Diablo IV: Back to the Roots or a Descent into Mediocrity?
Diablo IV revives a classic formula with modern polish but struggles to level up the series.
last updated Dec 01, 2023
Whether it's worth donning your armor for this crusade will depend on how much you value the Diablo legacy and whether you're willing to weather its demonic storms.
Twisting the Knife in Old Wounds
Eyeing Diablo IV's gameplay is like having dinner with an ex; there's comfort in familiarity, but you can't shake the feeling that something's amiss. The game harks back to its predecessors with its hack and slash allure, and moments of loot-driven dopamine hits are bound to keep you coming back for more. However, that 'oomph' you'd expect from a new major title seems to have taken a sabbatical. Even with a season of improvements and additional content, there's a sense of monotony after the initial excitement wears off, as if the game is stuck in purgatory, not quite bad enough to abandon but not innovative enough to worship. The combat often feels like reheated leftovers from Diablo's past, with only the garnish changed to give the illusion of a new meal. As for the oft-maligned 'always online' component, let's just say some relationships are better left offline.
A Symphony of Shadows
Bless the ears of thine enemies before ye slay them—that seems to be the motto with the audio in Diablo IV. The soundscape is a layered tapestry of groans, screeches, and the clinking of looted gold that'll give your nostalgia a bear hug. One must give an ovation to the music, which presents a dirge for your infernal crusade, creating an ambiance that could make the hairs on Hades' neck stand up. The howling winds, guttural roars of bosses, and the cathartic release of a well-timed spell cocoon you in the foreboding atmosphere Blizzard is notorious for. Audio is Diablo IV's holy grail, immersing you so deeply in its dark world that even a hellhound's whimper could make you jump.
A Visual Feast for Hungry Souls
If Diablo IV were a movie, it would win an Oscar for special effects, hands down. The game's graphical prowess is the shiny apple in the Garden of Eden—tempting, luscious, yet not without consequence. There's a delicious darkness in its art, a gothic aesthetic that makes every dungeon crawl feel like a romanticized nightmare. The character models have more detail than a conspiracy theorist's corkboard, and the cutscenes might just make you question reality. The downside? Performance sometimes gasps for air like a fish out of the infernal waters, with frequent frame dips, texture bugs, and some stability issues that make you wonder if the code was written in ancient hieroglyphics. While these chinks in the armor don't break the experience entirely, they're enough to momentarily pull you out of the fantasy.
The Devil is in the Details
Let's talk about continuity for a second. Persistently online in a genre rooted in single-player, Diablo IV's decision to tether us to the digital leash is as welcomed as a hole in the hull of Noah's Ark. This 'always-online' model does more than just urk. It manifests in lag spikes and queues reminiscent of a demon-infested DMV. And while we're on the topic, let's not forget the monetization strategy that seems to have been concocted in the circles of hell itself. The obnoxious Battle Pass and microtransactions consistently push its sinful wares, making you feel like you've stumbled into a digital Black Friday sale. Sure, Diablo IV brings a lot to the table, but let's not pretend some of these leftovers don't reek of greed.
A Baptism by Fire
For all its flaws, Diablo IV's story can be likened to an unholy scripture that compels attention. It weaves a tale dark and deep, with narrative threads that bind you to the world's frightening charm. The storytelling efforts cast a spell, making every quest feel like a page torn from the Book of Revelation. Those who enjoy a somber and gloomy tale will find the plot a feast, and might even forgive the game's other sins for the chance to champion humanity against the onslaught of damnation.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Release Date
October 17, 2023
The Deluge of Despair
In the grand scripture of gaming sagas, Diablo IV is both scripture and apocrypha—it weaves its spellbinding story and tight core mechanics into an experience that is a delight in the moment, yet it overreaches with its always-online system and a lackluster endgame. The question remains, is it worth the hefty price tag and the goodwill of veteran fans? While indie darlings might offer innovative tastes, Diablo IV struggles to evolve beyond past glories. Whether it's worth donning your armor for this crusade will depend on how much you value the Diablo legacy and whether you're willing to weather its demonic storms.
