From Diablo III’s error-laden launch to Diablo Immortal’s blatantly pay-to-win mechanics, Blizzard is fighting an uphill battle when it comes to winning back series veterans - especially with Diablo II Resurrected on the scene.

The sins of the father weigh heavy on Diablo IV. So, when I say it’s surreal to be not only playing Diablo IV, but reviewing it, it’s because my newly critical, somewhat jaded attitude wasn’t enough to stop myself from feeling that way again. Diablo III had problems - big problems - but I was too young and having too much fun to really care. I still cherish these memories of playing with friends until I quite literally fell asleep at my desk, trying to squeeze in a few precious hours after the closing shift at my part-time job. I’d say I can’t believe it, but I can - 11 years is a long time.

It’s been 11 years since Diablo III launched (or, tried to launch) and I can still remember sitting in my childhood bedroom, bleary-eyed, at my computer which adorned an antique writing desk barely big enough for my keyboard.

Diablo iv plot