Chapter 1: The Long Journey to Release

In February, I discussed the remarkably protracted development timeline of the current Diablo games. At that time, I was unaware of the troubling workplace issues at Activision Blizzard. It’s hard to fathom the chaos that might have transpired behind the scenes while I lamented the slow release of new titles.

The dedication of the development team is evident, as two long-anticipated Diablo games are finally out. Diablo II Resurrected stands out as one of the finest modern remakes available, featuring an impressive sound mix. Now, players can download Diablo Immortal for free on PC, iOS, or Android, embarking on a fresh adventure filled with loot and battles.

Developed in collaboration with NetEase, the initial reveal at Blizzcon in 2018 became a meme due to its poor reception. Four years later, the game has launched, and the bewildered developers in that infamous clip were correct — it is indeed a fully realized Diablo experience tailored for mobile devices, which has also been adapted for PC.

Section 1.1: Expectations vs. Reality

If you’re approaching the PC version expecting a traditional Diablo desktop experience, you may be disappointed. It remains primarily a mobile game with a keyboard and mouse interface added. The graphics are decent, although the PC version currently appears locked at 1080p and lacks any resolution options. Moreover, the user interface retains many elements designed for touch screens.

Despite these limitations, the core gameplay is exhilarating. The combat and loot mechanics build on the successes of Diablo III, delivering a fast-paced action RPG experience. Players must consider character positioning, target abilities, and exploit elemental weaknesses, just as in a conventional Diablo game.

I chose the Wizard class, my favorite from Diablo III, and was thrilled to discover a mix of new and classic abilities. Special skills now operate on cooldowns rather than a mana system, encouraging players to develop efficient ability cycles akin to those in MMOs. The action feels swift and engaging, surpassing most other mobile genre entries.

For optimal gameplay, using a controller or mouse and keyboard on PC is advisable. The gamepad controls are well-designed, leading me to believe a console release is likely in the future, even though Blizzard hasn’t confirmed anything.

Section 1.2: Story and Visuals

For fans of the franchise, the storyline is a treasure. Set between Diablo II and III, it introduces beloved characters in significant roles and conflicts. The writing is sharp, with nods to past games that enhance the lore without disrupting the new narrative. Players are tasked with thwarting malevolent forces seeking powerful artifacts, a classic Diablo premise elevated by thoughtful storytelling.

Visually, the game impresses for a modern mobile title. While it won’t stress your PC, older devices may struggle; my iPhone XR required me to lower settings to achieve 60FPS. Even then, the device heated up after just a few minutes of play. The world of Sanctuary is vibrant with spell effects and dynamic characters, maintaining a closer view than Diablo III without becoming overly chaotic.

While many familiar voice actors return, and the audio design is commendable, the overall sound quality is somewhat lacking. Despite extensive voice work, the audio files seem compressed, leading to noticeable quality drops. Headphone users may find a layer of noise over sound samples, which detracts from the experience. A higher quality sound download option for PC would be a welcome improvement.

Chapter 2: The Monetization Dilemma

The first video, "Finally! Not What I Wanted But I Take It - Diablo Immortal," explores player reactions to the monetization strategies and gameplay experience in Diablo Immortal.

The second video, "Seasons Needed Now Inside of Diablo Immortal," discusses the community's desire for seasonal content and how it impacts the game's longevity.

The excitement surrounding Diablo Immortal is tempered by its overwhelming monetization features. The game is filled with various purchases, from a cash shop to loot boxes, premium cosmetics, and a multi-tiered battle pass system.

While it is indeed possible to complete the campaign and engage with the endgame without spending money, players with low sales resistance might find it difficult to resist the temptation to spend. The game’s engaging gameplay and visuals are likely to attract a large player base, ensuring a steady stream of premium content for Blizzard.

I'm supportive of developers earning revenue from their efforts, especially after such a lengthy development cycle. However, the prevalence of purchase prompts is disconcerting, and I fear the game will turn profitable before I even finish this article.

In conclusion, Diablo Immortal is essential for fans, provided they can tolerate the frequent payment reminders. It offers enjoyable gameplay reminiscent of a modern iteration of Diablo III, complete with numerous captivating story elements. I've already leveled my first character to 22 and plan to explore all the classes, but I must resist the allure of the battle pass — once I dive in, there's no turning back.

Thanks for reading and listening!