"Normal" quality in this case means if your computer is very bad or you just want to download less you should get those; otherwise, I recommend "high" quality (which is what I originally captured as). They are much more pretty. And if you're never played Diablo 1 before I recommend segments seven and nine (Lazarus and Diablo's lairs, respectively).

This is by far the most random game I've ever attempted to speed run. Similar to my Diablo 2 run, I simply played ahead and saved the character files so I had perfect knowledge. I had lucky map layouts, good quests, and good monster combinations overall. The good thing about this method is that in single player Diablo's drop system will give the same items from the same monsters, chests, and book shelves every single time. Thus, I simply skip every floor unless I need to grab some important items (minus some much needed leveling in the beginning, but it's better to level as late as possible because you obviously get more experience points the tougher the enemies).

What's an important item? Well, certain spells. Unlike D2 there are no spell trees or skill points to be earned. You have to find your special attacks. Early on, books of healing, firebolt, and lightning are desperately needed. I also need magic and uniques to sell (or, in some cases, wear). Piles upon piles of gold will be given to the enterprising little vixen we all know as Adria for mana potions and spell items (mostly the book of fireball, scrolls of mana shield, and town portals).

Firebolt does well until Hell, when fireball is needed for its raw power (and splash damage helps). The Succubus type enemies and their off pallet sisters, as per their reputation, are just domination. Two or three hits and I die, so I have to have happy feet and a quick finger on the heal spell. I found some jewelry that gives respectable +health, which lets me be a bit more of a tank when I go down to the Archbishop Lazarus's lair (or brothel, depending on your point of view) Watch for the nice door trick where most of their volleys misses me.. teehee.

Then came Diablo's lair...easily the hardest part of the game, thanks to the Advocate Army (™). This is where the scroll of mana comes in, which allows me to use my 300+ mana as health. Even with that and 39 fire resistance I had to down those mana pots like water.

Look out for the unique Blood Knight, Sir Gorash. =]

There is one useful glitch, or maybe a programmed trick since it's been there forever. Whatever it is, it allows you to appear a god. When you move horizontally any and all enemy projectiles can't hit you. This is how I brazenly charge forward and wade through torrents of blood stars without dying instantly.

I enter Hell at level 16 and by the time I get to the big guy himself I'm 22!

Of course, the eventual outcome is rather bad. Sure, you beat the Lord of Terror, but you can't resist him and you shove his essence into your forehead -- an easy segue into Diablo II and the dark wanderer. Good job, dork.