Diablo IV

[Uncensored2008]

For me, this is a fairly rapid review, I usually wait a long period before buying triple A games, but this is Diablo.

Where to start.. System requirements. As always, I only review the PC and ignore other platforms, which will go away soon enough anyway.

This is Diablo - so no earth shattering system requirements, an 8th gen I7 or better, or a Ryzen 5 or better for the CPU. You'll need 16GB DDR 4, but Blizzard recommends 32GB and DDR 5 if you can. Graphics card are likewise moderate, GTX-970 or better. RTX-3070 for Ray Tracing, and RTX-4060Ti or better for DLSS. It does require an SSD.

I'm running on a Ryzen 9 - 7900XTW with 32GB DDR5, a Samsung EVO980 SSD and an RTX-4080. Ultra everything with DLSS and Ray Tracing set to quality in ultrawide 4K.

Visually, Diablo IV is good. It's Diablo, it's not going to look like CyberPunk - but everything is good, reflections and water effects look good. Smoke and steam benefit from ray tracing, swirling reflections from multiple light sources. The cut scenes have a lot of detail and are done in engine, but could have as easily been prerendered. In the main game, the models are good, but not a lot of detail, it's Diablo, quantity over quality. And quantity you get, hoards are often massive, with plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.

Performance is flawless, no stutters or slowdowns. Blizzard is the master of putting 500 monsters on screen without flinching. Waves of baddies come at rapid speed, with the game engine chugging along effortlessly. That isn't to say that you're system doesn't need to work. While the RTX-4080 is never put under load, the CPU gets a workout.

The game is fun, it's Diablo. I'm playing the Rogue, lots of running, jumping, stabbing, and archery. Dungeons are well crafted, though the formula of fight mini-bosses to unseal a door is overused. The story of Lilith is extremely well done, with Lilith herself making a great adversary. She is far better fleshed out than the primevils of earlier games. Far more complex and compelling. The "good" is ambiguous. The Church is brutal and really likes burning and hanging people. It's enough to keep the player interested, and feeling like they are fighting for a reason.

Gameplay is Diablo. Hoards of monsters. Kill, collect loot, look for better gear. You can sell or breakdown gear you don't use, and use the resources from breaking it down to upgrade other gear. The usual gemstones are present as with prior games, though not as overly powerful as they were in Diablo III. Health is free in town and upgrades with the character, a nice touch. Energy/Mana is difficult to manage, as specialties are the foundation of most of my fighting. I am a rogue, so the use a specialty attack, run away and regen mana is expected. Gear is well done, leaving the player with some tough decisions on what gear to use. It isn't just what has the highest DPS hit points, how it interacts with other gear, regenerates mana or health, resistes elements, all are critical factors,

You will die - a LOT, it's Diablo. Gear takes a 10% damage penalty when you die, but it can be repaired at the blacksmith, and coin is abundant.

Over all, this is an evolutionary step for Blizzard. They stick to a formula that works, and it still works. Highly recommended for Diablo fans or anyone who likes hack and slash dungeon crawlers.

 

[The Mark]

For me, this is a fairly rapid review, I usually wait a long period before buying triple A games, but this is Diablo.

Where to start.. System requirements. As always, I only review the PC and ignore other platforms, which will go away soon enough anyway.

This is Diablo - so no earth shattering system requirements, an 8th gen I7 or better, or a Ryzen 5 or better for the CPU. You'll need 16GB DDR 4, but Blizzard recommends 32GB and DDR 5 if you can. Graphics card are likewise moderate, GTX-970 or better. RTX-3070 for Ray Tracing, and RTX-4060Ti or better for DLSS. It does require an SSD.

I'm running on a Ryzen 9 - 7900XTW with 32GB DDR5, a Samsung EVO980 SSD and an RTX-4080. Ultra everything with DLSS and Ray Tracing set to quality in ultrawide 4K.

Visually, Diablo IV is good. It's Diablo, it's not going to look like CyberPunk - but everything is good, reflections and water effects look good. Smoke and steam benefit from ray tracing, swirling reflections from multiple light sources. The cut scenes have a lot of detail and are done in engine, but could have as easily been prerendered. In the main game, the models are good, but not a lot of detail, it's Diablo, quantity over quality. And quantity you get, hoards are often massive, with plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.

Performance is flawless, no stutters or slowdowns. Blizzard is the master of putting 500 monsters on screen without flinching. Waves of baddies come at rapid speed, with the game engine chugging along effortlessly. That isn't to say that you're system doesn't need to work. While the RTX-4080 is never put under load, the CPU gets a workout.

The game is fun, it's Diablo. I'm playing the Rogue, lots of running, jumping, stabbing, and archery. Dungeons are well crafted, though the formula of fight mini-bosses to unseal a door is overused. The story of Lilith is extremely well done, with Lilith herself making a great adversary. She is far better fleshed out than the primevils of earlier games. Far more complex and compelling. The "good" is ambiguous. The Church is brutal and really likes burning and hanging people. It's enough to keep the player interested, and feeling like they are fighting for a reason.

Gameplay is Diablo. Hoards of monsters. Kill, collect loot, look for better gear. You can sell or breakdown gear you don't use, and use the resources from breaking it down to upgrade other gear. The usual gemstones are present as with prior games, though not as overly powerful as they were in Diablo III. Health is free in town and upgrades with the character, a nice touch. Energy/Mana is difficult to manage, as specialties are the foundation of most of my fighting. I am a rogue, so the use a specialty attack, run away and regen mana is expected. Gear is well done, leaving the player with some tough decisions on what gear to use. It isn't just what has the highest DPS hit points, how it interacts with other gear, regenerates mana or health, resistes elements, all are critical factors,

You will die - a LOT, it's Diablo. Gear takes a 10% damage penalty when you die, but it can be repaired at the blacksmith, and coin is abundant.

Over all, this is an evolutionary step for Blizzard. They stick to a formula that works, and it still works. Highly recommended for Diablo fans or anyone who likes hack and slash dungeon crawlers.

So it's nothing like what they did with Diablo Immortal?

 

[BitterPill]

For me, this is a fairly rapid review, I usually wait a long period before buying triple A games, but this is Diablo.

Where to start.. System requirements. As always, I only review the PC and ignore other platforms, which will go away soon enough anyway.

This is Diablo - so no earth shattering system requirements, an 8th gen I7 or better, or a Ryzen 5 or better for the CPU. You'll need 16GB DDR 4, but Blizzard recommends 32GB and DDR 5 if you can. Graphics card are likewise moderate, GTX-970 or better. RTX-3070 for Ray Tracing, and RTX-4060Ti or better for DLSS. It does require an SSD.

I'm running on a Ryzen 9 - 7900XTW with 32GB DDR5, a Samsung EVO980 SSD and an RTX-4080. Ultra everything with DLSS and Ray Tracing set to quality in ultrawide 4K.

Visually, Diablo IV is good. It's Diablo, it's not going to look like CyberPunk - but everything is good, reflections and water effects look good. Smoke and steam benefit from ray tracing, swirling reflections from multiple light sources. The cut scenes have a lot of detail and are done in engine, but could have as easily been prerendered. In the main game, the models are good, but not a lot of detail, it's Diablo, quantity over quality. And quantity you get, hoards are often massive, with plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.

Performance is flawless, no stutters or slowdowns. Blizzard is the master of putting 500 monsters on screen without flinching. Waves of baddies come at rapid speed, with the game engine chugging along effortlessly. That isn't to say that you're system doesn't need to work. While the RTX-4080 is never put under load, the CPU gets a workout.

The game is fun, it's Diablo. I'm playing the Rogue, lots of running, jumping, stabbing, and archery. Dungeons are well crafted, though the formula of fight mini-bosses to unseal a door is overused. The story of Lilith is extremely well done, with Lilith herself making a great adversary. She is far better fleshed out than the primevils of earlier games. Far more complex and compelling. The "good" is ambiguous. The Church is brutal and really likes burning and hanging people. It's enough to keep the player interested, and feeling like they are fighting for a reason.

Gameplay is Diablo. Hoards of monsters. Kill, collect loot, look for better gear. You can sell or breakdown gear you don't use, and use the resources from breaking it down to upgrade other gear. The usual gemstones are present as with prior games, though not as overly powerful as they were in Diablo III. Health is free in town and upgrades with the character, a nice touch. Energy/Mana is difficult to manage, as specialties are the foundation of most of my fighting. I am a rogue, so the use a specialty attack, run away and regen mana is expected. Gear is well done, leaving the player with some tough decisions on what gear to use. It isn't just what has the highest DPS hit points, how it interacts with other gear, regenerates mana or health, resistes elements, all are critical factors,

You will die - a LOT, it's Diablo. Gear takes a 10% damage penalty when you die, but it can be repaired at the blacksmith, and coin is abundant.

Over all, this is an evolutionary step for Blizzard. They stick to a formula that works, and it still works. Highly recommended for Diablo fans or anyone who likes hack and slash dungeon crawlers.

I played it for a while. I am hoping I will regain my earlier, Diablo II mojo wherein I'd play until all hours then report to work in a shattered state.

And it is true you will die. During my Diablo II days I would play hardcore and had an Amazon, MaidMammarian, up to level 43 before she died. I had a Rouge, KitKat, up to level ten on IV, being extremely careful of course, before opening a nondescript chest which called in a slew of ghosts to kill her.

Frankly, I fear my age and consequent need for sleep is the reason my Diablo mojo is in decline.

 

[Indlib]

For me, this is a fairly rapid review, I usually wait a long period before buying triple A games, but this is Diablo.

Where to start.. System requirements. As always, I only review the PC and ignore other platforms, which will go away soon enough anyway.

This is Diablo - so no earth shattering system requirements, an 8th gen I7 or better, or a Ryzen 5 or better for the CPU. You'll need 16GB DDR 4, but Blizzard recommends 32GB and DDR 5 if you can. Graphics card are likewise moderate, GTX-970 or better. RTX-3070 for Ray Tracing, and RTX-4060Ti or better for DLSS. It does require an SSD.

I'm running on a Ryzen 9 - 7900XTW with 32GB DDR5, a Samsung EVO980 SSD and an RTX-4080. Ultra everything with DLSS and Ray Tracing set to quality in ultrawide 4K.

Visually, Diablo IV is good. It's Diablo, it's not going to look like CyberPunk - but everything is good, reflections and water effects look good. Smoke and steam benefit from ray tracing, swirling reflections from multiple light sources. The cut scenes have a lot of detail and are done in engine, but could have as easily been prerendered. In the main game, the models are good, but not a lot of detail, it's Diablo, quantity over quality. And quantity you get, hoards are often massive, with plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.

Performance is flawless, no stutters or slowdowns. Blizzard is the master of putting 500 monsters on screen without flinching. Waves of baddies come at rapid speed, with the game engine chugging along effortlessly. That isn't to say that you're system doesn't need to work. While the RTX-4080 is never put under load, the CPU gets a workout.

The game is fun, it's Diablo. I'm playing the Rogue, lots of running, jumping, stabbing, and archery. Dungeons are well crafted, though the formula of fight mini-bosses to unseal a door is overused. The story of Lilith is extremely well done, with Lilith herself making a great adversary. She is far better fleshed out than the primevils of earlier games. Far more complex and compelling. The "good" is ambiguous. The Church is brutal and really likes burning and hanging people. It's enough to keep the player interested, and feeling like they are fighting for a reason.

Gameplay is Diablo. Hoards of monsters. Kill, collect loot, look for better gear. You can sell or breakdown gear you don't use, and use the resources from breaking it down to upgrade other gear. The usual gemstones are present as with prior games, though not as overly powerful as they were in Diablo III. Health is free in town and upgrades with the character, a nice touch. Energy/Mana is difficult to manage, as specialties are the foundation of most of my fighting. I am a rogue, so the use a specialty attack, run away and regen mana is expected. Gear is well done, leaving the player with some tough decisions on what gear to use. It isn't just what has the highest DPS hit points, how it interacts with other gear, regenerates mana or health, resistes elements, all are critical factors,

You will die - a LOT, it's Diablo. Gear takes a 10% damage penalty when you die, but it can be repaired at the blacksmith, and coin is abundant.

Over all, this is an evolutionary step for Blizzard. They stick to a formula that works, and it still works. Highly recommended for Diablo fans or anyone who likes hack and slash dungeon crawlers.

Good review. I'm also playing RDR2 so not committing all of my casual game time to it.

It seems like a pretty good game so far. Of course endgame grind is the real test and I am just getting there. Highest level toon is a 47 Necro.

I have started dying a lot post campaign, even being in world tier 1, but I suspect that is because I have been to lazy to research "systems" for making my character better ie aspects, gems, crafting etc.

Having played similar games, including the prior Diablo games, POE (a lot), grim dawn and torchlight I was surprised that it seems to have most in common with Lost Arc, which I played for only a couple months. Especially the way the overworld map is done.

In summary I am pretty happy with it so far. Again, holding my final opinion for after I get some end game done.

 

[BitterPill]

Good review. I'm also playing RDR2 so not committing all of my casual game time to it.

It seems like a pretty good game so far. Of course endgame grind is the real test and I am just getting there. Highest level toon is a 47 Necro.

I have started dying a lot post campaign, even being in world tier 1, but I suspect that is because I have been to lazy to research "systems" for making my character better ie aspects, gems, crafting etc.

Having played similar games, including the prior Diablo games, POE (a lot), grim dawn and torchlight I was surprised that it seems to have most in common with Lost Arc, which I played for only a couple months. Especially the way the overworld map is done.

In summary I am pretty happy with it so far. Again, holding my final opinion for after I get some end game done.

You are correct about the review, and I will also hold my opinion until I spend more time playing.

I second Indlib's opinions, and @Uncensored2008, good review.

 

[Redress]

For me, this is a fairly rapid review, I usually wait a long period before buying triple A games, but this is Diablo.

Where to start.. System requirements. As always, I only review the PC and ignore other platforms, which will go away soon enough anyway.

This is Diablo - so no earth shattering system requirements, an 8th gen I7 or better, or a Ryzen 5 or better for the CPU. You'll need 16GB DDR 4, but Blizzard recommends 32GB and DDR 5 if you can. Graphics card are likewise moderate, GTX-970 or better. RTX-3070 for Ray Tracing, and RTX-4060Ti or better for DLSS. It does require an SSD.

I'm running on a Ryzen 9 - 7900XTW with 32GB DDR5, a Samsung EVO980 SSD and an RTX-4080. Ultra everything with DLSS and Ray Tracing set to quality in ultrawide 4K.

Visually, Diablo IV is good. It's Diablo, it's not going to look like CyberPunk - but everything is good, reflections and water effects look good. Smoke and steam benefit from ray tracing, swirling reflections from multiple light sources. The cut scenes have a lot of detail and are done in engine, but could have as easily been prerendered. In the main game, the models are good, but not a lot of detail, it's Diablo, quantity over quality. And quantity you get, hoards are often massive, with plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.

Performance is flawless, no stutters or slowdowns. Blizzard is the master of putting 500 monsters on screen without flinching. Waves of baddies come at rapid speed, with the game engine chugging along effortlessly. That isn't to say that you're system doesn't need to work. While the RTX-4080 is never put under load, the CPU gets a workout.

The game is fun, it's Diablo. I'm playing the Rogue, lots of running, jumping, stabbing, and archery. Dungeons are well crafted, though the formula of fight mini-bosses to unseal a door is overused. The story of Lilith is extremely well done, with Lilith herself making a great adversary. She is far better fleshed out than the primevils of earlier games. Far more complex and compelling. The "good" is ambiguous. The Church is brutal and really likes burning and hanging people. It's enough to keep the player interested, and feeling like they are fighting for a reason.

Gameplay is Diablo. Hoards of monsters. Kill, collect loot, look for better gear. You can sell or breakdown gear you don't use, and use the resources from breaking it down to upgrade other gear. The usual gemstones are present as with prior games, though not as overly powerful as they were in Diablo III. Health is free in town and upgrades with the character, a nice touch. Energy/Mana is difficult to manage, as specialties are the foundation of most of my fighting. I am a rogue, so the use a specialty attack, run away and regen mana is expected. Gear is well done, leaving the player with some tough decisions on what gear to use. It isn't just what has the highest DPS hit points, how it interacts with other gear, regenerates mana or health, resistes elements, all are critical factors,

You will die - a LOT, it's Diablo. Gear takes a 10% damage penalty when you die, but it can be repaired at the blacksmith, and coin is abundant.

Over all, this is an evolutionary step for Blizzard. They stick to a formula that works, and it still works. Highly recommended for Diablo fans or anyone who likes hack and slash dungeon crawlers.

Couple of discussions of D4, one starting with this post: https://debatepolitics.com/threads/blog-your-current-game.326360/page-43#post-1077919360

One here: https://debatepolitics.com/threads/blizzard-is-so-damn-terrible-at-rolling-out-games.514953/

 

[Binary_Digit]

IMO:

Pros
- You only have to beat the campaign on one character, after that it's optional for all others on your account. Same with unlocking the horse and finding the Altars of Lilith around the map.
- Grouping with friends is awesome because it scales enemy difficulty for each player (the same mob will be lvl 48 for me but lvl 20 for my lower-level friend). It also does a good job with syncing questlines, objectives, cut scenes, etc. for everyone in the party. It's likely that only the party leader will make quest progress, but everyone else can still have a meaningful time in terms of exp and loot.
- Random events around the map are the shiny balls that easily and pleasantly distract you into knocking out a quick side job. And they respawn at a generous rate so you can repeat them over and over if you want.
- Faction (renoun) system gives good threshold rewards like skill points or increased potion capacity.
- You can fast-travel to any overworld waypoint at any time, even from the bottom of a dungeon after beating the boss. No Town Portal scrolls, it's a built-in skill that costs no mana. And main city waypoints always have a "free" Town Portal directly to the others in your party.
- Respeccing one skill at a time, or all at once, is easy and reasonably cheap. At least at first.
- Graphics are dark and dreadful like they should be. My favorite area is the Blood Moors.

Cons
- I'm so tired of mobs spawning in under my feet out of nowhere that I kinda stopped playing for now hoping they'll patch that crap. It's even more overused than the "fight mini-bosses to unseal a door" thing, and I suspect if you're melee you might not care or even notice it. But if you're a necro trying to hide behind your army it just gets annoying and tiresome, at least for me.
- Legendary gear is account-bound, so you can't trade or give it away.
- Only four hotbar buttons for skills, plus right/left click. Any passive skill takes up a slot, otherwise it's not in effect.
- No horse until act 4.

 

[Uncensored2008]

So it's nothing like what they did with Diablo Immortal?

I didn't play Diablo immortal, so I can't say.

It's the next step from Diablo 3, better graphics and some gameplay improvements.

 

[Redress]

Any passive skill takes up a slot

I am not finding any evidence this is the case. What am I missing?

 

[Binary_Digit]

I am not finding any evidence this is the case. What am I missing?

I may have mis-phrased that. I was referring to e.g. the golem skill, it auto-casts and summons the golem as soon as you place it on the hotbar, but if you then replace it with a different skill the golem poofs. I think there's a sorcerer shield skill that works the same way.

 

[Caiman]

I may have mis-phrased that. I was referring to e.g. the golem skill, it auto-casts and summons the golem as soon as you place it on the hotbar, but if you then replace it with a different skill the golem poofs. I think there's a sorcerer shield skill that works the same way.

It is a downfall of the Nero, two slots have to be used for skeletons and the golem if you use them.

 

[NatureWatcher]

I love Diablo IV! I have been playing this game on my PS5! Excellent game. Currently, I have a level 34 sorcerer.

 

[Geoist]

Frankly, I fear my age and consequent need for sleep is the reason my Diablo mojo is in decline.

This is me. By the time I can find time to lay down and play a game I'm 5-10 minutes from passing out. Still have yet to finish my first round of the Diablo IV campaign.