Diablo 4, the much-anticipated fourth main installment in the Diablo series, has finally descended upon the gaming world. As bedroom gamers, many of us have been eagerly awaiting this dark and devilish journey since the release of Diablo 3, more than 10 years ago. Let's embark on an adventure through the depths of Diablo 4 and uncover what this new title has to offer in this Diablo 4 Review.
Diablo 4 Lore and Storyline
The story of Diablo 4 takes place in the grim aftermath of Diablo 3. The world of Sanctuary has been cast into an abyss of darkness, overrun by demons and malevolent creatures. Our role as heroes is to confront these impending threats and unveil the mysteries that threaten to shroud Sanctuary in eternal shadow.
Diablo 4's narrative centers around five distinct classes: the Barbarians, the Druids, the Rogues, the Necromancers, and the Sorceresses. Each class carries its own unique history and culture, inviting us to delve deeper into the rich lore of the Diablo universe. Our journey through Sanctuary also introduces us to various characters and factions, each with their own stories and motives. We'll uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization that once thrived in this world and learn of the sinister forces that brought about its fall.
The central conflict revolves around the demon queen Lilith, who was once a formidable and feared leader among the demonic hordes. Lilith's escape from imprisonment in the Void marks a pivotal moment in the game's storyline. In my opinion, Diablo 4's storyline is a return to the dark and immersive storytelling reminiscent of Diablo 2, and in many ways, it may even surpass its predecessor in the way the story was told.
Is Diablo 4 as Good as 3?
As a devoted fan of the Diablo series, I must admit that in terms of storyline, Diablo 3 left much to be desired and was very different from what I was expecting in terms of tone. Diablo 2 remains the pinnacle of what the series represents. When it comes to gameplay, Diablo 2 and Diablo 3 offer very different experiences. Diablo 2 continued to build upon the gameplay of the original Diablo, solidifying its status as one of the greatest action RPGs of all time. Diablo 3, on the other hand, adopted a more accessible and 'arcadey' approach. This divided the playerbase with Diablo 3 creating their own fanbase.
Diablo 4, in my opinion, strikes a balance between the depth of Diablo 2 and the accessibility of Diablo 3. While it may not reach the complexity of its predecessor, it also avoids the overly simplified mechanics of Diablo 3.
Personally, I enjoyed Diablo 4's gameplay mechanic and storytelling more than Diablo 3. However, the overall experience in Diablo 3 was much better because of endgame content.
Major Gameplay Changes
Evolution of Gameplay
Diablo 4 introduces several groundbreaking changes to the series. For the first time, players can explore an open-world Sanctuary, where they can engage in World Events with fellow adventurers and traverse every corner of the map. Timed World Bosses add an extra layer of excitement to the open world as you gather with 12 other players to take down huge greater demons like Ashava the Pestilent, Wandering Death and Avarice the Gold Cursed.
Diablo 4 also emphasizes skill tree-based character development enhanced by armor prefixes instead of relying on set armors for character builds.
Moreover, Diablo 4 offers a welcome change with cross-platform multiplayer, enabling friends who are playing on different platforms to join forces.
Declining Popularity
It's disappointing to note that Diablo 4's initial charm seems to be fading. Players express dissatisfaction with the content offered in Season of the Malignant and in the live-service model. The player count has significantly dwindled in a short time since Season 1 began, and even the viewers have stopped watching the game on Twitch.
The absence of fresh content has left many players wondering if Season 2, the Season of Blood, will even rekindle their passion for the game. I believe there is hope, however, as the developers appear to be attentive to player feedback and committed to improving the overall experience.
Diablo 3 also faced a rocky start and, for many years, was a disappointing game for many players. However, the developers persevered, dedicating themselves to refining and enhancing the game until it evolved into the beloved action RPG it is today. Considering this perspective, I genuine expect Diablo 4 to transform into a genuine gaming masterpiece within a few seasons to come.
Major Complaints
Among the grievances raised by bedroom gamers, one recurring issue is the abundance of crowd control (CC) mechanics, often leaving players incapacitated for extended periods. The demand for unstoppable abilities has become almost mandatory for challenging content, limiting viable build diversity. There are a significant portion of skills deemed too weak for endgame. This issue affects all classes and highlights the need for substantial balancing changes.
Furthermore, the absence of a compelling "chase factor," which made previous games fun, becomes notably prominent once you reach the endgame. Upon reaching level 70, the game's pace slows to a near standstill, and that exhilarating dopamine rush that once fueled your gameplay is no longer there. Playing the game no longer provides the same level of excitement and satisfaction, leaving you with a sense of emptiness.
In Diablo 3, despite the repetitive nature of farming Rifts, the constant pursuit of power kept players engaged for years, creating an enduring sense of satisfaction. In Diablo 2, the excitement of finding a rare, coveted item was an experience like no other. Regrettably, Diablo 4 lacks both of these vital elements, the "chase factor," that transforms players into devoted fans of the genre.
Diablo 4 Review: A Game for Casuals?
Diablo 4's target audience appears to lean towards casual gamers. This approach has sparked debates within the Diablo community, known to be one of the most hardcore group of gamers out there. The game's design suggests it's meant for those who can savor its story at a leisurely pace, playing only a few hours each week.
For many of us who grew up with the franchise, Diablo was synonymous with challenging gameplay and endless hours of exploration. Diablo 4, however, feels like they are catering to a different crowd – adults with busy lives who reminisce about the first two Diablo games.
In closing, if you're in it for the story, Diablo 4 delivers a captivating narrative that will keep you hungry for more. However, if you're seeking an action-packed, long-term ARPG experience, there are other titles like Path of Exile that might better quench your thirst for adventure.
Diablo 4 Playstation 5 Edition | Diablo 4 Playstation 4 Edition |
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