Diablo IV’s release moves ever closer like the summoning of Lilith to Sanctuary. The game has been in the news for a while now with previews and announcements happening regularly. However, this past week was the early access beta for the game.
Here’s how the beta left us after a 10 hour playthrough.
The World of Sanctuary Like You’ve Never Seen Before
“Hello, my friend, stay a while and listen” those are some of the most nostalgic words for any veteran Diablo player. The words that ring every time you come to Tristram to identify items and progress the story as you listen to the exposition from Deckard Cain. But that’s all dead and gone now, the world of Sanctuary in Diablo IV is larger, more dynamic and more steeped in the corruption of Prime Evils than ever before. In a lot of ways, it feels like a natural progression for the series.
Even with just the first act in the Early Access Beta, there was so much to do that even 12 hours of gameplay didn’t feel like enough. While it was just a fraction of the world map, the dynamically generated events brought side quests to the table organically and with little repetition. Unlike Diablo III and Immortal, there is a sense of progress in finishing map quests although it didn’t further the story much.
Blizzard has also found a unique balance when it comes to the massively multiplayer aspect of Diablo IV. While you adventure alone, you aren’t bombarded continuously by players running around the map. Instead, players appear and disappear as you play. They are free to join a map quest or event and provide assistance but they don’t disrupt your gameplay. You see players in towns and strongholds as well, but that’s about it. If you’re like me and miss the feel of the original Diablo game, Diablo IV has brought that feeling back and then some.
More Organic Interactions with More Fleshed-Out NPCs
Speaking of towns, one thing that has made a big difference is the NPCs. The world feels a lot more fleshed out thanks to the NPCs that populate it. They aren’t just one-dimensional sprites, interacting with them is fun, sometimes enraging and for key NPCs – eye-opening.
We’ve also go multiple artisan NPCs that populate the tons. These NPCs don’t only have quest-related dialogues when applicable, they have unique offerings that refresh at preset time intervals. There’s a dynamism to the interactions with them thanks to this.
One Character Multiple Builds
In my short 10-hour gameplay during the early access beta, my rogue went through about 4 different character builds. I found myself constantly tweaking my skills to complement the equipment loadout my character was using. Peaking at level 16, I was a few levels short of completing a full build of my liking.
However, unlike Diablo 3, the skills, both passive and active, can be upgraded and reset to maximise the damage your character can do. In addition, you also unlock specializations later on in the game. These will also change your characters’ play style and load out as the game progresses.
Open World Done Right for the Prime Evils
The doors to Sanctuary are literally flung open in Diablo IV. The world has been fleshed out immensely. However, the one thing that stood out during our time with the beta was how the team at Blizzard incorporated the open-world aspect into the game. Unlike Diablo II and Diablo III, waypoints and checkpoints in the game are not linear. You will undoubtedly be running around the massive maps of the various regions of Sanctuary and stumbling on enemies that punch well above your level. This happened more than once in my playthrough but it was a welcomed surprise which also led to hilarious running away and cussing – only adding more spice to the gameplay.
The open world is peppered with dynamic map events including cursed chests and even side quests and even dynamic dungeons. Blizzard’s implementation of the cursed chest side quest was one that kept me on the edge of my seat. Literally opening a random chest can get you surrounded and battered by monsters in an instant. It’s invigorating to have these surprises jump out at you willy-nilly.
Diablo IV Pandemonium is All But Expected Come June
After this open beta, it’s hard not to pull the trigger on pre-ordering Diablo IV. Blizzard has truly upped the ante with Diablo IV’s gameplay. While we only got a taste of the story, it’s compelling enough to keep us on the edge of our seats until June. In fact, I want my Diablo IV fix NOW! Give me the keys to Sanctuary!!
We’re optimistic that Diablo IV could be in the running for game of the year if it has all its pieces in place. It’s a given that Blizzard’s team has a compelling story with the daughter of a Prime Evil – Lilith – being the centre of the conflict in Sanctuary this time round. We’ve also got loose ends from Diablo II being picked up in the first act.
That said, Diablo IV can’t come soon enough.
