Diablo 4 has faced its share of criticism, primarily aimed at its endgame experience. However, with the game now included on PS Plus, it’s a great opportunity to go into the story campaign, which remains the highlight for many players.
When people complain about Diablo 4, they often point to the grind-heavy endgame, an area Blizzard has struggled to balance since launch nearly two years ago. But the story campaign itself is a different beast altogether; it’s well-crafted, lengthy, and filled with some genuinely memorable moments.
Blizzard invested a significant amount of effort into the narrative, which is supported by impressive cutscenes and a well-cast ensemble of characters. The plot adheres to familiar Diablo territory, featuring demonic invasions and humanity’s fight against dark forces. Still, it manages to hold your interest with a few standout moments and decent writing. It’s not an epic tale, but it’s enjoyable enough to keep you hooked.
The campaign also takes you through a vast open world, showcasing some of the game’s best qualities: its art direction and atmosphere. The handcrafted environments are detailed and grim, perfectly fitting the dark tone of Diablo. The mood might feel a bit dingy, but it’s precisely what you’d want from this type of RPG.
Interestingly, many players find the early character progression the most satisfying part of the game. Leveling up, experimenting with skill trees, and hunting for meaningful loot creates an addictive loop, especially when paired with the story’s momentum. It’s a phase where you feel like you’re eager to be your hero, which is kinda fun.
That said, the campaign is a long haul. Finishing the main story can take about 50 hours if you’re not rushing, and completing side quests could easily double that time. It’s a large RPG, which makes it a shame that so many focus on the endgame issues and overlook this well-crafted journey.
Of course, Diablo’s gameplay loop is designed to pull you back even after the story ends. The idea is to keep leveling and eager to level up, teasing the full potential of your character. If the final boss battle makes you feel strong, imagine how much more powerful you could be with a complete set of legendary gear tailored to your build.
