Diablo IV Review – PC

Summary
Diablo IV by Blizzard Entertainment has excelled in crafting an action role-playing game that marries diverse character classes, a rich gear system, comprehensive customization, and an engaging cooperative play to offer a deeply immersive gaming experience. Its endgame content, stunning visual design, impressive sound design, compelling story, and strong sense of community further heighten this experience. Despite minor drawbacks such as the absence of the Crusader class at launch, occasional bugs, and an online-only format that can lead to disconnections, Diablo IV stands as a testament to Blizzard's commitment to its fans, offering an action RPG experience that caters to different playstyles and promises to keep players engaged with continuous updates and expansions.
Good
  • Diverse Character Classes: The different character classes each have unique gameplay mechanics, enhancing replayability.
  • Advanced Gear System: This feature allows for significant influence on character development and build creation.
  • Engaging Cooperative Play: Online play with others adds a layer of community and interaction.
  • Rich Endgame Content: Bounties, Nightmare Dungeons, PvP Zones, and Helltide events keep players engaged after completing the main campaign.
  • Exceptional Art Direction: The game's dark and atmospheric world design is both visually impressive and immersive.
Bad
  • No Crusader Class on Release: The omission of a fan-favorite class is a disappointment.
  • Overwhelming for New Players: The game's complexity might be daunting for those new to the genre.
  • Online-Only: This can lead to server disconnections or wait times, which can disrupt the gameplay experience.
  • Minor Bugs: There are occasional issues such as teleporting problems and rubberbanding when moving between regions.
  • Quest Synchronization: Lack of technological capability to effectively synchronize quests or implement a map feature for parties not on the same map progression.
8.8
Great
Gameplay - 9
Graphics - 8.5
Audio - 9
Replayability - 9
Controls - 8.5

In the realm of action role-playing games (ARPGs), the Diablo series has always held a significant position, known for its deeply engrossing gameplay and dark, captivating lore. With Diablo IV, Blizzard Entertainment has not only risen to the expectations set by previous installments but also surpassed them, providing a little more of the same but just enough different that it entices players to dive into the sinister world of Sanctuary. Will you go hardcore one death and done or join the masses in endgame sooner?

Engaging Gameplay with Diverse Character Classes

The hallmark of Diablo IV’s engaging gameplay is its diverse character classes. The Sorcerer, Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, and Rogue each have their unique class mechanics and gameplay style that keep just enough familiarity with the previous games. Additions Like the enchantment system that is accessible to the Sorceress class attained in Act I, which allows the augmentation of spells, is a prime example of how Diablo IV creates a sense of individuality for each class. The ability to teleport as a Sorcerer, summon ranks of the dead as a Necromancer, or bond with spirit animals for enhancement as a Druid, all contribute to an incredibly personalized playthrough, making each class distinct. I am super disappointed that there isn’t a Crusader class on release, how are we supposed to fight demons without the power of the light? Maybe in a future DLC one cap hope.

Influence of the Gear System on Character Development

The gear system in Diablo IV further influences the direction of character development. Rewards from quests, such as a random pair of pants that have a special proc when standing still, can dramatically influence your character’s build. The chance discovery of a Legendary weapon that triggers an insane damage proc can lead to chaotic, exhilarating combat scenarios. This continuous experimentation with new builds and powerful equipment is a significant part of Diablo IV’s charm. If you are new to the genre it can seem a bit overwhelming. It’s best to find a build that you enjoy to play then gear around that. Don’t force it and focus on the meta too hard.

Optimization and Character Customization Options

The game also offers numerous systems to optimize your character similar to Diablo 3. Skills trees, Paragon power, powerful glyphs, loot options across various world tiers, rarity levels, gems, vendor upgrades, and tweakable gear perks give you immense control over your character’s development. This toolbox of build crafting options, while initially overwhelming, is immensely rewarding once mastered. It respects the player’s time investment and ensures that even if a loot drop doesn’t go your way, there are other ways to upgrade your character. As far as looks go the character creation screen may not be as robust compared to MMORPGs, creating a unique appearance is primarily achieved through the use of the transmogrification system, which allows players to change the look of their gear.

Online-Only Experience and Benefits of Cooperative Play

While the game is online-only, which can lead to occasional server disconnections or wait times, the benefits of 4-player cooperative play far exceed these minor inconveniences. Encountering other players, participating in world bosses, trading, and forming clans contribute to a strong sense of community, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The opportunity to face off against rival players in designated PvP zones further raises the stakes, making for thrilling and unpredictable gameplay moments. We have yet to attain the technological capability to effectively synchronize quests or implement a map feature that enables simultaneous viewing of all member’s quests while in another player’s party. I would just like to see some options for groups not on the same map progression to have the flexibility to choose between completing personal or party member quests without leaving the group.

The Endgame: Bounties, Nightmare Dungeons, PvP Zones, and Helltide Events

Diablo IV’s endgame is arguably one of the best in the genre. Upon completing the campaign, players can undertake bounties for high-level loot drops and access Nightmare Dungeons, a challenging variant of existing levels. PvP zones and Helltide Events, where enemies swarm as blood rains from the sky, offer unique gameplay experiences and reward players with highly coveted loot. World boss events like Ashava, The Pestilent Avarice, The Gold Cursed, and Wandering Death add a nice mix-up of encounters and fat loot.

Flaws and Minor Bugs

Despite the richness of the gameplay, Diablo IV is not without its flaws. There are occasional bugs, such as teleporting issues for the Sorcerer class and occasional rubberbanding when moving between regions. Nonetheless, these minor flaws are far overshadowed by the game’s many strengths and the developer’s ongoing commitment to fixing reported issues.

Art Direction: Dark, Oppressive, and Beautiful World Design

Diablo IV’s art direction is a significant achievement. Blizzard has brought the world of Sanctuary to life in a dark, oppressive, yet strikingly beautiful way. The environment art is exemplary, depicting a harsh, unforgiving world, suffused with despair and dread. Every location, from the decaying ruins to the ominous dungeons, is painstakingly designed to tell a story, drawing players into the intricate world. Act II’s Qara-Yisu Citadel, for example, shines with architectural brilliance that showcases the game’s attention to detail.

Immersive Sound Design and Score

The sound design further amplifies this immersive experience. Each clash of steel, every roar of a beast, the subtle whispers in the background, the crackling of fire, or the rumbling of a collapsing building, all contribute to an auditory feast that deepens the player’s engagement with the game world. Complementing this is the brilliant score by composer Matt Uelmen, offering haunting melodies that underscore the game’s tense atmosphere and epic scope.

Compelling Story Rooted in the Series Lore

Diablo IV’s story, rooted in the established lore of the series, is compelling and laced with intrigue. From the prime evils plotting their return to Sanctuary to the struggles of humanity caught in the middle, every quest and side story adds layers of depth to the narrative. The fully-voiced dialogue and beautifully rendered cutscenes further accentuate the plot, making for a captivating story that draws players in and keeps them engaged throughout.

Catering to the Community: Accessibility and Playstyle Options

However, the real success of Diablo IV lies in its understanding of its community. It caters to both new and returning players, with a range of difficulty levels and gameplay options that suit different playstyles. Whether you prefer solo adventuring or teaming up with others, focusing on the main storyline, or exploring side content, Diablo IV offers a rich, satisfying gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Diablo IV’s Significance as a Testament to Blizzard’s Commitment

Diablo IV is more than just a game; it’s a testament to Blizzard’s commitment to their fans, a celebration of what makes the Diablo series special, and a bright beacon for the future of ARPGs. And with continuous patches, updates, and expansions in the pipeline, Diablo IV promises to remain a staple in the gaming community for a long time to come.

Future Prospects: Patches, Updates, and Expansions

With continuous support from the developers and a dedicated community, the future of Diablo IV looks promising. The commitment to fixing reported issues, and providing regular patches, updates, and expansions ensures that the game will evolve and grow over time, offering new content and experiences to keep players engaged and excited.

Diablo IV is a triumphant return to form for Blizzard, a meticulously crafted ARPG that offers deep gameplay mechanics, an immersive world, and a captivating narrative. Despite minor issues, its blend of robust character building, dynamic combat, a diverse gear system, compelling storyline, and stunning audio-visual design make it an unmissable entry in the genre.

Written by
Gaming since Nintendo! Entrepreneur, gamer, wine lover, America! Come join the fun on the GL Discord!

1 Comment

  1. I hope eventually the dev’s have an update so you don’t need a constant Internet connection and be connected to the servers.

    Reply

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