Diablo IV Review

Decending into Hell along our allies never felt so right! The Diablo franchise has long been revered for its immersive and gripping action role-playing experiences, and Diablo IV is no exception. This highly anticipated installment takes players back to the dark and treacherous world of Sanctuary, delivering a hauntingly beautiful game filled with intense combat, focussed storytelling, and a vast, interconnected world to explore. Brace yourself for a journey into darkness as we delve into the depths of Diablo IV.

Staying true to the previous titles in the series, Diablo IV is home to an atmospheric and visually stunning world. From the hauntingly desolate plains of Scosglen to the gothic architecture of Westmarch, every environment is meticulously crafted with careful attention to detail. The game’s graphics are nothing short of breathtaking, with realistic lighting, intricate textures, and eerie atmospheric effects that bring the world to life. Whether you’re traversing dark-scary dungeons or scaling towering mountains, the visual fidelity of Diablo IV is unparalleled, drawing players deeper into the immersive and foreboding world.

In terms of gameplay, Diablo IV retains the addictive and fast-paced combat that the series is known for. Players can choose from a diverse roster of classes, each with their own unique playstyle and abilities. Whether you prefer the brute force of the Barbarian, the arcane powers of the Sorceress, or the tactical precision of the Rogue, Diablo IV offers a class for every playstyle, extending over to the Necromancer and Druid classes. The combat is visceral and satisfying, with a wide array of devastating spells, devastating combos, and powerful artifacts at your disposal. Engaging in intense battles against hordes of demons and grotesque creatures is a thrilling experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The world of Diablo IV is vast and interconnected, allowing players to explore its darkest corners at their own pace. From sprawling open fields to claustrophobic underground dungeons, each area is filled with secrets, hidden treasures, and quests waiting to be discovered. The non-linear nature of the game encourages exploration and rewards players who venture off the beaten path. Whether you’re unearthing ancient ruins, stumbling upon hidden crypts, or encountering dynamic events that unfold in real-time, there’s always something new and exciting to uncover in the world of Sanctuary.

Another noteworthy aspect of Diablo IV is its deep and engaging storytelling. The game weaves a complex and immersive narrative that explores the ongoing conflict between angels, demons, and mortals. The dark and mature themes of the Diablo universe are fully embraced, creating a sense of dread and suspense as you delve deeper into the game’s lore, ultimately leading to a final choice, fending off the father of hatred (Mephisto), or facing off against the daughter of hatred (Lilith). Richly developed characters, intricate plot twists, and morally ambiguous choices further enhance the storytelling experience, immersing players in a world where the line between good and evil is often blurred.

One of the most exciting additions to Diablo IV is the inclusion of a shared open world. This means that players can encounter and interact with each other in a massive, seamless world, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to tackle challenging dungeons or engaging in intense PvP battles with rival players, the shared open world adds a dynamic and social dimension to the Diablo experience. The cooperative gameplay is seamless and rewarding, encouraging players to join forces and face the dangers of Sanctuary together.

The Diablo franchise has always been known for its replayability, and Diablo IV is no different. With a vast array of character customization options, powerful loot to collect, and an ever-evolving endgame, the replay value of Diablo IV is sky-high. I cannot recall how many hours I spent on Diablo III, including the Rise of the Necromancer expansion, and at the time of posting this review, I have already spent 101 hours in-game. Players can experiment with different builds, unlock new abilities, and hunt for legendary items to become the ultimate demon-slaying machine. Additionally, Diablo IV introduces a dynamic weather system and day-night cycles, further enhancing the immersion and replayability of the game.

In terms of audio design, Diablo IV delivers a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s dark and foreboding tone. The chilling melodies and ambient sounds add another layer of immersion, heightening the sense of dread and anticipation as you explore the depths of Sanctuary. The voice acting is top-notch, with each character delivering their lines with conviction and emotion, bringing the world and its inhabitants to life, staying true to having at least one character with a husky-deep gruff voice (enter Lorath).

Conclusion

Taking into consideration how Blizzard has managed to keep producing new Diablo titles for us to enjoy, but maintain the core style, it truly is a treat for those of us who have been playing since Diablo was originally launched in 1996. I am thoroughly enjoying my time with Diablo IV and adventuring through Sanctuary on World Tier III (Nightmare) after completing the campaign and beating the first capstone dungeon, is challenging but not impossible. Obviously this is when the game truly begins. Having to grind dungeons to reach level 70 and unlock the second capstone dungeon, and then venture to level 100 and beyond is the true endgame.

Although the story is indeed a good one, I did expect it to be a little darker in tone and at times seemed a bit disjointed, but they have already set it up for the first expansion really well. The campaign bosses are difficult, but not nearly as difficult as some dungeon bosses or stronghold bosses, which does disappoint me a little regarding difficulty balancing. At the time of posting this review, the first season has not started yet, so I am unable to comment on the battle pass system, but I do look forward to it kicking off soon, after which, I will update and finalize my review. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Sanctuary, Diablo IV is a must-play title that will satisfy your cravings for epic battles, thrilling adventures, and a journey into darkness like no other.

My review copy was supplied by Blizzard , but at the time of posting this review, the standard edition for PC costs R1,350 and for console (PlayStation 5) you will pay R1,379. The ultimate edition which comes with many perks, cosmetics and other exclusives, will set you back R2,000 for PC and R1,850 for console. No news has been released regarding the first expansion, but I do feel we will only see something mentioned early 2024 to be able to enjoy it late 2024. See you in hell heroes!