Let’s assume that the logic behind making players smash the compelling orb in act 3 before being allowed to go to Mephisto is sound. If the intended gameplay sequence and storyline really is the key to this decision then I have a few other ideas that should be implemented for similar effect.
Flavie is there for a reason; players should no longer be able to enter the cold plains until the den of evil has been cleared.
This is a heroes journey and no hero would leave Blood Raven to her eternal undead fate; they would complete Kashya’s quest before venturing further. Players should no longer be able to enter the stony field until Blood Raven has been slain.
Deckard Cain is arguably the most important character in the whole Dialo franchise. Rescuing him is vital to the story and players should be ‘encouraged’ to rescue him by being locked out of all further game content until his safe arrival in the Rogue Encampment.
Don’t forget to clear the forgotten tower! No seriously, players must clear the tower. No moving ahead of the intended quest sequence!!!
Having disposed of the evil countess and gained access to the Tamoe Highland, Outer Cloister and Barracks, the player should embark on the quest to retrieve Charsi’s hammer. Only after returning it and claiming the item imbue reward should players be allowed to move forward.
Nothing to do in the Jail, Inner Cloister, Cathedral and most of the Catacombs, just Andariel to deal with. But obviously players should all have to kill Andariel themselves; rushing game content is bad so if anyone who has already completed the quest deals damage to Andy, the kill should be invalid…
So that’s Act 1 completed! Who’s ready for Act 2?!
Radament is bothering the townsfolk, you can’t just rush off into the desert like that. Into the sewers with you.
The rest of Act 2 is just as you recall, I’ll even let you get the Amulet and Shaft in either order, because choice is important!
Act 3… Well that’s what this is all about isn’t it? You’ve already ‘fixed’ that. Moving on.
Act 4!! First things first we need to hunt down Izual, this isn’t just any old quest, this is a quest from an archangel! We don’t want to keep heaven waiting do we? Diablo can wait.
Assuming you survive Izual (and kill him yourself of course, no rushing!!) it’s time to get Mephisto’s soulstone destroyed and in case Cain’s reminder that “the time has come” wasn’t enough, that angel guarding the river of flame waypoint will send you back.
Diablo must be killed by the questing party - no help from anyone who has completed. Same for his 3 seal minions.
Act 5. Shenk first same as always, but I bet you never rescue those barbarians do you? You do now. If you want to see the rest of act 5 anyway.
Time to rescue Anya now, but I bet you always did that right away. Nobody has issues with souls early on.
After rescuing Anya it’s time to deal with that snake Nihlathak! This weighs heavily on your conscience as you probably gambled with the man. It’s only right you go and confront him. Baal can wait.
Finally it’s time to ascend mount arreat to face our penultimate challenge; the ancients. Crawl through the Crystalline Passage to the Glacial Trail, up to the Frozen Tundra and into the Ancient’s Way. No rushing the ancients wp off a friend, this lovely scenery was meant to be enjoyed fully every time. Get walking.
Having conquered mount arreat and the ancients, only one thing remains. Baal. No rushing of course, that title in front of your character name should mean something so only first-timers should damage Baal. Otherwise no quest completion.