It’s been over 10 years since the last Diablo. Nuts, right? Diablo IV arrives on June 6, 2023, and while Diablo III enjoyed a long, active life, it’s certainly time for something new. Diablo III’s move to console shortly after the PC release brought the legendary action role playing game series from Blizzard to an entirely new audience, but fans of the series, new and old, have been waiting for something new and fresh for a long time.
Diablo IV – Howling Den Cellar
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Diablo IV could very well provide that, and with its launch date around the corner, reviews are starting to pour in. Diablo IV brings with it many changes: an open world, an attempt to fuse Diablo II and III’s polar opposite tone and progression systems, and, perhaps most controversially, a live service format with ways for you to spend your money on microtransactions and battle passes.
The Week In Games: What’s Releasing Beyond Diablo IV
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Unfortunately, that last element cannot be reviewed until the June 6 launch, as press access has none of the microtransactions and seasonal systems active or viewable. There’s valid reason to raise some eyebrows over Diablo IV’s monetization for sure, but if it’s not too intrusive, it could be okay. Reviews are painting a picture of a solid action RPG that does just enough right and just enough different—though perhaps it could’ve used some more innovation for those looking for something more revolutionary.
Push Square
Push Square, giving the game a 9/10, praised the build options, describing Diablo IV as a “true successor to the bad old days of action RPGs,” while highlighting the structure of the world as satisfyingly varied and versatile.
Forbes
Forbes said that Diablo IV’s attempts to fuse progression systems of previous games “mostly succeeds,” but its atmosphere in particular should be a treat for fans of Diablo II.
Windows Central
Windows Central’s glowing review praised the gameplay’s versatility, with wide customization options, but did note that the dungeons might begin to feel too samey for some—even if that might be par for the course.
GameSpot
GameSpot gave Diablo IV an 8 out of 10, and spoke to the strengths of the game’s respec flexibility, which gets more restrictive at higher levels but remains surprisingly versatile.
Bloody Disgusting
Bloody Disgusting gave Diablo IV a 4 out of 5 and said that while the game feels extremely polished, it might disappoint those who were hoping for a more revolutionary entry since the more-than-decade it’s been since Diablo III.
Videogames Chronicle
Videogames Chronicle awarded Diablo IV a full 5 stars, and highlighted the excellent pacing of steady power leveling.
PC Gamer
PC Gamer’s review is still in progress, but laments the series’ shift to live service with this new entry.
GamesRadar
GamesRadar awarded the game a full 5 stars, saying that while the game can be a giant cycle of “thoughtless, thunderous demon slaying,” it demands attention of the player’s position and stat investment.
IGN
As critics, IGN found the game fun to play, with a 9 out of 10. Build options were described as satisfyingly versatile, while the story might’ve been more forgettable in its later acts.
Polygon
Polygon praised the virtually endless cycle of “regenerating doors and gates and chests to be opened and crushed,” but felt the open world structure deprives the series of its previous horror.
DualShockers
DualShockers gave the game an 8.5 out of 10, and specifically highlighted the way the Diablo IV actually invests you in the story for once.
Destructoid
Destructoid gave Diablo IV an 8 out of 10, praising the engaging and active gameplay, but cautioned potential players to consider the live service format before buying.
Wccftech
Wccftech gave Diablo IV an 8.5 out of 10 and praised the combat, but lamented how it centers too much on damage dealing.
Siliconera
Siliconera gave Diablo an 8 out of 10, and specifically praised the game’s antagonist as one of the best in the series thus far.
Ars Technica
Ars Technica said that Diablo IV’s endgame launches in very healthy statement and that the microtransactions and live service elements (which were not active during the review period) might be ignorable enough:
