Diablo IV Review – A Promising Return To Form

The latest installment in Blizzard’s renowned action role-playing game franchise, Diablo IV, aims to redeem itself after the mixed reception of its predecessor. It strives to recapture the essence of the original games while introducing fresh elements. With its dark and gritty atmosphere, compelling characters, improved storytelling, and satisfying gameplay, Diablo IV successfully brings back the series’ core appeal. However, it doesn’t do so without a few lingering issues.

The very first highlight that catches your attention is Diablo IV’s striking audiovisual design. Sanctuary’s dark and gritty aesthetic paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of a world consumed by evil. From the eerie ruins to the foreboding dungeons, each environment is meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere that truly befits the Diablo universe. The attention to detail is commendable, and it amplifies the sense of dread and excitement as you delve deeper into the game’s sinister depths. Equally impressive is the game’s soundtrack, which draws inspiration from the iconic music found in earlier games to deliver the desperation and abandonment of the world of Sanctuary.

One of the game’s most notable improvements is the depth and significance of its characters. Unlike previous iterations, the characters in Diablo IV have meaningful roles in the story, bringing an additional layer of complexity to the narrative. Characters like Lorath Nahr, who previously had minor roles, now play pivotal parts in the overarching plot. The antagonist, Lilith, shines as a standout character with her cruel, sadistic, and yet charming nature, blurring the lines between good and evil.

Diablo IV presents a more intricate and nuanced narrative compared to its predecessors. The conflict between Lilith, Inarius, and the demons of hell raises questions regarding the true enemy and who can be trusted. This departure from the black-and-white morality of previous games adds some much-needed depth and complexity to the storytelling, as you’re treated to a compelling narrative that keeps you engaged and invested in the fate of Sanctuary.

Another great strength of Diablo IV lies in the freedom that it offers in its gameplay and content. Whether you’re playing through the campaign, developing your character build, or engaging other players in PvP, you’re free to indulge yourself in whichever activity you prefer. The game eventually opens up with a large map to explore, giving you the freedom to complete the campaign acts in any order you prefer. Level scaling is in effect for enemies to ensure that you’re met with a consistently challenging experience. However, it comes at the cost of level progression feeling a little less rewarding.

The inclusion of side quests, strongholds, and procedural dungeons provides ample opportunities for exploration and rewards. Diablo IV encourages you to engage with the content you enjoy most, without rendering any area or activity obsolete. This departure from the repetitive grinding in previous games allows for a more enjoyable and personalized gameplay experience.

Combat in Diablo IV strikes a balance between the second and third installments. While the onslaught of monsters in battles is less intense compared to Diablo III, each enemy poses a greater challenge here, allowing skirmishes to be more meaningful and rewarding. Boss fights are spectacular and multi-staged, putting your skills and strategic thinking to the test. The combat system more closely resembles that of Diablo III albeit with several worthwhile refinements. That said, it’s clear that Blizzard isn’t reinventing the wheel in this area with the series’ latest installment, and perhaps that is for the best.

Another noteworthy change in Diablo IV is the handling of its progression system. Unlike previous games, Diablo 4 offers a more deterministic approach to building your character, as it empowers you to experiment with different combinations and playstyles. You’ll be able to create an initial version of the build that you’d want to use in the endgame within the first few minutes, thanks to the ‘Code of Power’ and the ‘Legendary Skins’. 

By completing certain procedural dungeons, you’ll have the opportunity to unlock specific legendary skins, memorize them in the Codex and transfer them to rare items that you find during your raids. You will know in advance which dungeon will allow you to unlock a certain power necessary for the build, and you will, therefore, be able to determine both the legendary effect you need and the rolls of the object on which to imprint. 

By design, the game avoids forcing you into an endless grind against its loot system to achieve the character build that you require. There are no preordained Sets to be found in Diablo IV, as there is no combination of items that is truly superior to the others, and it’s ultimately up to your creativity to plan the best way to progress your build.

While Diablo IV excels in many areas, it currently suffers from a few lingering technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Occasional glitches and online connectivity issues during intense combat sequences can be frustrating and disruptive to the experience. 

Diablo IV successfully reignites the dark and addictive essence of the series, presenting a promising return to form. The game captivates players with its atmospheric world, compelling characters, nuanced storytelling, and strategic combat. The freedom of gameplay and deterministic item system provides a refreshing and personalized experience. However, the presence of lingering technical issues dampens the overall enjoyment and currently hinders the game from reaching its full potential. Despite these setbacks, Diablo IV showcases a commendable effort by Blizzard to deliver a sequel that’s bound to please both new and long-time fans of the series.

Diablo IV Game Information

• Price: $69.99
• Publisher: Activision
• Developer: Blizzard
• Platform: PS5 (Reviewed)
• Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher