Game Review | Diablo IV is Trapped in Live-Service Purgatory
The highly anticipated release of Diablo IV brought excitement to fans of the action RPG franchise. However, the game’s attempt to ground players in a dark fantasy world while incorporating live service elements has raised concerns among the gaming community. Diablo IV’s ambition to modernize the series through a live service format aimed at engaging players over the long term, but it poses challenges in balancing creative freedom and the grind required to progress.
Diablo IV presents itself as a reboot, aiming to leverage the strengths of the franchise while catering to the demands of modern players who often juggle multiple games. The game starts with a story-driven adventure that only truly unfolds after completing the campaign. Features such as MMO-inspired Grim Favors quests and Helltide events are held back until the conclusion of the 10-hour storyline. This approach attempts to reset the over-the-top tone from Diablo III but falls short of fundamentally changing the essence of the Diablo experience, which revolves around demon-slaying.
The prevailing live service structure, exemplified by games like Destiny 2, might appear suitable for Diablo’s co-op design. However, it necessitates a significant shift in structure. Diablo IV initially feels story-driven but holds back key features for the endgame. The return to darkness promised by the game is impactful when it influences gameplay, as seen in certain dungeons and the thrilling Helltide events. These events inject urgency and risk, transforming encounters into puzzles of survival. However, such instances are rare, and much of the potential for subverting expectations remains untapped.
Blizzard’s response to feedback about Diablo III’s perceived lack of darkness led to an overwhelming sense of bleakness in Diablo IV. Side quests are saturated with misery, with characters committing heinous acts and the absence of joy or hope. While this aligns with the game’s theme, it can become monotonous, deterring players from engaging fully with the world and its characters.
Diablo IV shines when it comes to character building and skill progression. The skill tree, reminiscent of Diablo II, offers a myriad of options for customization and specialization. Each class brings a unique playstyle, and Legendary aspects earned from dungeons or items allow players to create their own enhanced gear. The skill system and the potential for diverse builds keep players engaged, constantly seeking new ways to maximize their characters’ potential.
A notable drawback in Diablo IV is the high cost associated with respeccing skills and modifying gear. The game restricts experimentation by imposing steep fees for changing builds or altering items, discouraging players from exploring different playstyles without significant investment of time and resources. While this limitation promotes a sense of progression and meaningful decision-making, it hinders players’ ability to freely experiment and can impede the game’s potential for creative expression.
Diablo IV’s live service structure presents both opportunities and challenges. Seasons and battle passes can introduce fresh content and incentivize players to explore new classes and builds. However, the game’s progression system, resource scarcity, and tight enemy level scaling can restrict the sense of freedom and creativity that Diablo IV’s classes deserve. Balancing the joy of character building with the demands of a live service format is crucial for the game to reach its full potential.
Diablo IV tries to ground players in its dark fantasy world, but it faces certain challenges that affect the overall experience of the game. One of the major obstacles is the clash between the game’s attempt at storytelling and its gameplay mechanics. While the developers aim to create a grim and immersive narrative, the nature of the game mechanics contradicts this goal. In Diablo IV, players have the ability to acquire powerful weapons and items in seemingly unrealistic ways. For example, pulling a legendary two-handed axe out of a wolf undermines the game’s attempt to establish a sense of realism and immersion. This dissonance between the narrative and gameplay mechanics can be jarring for players, making it difficult for them to fully immerse themselves in the dark fantasy world Blizzard has crafted.
Furthermore, the storytelling in Diablo IV is notable for its lack of subtlety. The game’s narrative is often compared to the bombastic and larger-than-life storytelling seen in Marvel films. While this can be entertaining in its own right, it may not resonate with players who are seeking a more nuanced and sophisticated storytelling experience. The excessive length of the storytelling also adds to the pacing issues, potentially making it feel like a tedious and drawn-out experience.
Another factor that affects the games industry and Diablo IV specifically is its adoption of a live service format. The game attempts to follow the prevailing trend exemplified by titles like Destiny 2, catering to players who have multiple games competing for their attention. However, this shift requires significant structural adjustments to accommodate the live service model. One of the challenges posed by the live service approach is the delayed access to certain features and content. Diablo IV’s most compelling and engaging elements, such as the MMO-inspired Grim Favors quests and the Helltide events, are intentionally withheld until players complete the main campaign. This design decision aims to provide a sense of progression and discovery, but it can also frustrate players who are eager to experience all the game has to offer from the beginning.
Furthermore, the game’s attempt to embrace a darker tone compared to its predecessor, Diablo III, is met with mixed results. While the desire to return to the series’ roots and capture the atmosphere of Diablo 2 is commendable, the execution falls short. The campaign delves into excessive grimdarkness, presenting a bleak and suffocating experience. The side quests often revolve around characters committing heinous acts, resulting in a pervasive sense of misery throughout the game. This overwhelming darkness can overshadow the potential for joy and hope, leaving players yearning for a more balanced and emotionally resonant experience.
However, Diablo IV does have its highlights. The game introduces Helltide events, which inject thrilling urgency and risk into the gameplay. These events supercharge demons and challenge players to survive against overwhelming odds within a limited time frame. The need for strategic thinking and the shift from treating encounters as mere stepping stones to leveling up elevates the gameplay experience, offering a refreshing twist on the familiar Diablo formula.
Additionally, the diverse classes and their intricate skill trees are a standout feature of Diablo IV. Each class offers unique playstyles and abilities, allowing players to customize their characters in meaningful ways. The skill trees, reminiscent of Diablo II, offer a wide range of options and synergies, fostering creativity and experimentation. This depth and complexity provide players with a sense of agency and ownership over their characters, making the gameplay engaging and rewarding.
Moreover, the game’s progression system, characterized by skill points and legendary aspects, contributes to the addictive nature of Diablo IV. The satisfaction of planning and executing a well-designed build keeps players invested and motivated to continue playing.
