.
Ah, finally back in Tristram. No one was spared, not even the cows. Well, except Deckard Cain. Wirt's Body - never gets old; oops, I picked up his leg, and I won't need it until I get to Nightmare. I think I can get another one later, I'll just leave it. I forgot how tough undead Griswold is, time to put a point in Static Field and wear him down.
Oh yeah, Level 12 - now I have Lightning. Took out the Countess. I think that's enough for one day.
