Quick Look: Diablo IV

The appeal of the Diablo series is something that’s alluded me for quite a while. Not because I don’t like it, but because from a distance I struggled to see what the it really was. I briefly tried Diablo III and didn’t really “get” it.

But, I want to understand it, experience the joy that the droves of fans come back for, every release.

So, I’ve been playing Diablo IV enough now, to say, I still don’t really get it. It’s fine, but not doing much for me, and I’m gutted. A series that’s sold millions and millions of copies, with legions of fans. But it just doesn’t pull me in. I feel like this is very much “it’s not you, it’s me” situation.

Diablo IV

Diablo IV is looks incredible. The environments are beautiful, the character models are intricately detailed, and the combat animations are visceral and satisfying. However, 18 hours into the campaign, slogging through Act IV as a Sorcerer, I find myself struggling to connect with the game on a deeper level.

Perhaps my class choice is part of the problem. The Sorcerer, while capable of unleashing devastating elemental attacks, feels a bit boring. The constant need to manage mana and cooldowns can disrupt the flow of combat, and the glass cannon nature of the class makes survival a constant concern. I do wonder if a more melee-focused class, like the Barbarian or Rogue, might offer a more engaging experience.

Granted, I’m sure 18-20 hours would be considered “not enough”. But I’d argue that any game that takes that long to click, probably needs a look. I appreciate the irony of saying that as a Monster Hunter fan that required about the same amount of time to let it click…..

Gameplay Loop

The gameplay loop, while undoubtedly solid, feels like a polished iteration of a formula that has been around for decades. Kill hordes of demons, collect loot, level up, repeat. While this can be a satisfying experience in short bursts, the sheer volume of repetitive content required to progress through the story starts to wear thin after a while.

It’s almost overwhelming the amount of gear thrown at you. Then you move a season and suddenly your gear is all “legacy” which I really don’t like. Having to dismantle everything because it’s essentially invalid is an odd move for Diablo, but I suppose it’s to encourage build diversity and trying new things?

The build aspect is deep and rich, for sure. But until I hit end game, it feels redundant. Perhaps the onboarding is what needs some work?

Story

The story itself is a mixed bag. There are moments of genuine intrigue, particularly in the early acts, where the narrative delves into the lore of Sanctuary and its inhabitants. However, the plot often veers into predictable territory, relying on tired tropes and predictable twists. Lilith, while visually striking, hasn’t quite captivated me as a compelling antagonist.

Damn, though. Those cutscenes are stunning. Like, truly. If Lilith looks amazing and definitely embodies the demonic presence.

Voice acting is top-tier, too. The narrative thread might meander a little, but Diablo IV tells its tale in style.

Keep going

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. The combat, even with the Sorcerer’s limitations, can be undeniably fun, with a wide range of skills and abilities to master. And I’m sure the endgame content, with its Nightmare Dungeons and Paragon Boards, will offer a significant challenge for those who crave it. But for me, the journey to reach that point has been surprisingly underwhelming.

I’ll see this campaign through to the end, hit level 50, and give the endgame a fair shot. I may even try out a different class to see if that reignites my interest. But if I’m being honest with myself, I’m not approaching it with any real sense of excitement. Diablo IV is a beautiful, well-made game, but it’s missing that intangible something that elevates a good game to a great one.

Obviously, that’s just me, and if we look at the praise Diablo IV has been getting, I’m perhaps one of only very few. Not everything works for everyone, and that’s absolutely fine. As a sum of it’s parts, Diablo is top-tier. It just doesn’t grip me like I’d hoped.

Edit 16/10/24: As I’m about to put this up on the site and get it ready for posting, I’ve been playing a little more (Level 44 now) and I’ve got an armour piece that gives me “critical flame” after 3 seconds use of my flamethrower spell. Well, let me tell you, watching that kick in has been a revelation! Diablo IV is still largely not for me, but seeing some of the detail has helped the slog through the campaign ease-up a little!