Blizzard launchedDiabloin January 1997, with the grim world of Sanctuary introducing gamers to a new type of action RPG that hooked many right away. From Deckard Cain’s voice as Tristram to the exploration of the catacombs beneath the cathedral, role-playing in video games really took a leap forward.Diablobecame Blizzard’s second multi-game franchise, surpassing the company’s wildest expectations, and nowDiablo 4has the chance to recapture its RPG sensibilities with expanded character customization.
The franchise grew in popularity asDiablo 2maintained the atmosphere and aesthetics with added gameplay mechanics and an expansive world. However, as Blizzard added more action-oriented mechanics, the roots of the role-playing game were fading away. WhileDiabloandDiablo 2managed to walk the line of introducing and refining hack-and-slash gameplay while retaining storytelling and character development,Diablo 3seemingly forget what made the franchise so great, opening plenty of opportunities for its successor.
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Diablo 3 Was Action First
Diablo 3was by far the biggest hit in the franchise, although much of it can be attributed to gaming markets evolving over the years.Diablo 3was also a massive successbecause it borrowed a page from the company’s cash cow,World of Warcraft. It leaned on multiplayer aspects, introduced a more family-friendly aesthetic, and downplayed the importance of role-playing in the truest sense.
People flocked to the game as they did withWorld of Warcraft, with30 million gamers buyingDiablo 3as of February 2021. But the game changed a lot, as meaningful dialog, interesting storylines, and gripping narration made room for shiny objects, multiplayer marketplaces, and cartoonish graphics.Diablo 3certainly made plenty of money for Blizzard, but it seems the company is now looking back to the originalDiablo. While the predatory monetization ofDiablo Immortaldidn’t give much to look forward to, the company’s intentions have proven better withDiablo 4.
Diablo 4 Takes the Franchise Back to its Roots
Blizzard has stressed thatDiablo 4will be returning to its rootsin terms of gameplay, storytelling, and aesthetics. This means a grittier, darker, and more realisticDiablois returning, with the action portion of the game seeming less hectic and slower-paced. Blizzard is even introducing new elements that are going to make it more RPG-like than any of its predecessors.
One thingDiablohas never done right is character customization. There have only been a handful of characters since the series' inception, and this means a limited physical representation of the classes that people take on. InDiablo 3, the only choice beyond class is whether the player wants to be male or a female. The player’s banner has more customization, although it is largely meaningless.
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Much of the player character’s visual changes are applied by acquiring new equipment. Carrying a massive axe or glowing staff makes the character stand out, but it doesn’t really scratch a role-playing itch. Bringing Transmogrification fromWorld of WarcrafttoDiablowas a good move, but didn’t go far enough. InWorld of Warcraft: Classicplayers can customize their characters with different skin and hair colors, facial structures, hairstyles, and accessories. With later updates,World of Warcrafthas only increased the customization options.
Fortunately,Diablo 4promises to rectify this.Blizzard revealed early onthat better customization was a priority, and the first drafts and demos showed different hair colors and skin colors. Concept art revealed Blizzard was planning something much more elaborate.
Diablo 4’s Characters Are Fully Customizable
Fully customizable characters inDiablo 4extends to character creation as well as equipment via Transmogrification. According to the official screenshots, customizable elements include skin color, hair and facial hair colors, hairstyles, facial structures, eye colors, accessories, tattoos, and scars.
Most customizations are universal amongDiablo 4’s character classes, but some are unique depending on the culture and history of the class. Blizzard’s screenshots don’t reveal the full scope of options, although a few variants are shown. There will be a top selection for face and body, hair, accessories, and color. However, there’s no look at the first two categories, and some leaked images are only in Russian. However, the first two are likely to have multiple options to change the formation of the face and body, as well as different hairstyles.
In terms of accessories,Diablo 4offers three tabs that include makeup and jewelry. There’s a separate section for colors of different customization options, and screenshots show 17 different pieces of jewelry for what appears to beDiablo’s classic Necromancer class. The color options seem to vary from 16 to over 20.
It looks likeDiablowill allow players to create characters of their own, not unlikecharacter creation inElden Ringor other modern RPGs. If Blizzard keeps on working on making its systems more expansive, the game’s customization might be better than average. This will make the game more engaging and allow players to better identify with their characters. If the monetization of the recent mobile game can be forgotten, and the detour ofDiablo 3forgiven, there are signs thatDiablo 4could become not only a great RPG, but a remarkable entry in theDiablofranchise.
Diablo 4will launch in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
