Diablo IV Beta: First Impressions

Updated: Aug 24, 2023

As so many of us know, it takes several years between entries for a new Diablo game to release. Starting with the original Diablo's release in December 1996, Diablo IV is set to release June 6, 2023. It is a series that helped set the foundation for looter dungeon crawlers. With almost 30 years of entertaining gamers with horror, blood, and loads of combat, Diablo IV's beta made a powerful impression for the franchise's return.

Cinematics

The opening cutscene was dynamic, eerie, and frightening, but more than anything, it was wickedly ruthless. Lilith was a fearsome antagonist to see on screen. Although I saw the cutscene when the trailer teaser was first released, it was nice to see it know that I would finally get to dive into the game. As disappointed as I was to not see the Demon Hunter class, I was excited to play a Druid. After making my druid, getting my first basic ability, and running through the dark, snowy starting zone, I noticed how Blizzard was going for a realistic approach set in this dark fantasy world, much like Diablo II. In Diablo III, the graphic design had flashier, brighter, comic book style colors, but Diablo IV seems to be returning to the franchise's graphic/design-style and gameplay roots. I felt as if Diablo IV was ingraining me into the story much more than Diablo III, even in the side quests.

Progression

It might just be me, but the sense of level and skill tree progression is similar to the pacing in Diablo II. The talent tree itself is similar to Diablo II in design. For the first several levels, refunding talent points was free. I'm not sure if the talent point refund cost kicks in after a certain level, but the last time I refunded, it cost me 40 gold. I was able to refund wherever I wanted, but I'm sure all of this may be different in the final version of the game.

It was interesting the different builds I could make with my druid. I noticed that I could go with all pure wolf, bear, arcane, or earth abilities, but I was also able to mix and match abilities, meaning even when players are on the same class, their ability/skill set-up will be completely different. Ultimately, my favorite combination was to mix the werebear and werewolf skills together.

I downloaded the beta for both PC and PS5. While it runs great on both, I noticed some stuttering on the PC version, while the console version was much smoother.

Gameplay

Being familiar with Diablo III, I put the the game on the Veteran setting. Overall, it felt pretty balanced. The only regular enemies that gave me any trouble were the ones with special abilities: (provide examples). Rolling through the first 30 minutes, I had an easy time, until I came across the first boss: X'fal, The Scarred Baron. It was the first boss where I had to really think, position myself correctly, and fire off abilities in the right order. For some boss encounters as a druid, I had to adjust my build.

(Note: I downloaded the beta for both PC and PS5. While it runs great on both, I noticed some stuttering on the PC version, while the console version was much smoother.)

(Update: the PC version has improved dramatically since the beta.)

Sound

What would an RPG The sound effects were absolutely incredible. The rumble behind the Druid's werebear form making impactful, powerful sounds, especially when a hoard of enemies falls to pieces.

Music. Music. Music. Although Blizzard has failed in several departments with their games in the past, they've always been successful in the music area for the games. From the eerie and horrifying melodies to the bestial bass that plays for boastful boss fights. The amount of detail Blizzard put into the music is absolutely wild. Even when I'm in werebear form, my character's footsteps sound heavier and much more powerful than when I'm in human form.