Diablo IV Review: Reigniting the Hellfire
For years, I’ve stood on the sidelines, watching the Diablo series dominate the action RPG scene, its legions of fans fervently praising its dark fantasy world and satisfying loot-driven gameplay. Now, I finally stepped into Sanctuary, and Diablo IV has convinced me – it’s a force to be reckoned with. Despite the controversies surrounding the franchise – from the ignominious Diablo Immortal to the ongoing sexual harassment scandal that continues to plague Blizzard – Diablo IV delivers a thrilling and immersive experience that feels worthy of its legacy. It’s a testament to the franchise’s enduring power, offering a world filled with thrilling combat, agonizing choices, and a relentless pursuit of power.
Entering the Depths of Sanctuary
Diablo IV plunges you into a world steeped in dark religious undertones, where the Eternal War between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells rages on. Sanctuary, a refuge for humanity, has been consumed by darkness, its power vacuum inviting the return of Lilith, Queen of the Succubi. You, the Wanderer, embark on a journey to confront Lilith’s rising influence and restore balance to the realm.
Right from the start, you’re thrown into the heart of the action, tasked with investigating a monstrous infestation that threatens a peaceful village. Diablo IV doesn’t hold your hand, pushing you to learn the basics of its fast-paced combat and intricate inventory management. The character creator offers a satisfying level of customization, letting you craft a unique look for your Wanderer, from hairstyles and markings to jewelry and even eye colour.
For my first foray into the Diablo universe, I chose the Necromancer, a class that allows you to summon and command a legion of the undead. The ability to summon undead minions served as a great buffer, enabling me to maintain a safe distance and focus on strategic healing. I was also drawn to the Druid, a shapeshifter that can transform into a raging werewolf or a colossal bear, utilizing powerful elemental attacks like lightning strikes and earth-shattering tremors. The Rogue offers agility and precision, while the Sorcerer unleashes devastating spells from afar, and the iconic Barbarian embraces raw power, effortlessly switching between a diverse arsenal of weapons.
The core of Diablo IV’s gameplay resides in its explore-kill-loot loop, which is deceptively addictive. The open-world format encourages exploration, rewarding players with hidden paths, challenging dungeons, and thrilling encounters with a menagerie of grotesque monsters. The game brims with detail, from the treacherous swamps of Scosglen to the snow-capped peaks of Fractured Peaks, each region boasting its own unique atmosphere and visual style.
A Story of Triumph and Despair
Diablo IV’s narrative, while ultimately predictable, features moments of brilliance that elevate the story beyond its standard good-versus-evil tropes. The game excels in portraying the desperation of the people of Sanctuary, who struggle to survive in a world ravaged by Lilith’s influence. From the moment you enter the village of Kyovashad, you encounter those who have succumbed to the whispers of The Blessed Mother, driven to madness and violence.
The main story revolves around your relentless pursuit of Lilith, but along the way, you encounter a cast of compelling characters, each with their own motivations and struggles. Lorath Nahr, a conflicted hermit, serves as a compelling guide, his gruff voice, expertly voiced by Ralph Ineson (known for his roles in "The Witch" and "The Green Knight"), adding a layer of intrigue and depth to the ongoing narrative.
The narrative pacing, however, can feel a bit uneven, with a lot of filler content scattered throughout the campaign. You are frequently sent on errands and forced to engage with characters who feel like mere quest-givers, hindering the overall flow of the story.
Mastering the Art of Combat
Diablo IV refines its combat system, delivering an experience that feels both familiar and exhilarating. The game offers a multitude of skills and abilities for each class, allowing you to build unique and powerful character builds. The skill trees are intricately designed, offering a plethora of options that allow you to customize your gameplay style.
For example, the Necromancer’s skill tree allows you to unleash devastating attacks like Corpse Tendril, a skill that grants you control over the battlefield by manipulating the corpses of fallen enemies. The possibilities are endless, incentivizing experimentation and the creation of unique builds that leverage specific skills and attributes.
Diablo IV’s open-world design does introduce some issues with enemy scaling, a recurring issue in open-world RPGs. While regions have level requirements, the game dynamically scales enemy difficulty to your level, potentially diminishing the sense of accomplishment. This system can result in situations where you return to an area significantly stronger only to discover that the enemies have also been buffed, leading to a less rewarding experience.
Despite this minor drawback, Diablo IV’s combat is truly engaging, offering a seamless blend of action and strategy. You’ll need to utilize your skills effectively and adapt your approach to combat depending on the type of enemy you are facing. The game provides a satisfying level of depth, rewarding players who analyze their opponents and capitalize on weaknesses.
The Ever-Evolving Sanctuary
Diablo IV embraces the live service model, promising a constant influx of new content including seasons, battle passes, and expansions. The inclusion of a microtransaction shop is inevitable, but Blizzard assures players that all purchases will be strictly cosmetic-only, focusing on enhancing the visual aspects of the game rather than affecting gameplay. This commitment to fair play is crucial in maintaining a healthy and engaged player community.
The presence of a required online connection, however, might be a sticking point for some players. While it allows for seamless co-op adventures and engaging PvP battles, it also raises concerns about potential server issues, latency, and the potential for a lack of offline gameplay. Personally, I haven’t experienced any major connection issues, but the lack of an offline option remains a perplexing choice.
A Hell of a Time
Diablo IV isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a dark, gritty, and immersive journey that throws you into the heart of Sanctuary’s turmoil. It’s a game that will test your skills, challenge your patience, and leave you yearning for more. Diablo IV might not reinvent the wheel, but it refines the formula, crafting a truly addictive and satisfying experience.
However, it’s not without its flaws. While the open-world format is a welcome addition, it’s accompanied by some enemy scaling issues that affect the flow of the game. The story, while engaging in moments, can feel repetitive and predictable. The requirement of an online connection is also a potential barrier for some players.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Diablo IV is a masterful triumph. The intense combat, the captivating story, and the immersive world of Sanctuary combine to create an unforgettable gaming experience. As long as Blizzard sticks to its promise of keeping microtransactions purely cosmetic, Diablo IV has the potential to become a long-lasting titan in the gaming world, a testament to the enduring power of the Diablo franchise.
