Diablo 4 is one of the most highly anticipated games of 2023. After a long wait, Blizzard is finally set to release this latest installment of the series, and we’ve had a chance to play through the game’s first act. Here’s what we think so far.
First Impressions
Our first impression of Diablo 4 is that it looks like it could be utterly compelling when it releases later this year. The game features a gorgeous, dark world that immediately immerses you in the story. The game’s beta is incredibly addictive, and we can’t wait to play more.
Back to Sanctuary
If you’re a fan of the Diablo series, you’ll know that the game’s story can be as simple or as complicated as you like. However, Diablo 4 doesn’t require any foreknowledge, so newcomers to the series won’t be lost.
The game’s opening cinematic is unbelievably gorgeous, and it quickly establishes that there’s a new villain in the world of Sanctuary – Lilith, daughter of Mephisto. She’s here to do no good, and it’s up to your player character to stop her.
The open beta lets you play through the game’s first act and explore its first major area, a sizable slice of content that has you meeting variously doomed side characters and working out just what Lilith is up to.
Pros and Cons
So far, Diablo 4 has been an enjoyable experience, but there are a few downsides. While the co-op is simple, some online annoyances are present, and there is no manual saving or pausing. However, the story is polished, and the game looks great.
Technical Improvements
The storytelling in Diablo 4 has seen significant improvements, thanks to higher frequency in-engine cutscenes. These cutscenes look great, and your character’s custom looks and armor are present and correct. The game features a decent range of emotions on display, making it more immersive than ever.
Blizzard’s pre-rendered cinematics are second to none, but it’s nice to play through Diablo 4’s early hours while seeing and hearing so much from our character.
Diablo 4 is shaping up to be an impressive addition to the series, with significant technical improvements that enhance the gameplay experience. However, there are some technical drawbacks that players should be aware of.
One of the most significant changes is that the game is always-online, which requires a persistent connection to function properly. This can lead to some issues, such as waiting in queues to enter the game and losing progress when quitting without being able to create a manual save. While these issues can be frustrating, the online persistence does make the world feel alive and allows for easy co-op and same-screen action.
The conclusion
Despite these drawbacks, we found ourselves sinking 12 hours into Diablo 4 in just two days. The hack-and-slash combat is satisfying, with multiple classes to discover and a redesigned skill tree that is easy to navigate. The addiction factor is back, with loot fountains and the ability to change your armor’s looks without limits. The world of Sanctuary is once again dark and brooding, with impressive attention to detail and reactive environments.
The graphics are impressive, although not necessarily groundbreaking, and the sound design is satisfying. However, there are some technical issues that can detract from the gameplay experience. For example, the default camera position can feel a little close at times, and bringing up the PlayStation’s UI or quick menu can cause the game to stutter.
Overall, Diablo 4 is a compelling and addictive game that has made significant technical improvements while still retaining the classic elements that made the series so popular. While there are some technical drawbacks, the online persistence and reactive environments make for a more immersive experience. We can’t wait to see what Blizzard has in store for us when the game releases later this year.
