Diablo 4. The best games of 2023 – the ultimate list
Table of Contents
Diablo 4, Blizzard Entertainment, 2023
- Release date: June 6
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Our rating: 10/10
In nearly a quarter of a century, only four major installments of the Diablo series have been released. That's pretty modest compared to dragged out series like Call of Duty or Need for Speed. However, this makes every such premiere a memorable event in the gaming world, and this time was no different. Diablo 4 allowed us to return to the extremely atmospheric world of Sanctuary to face the daughter of Mephistopheles himself – the powerful Lilith – and once again fall into the intoxicating loop of hack'n'slashing and looting treasures from the slaughtered hordes of demons.
This hasn't changed in Diablo, and in this case, it turned out even slightly better than in the "three," which was criticized in a couple of respects. The fourth part takes us to a much darker world with a denser atmosphere, which is efficiently built by the designs and decor of locations, great visuals, and a moody soundtrack. Other advantages of the game are the dialogues and plot stories told in the main and side threads. And for dessert, of course, there is the gameplay – extremely meaty and satisfying combat mechanics – claimed to be the best in the entire series. The developers had plenty of time to correct the flaws of the previous part, and they managed to do so.
Nevertheless, Diablo 4 looks to be the best hack'n'slash on the market right now. The perfect hack'n'slash for me, the guy who grew up on Diablo 1, 2, 3, Divine Divinity and was spoiled with Grim Dawn. Aside from the prohibitive price, this game is more universal than anything offered by the competition.
A few things are missing for complete happiness (where are the rune words?), and some design defects cannot be eliminated. But with all this baggage, it's still a fantastic production that provides a lot of fun, draws you in for hours, provides many progression options, and offers perhaps the best campaign in the history of the genre. One wants to return to it, to waste more hours, evenings, days, and weeks in the process. This is just the beginning, but at the moment, it looks like the king is back. And it also allows you to pet puppies. PET PUPPIES! What else do you guys want from this game, for heaven's sake?
Matthias Pawlikowski, Diablo 4 review
