'Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred' review: The 'Spiritborn' class is unique in all the right places
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'Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred' review: The 'Spiritborn' class is unique in all the right places
AC Coloma,
ABS-CBN News
Published Oct 12, 2024 02:20 PM PHT
Screenshot from AC Coloma, ABS-CBN News
Screenshot from AC Coloma, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — "Vessel of Hatred," the latest expansion for Diablo IV, introduces several exciting features that will appeal to long-time fans and newcomers of the celebrated MMORPG franchise.
MANILA — "Vessel of Hatred," the latest expansion for Diablo IV, introduces several exciting features that will appeal to long-time fans and newcomers of the celebrated MMORPG franchise.
VoH was released October 8 across gaming platforms and consoles, selling for around $39.99 to $89.99, according to Battle.net, putting it at par with other RPG expansions.
VoH was released October 8 across gaming platforms and consoles, selling for around $39.99 to $89.99, according to Battle.net, putting it at par with other RPG expansions.
Set in the lush jungle region of Nahantu, the expansion offers an intricately-designed world filled with new enemy factions like snakes, crocodiles, and monstrous insects. As for the storyline, it follows the quest to recover Mephisto's essence from the hands of Neyrel, and spans around 6 hours.
Set in the lush jungle region of Nahantu, the expansion offers an intricately-designed world filled with new enemy factions like snakes, crocodiles, and monstrous insects. As for the storyline, it follows the quest to recover Mephisto's essence from the hands of Neyrel, and spans around 6 hours.
True enough, the landscape brings a fresh element to the game, while sticking to its “dark tone elements” — just as Blizzard Entertainment promised its fans, and introducing new characteristics that make gameplay even better.
True enough, the landscape brings a fresh element to the game, while sticking to its “dark tone elements” — just as Blizzard Entertainment promised its fans, and introducing new characteristics that make gameplay even better.
Screenshot from AC Coloma, ABS-CBN News
Screenshot from AC Coloma, ABS-CBN NewsThe Spiritborn class
The Spiritborn class
One of the key additions to the game is the Spiritborn class, a highly versatile and unique character that taps into the power of four Spirit Guardian animals: the Jaguar, Gorilla, Centipede, and Eagle.
One of the key additions to the game is the Spiritborn class, a highly versatile and unique character that taps into the power of four Spirit Guardian animals: the Jaguar, Gorilla, Centipede, and Eagle.
Like any other open-world RPG, you have the option to create your characters to your liking. I, well, may have customized my character to look like a certain... Midwest Princess.
Like any other open-world RPG, you have the option to create your characters to your liking. I, well, may have customized my character to look like a certain... Midwest Princess.
But besides that, players can also customize their fighting style by combining abilities from these animals, making the class flexible and suited to various playstyles. Having played the base game as a Barbarian, and the expansion game as a Spiritborn, the latter fits my typical RPG playstyle the best.
But besides that, players can also customize their fighting style by combining abilities from these animals, making the class flexible and suited to various playstyles. Having played the base game as a Barbarian, and the expansion game as a Spiritborn, the latter fits my typical RPG playstyle the best.
I've played RPGs, from gacha games to the conventional adventure-based titles, so it was interesting to see a class that’s agile yet, beginner-friendly.
I've played RPGs, from gacha games to the conventional adventure-based titles, so it was interesting to see a class that’s agile yet, beginner-friendly.
While it deals out less damage compared to other classes, Spiritborn's offensive and defensive kit helped me understand the fundamentals of this game more.
While it deals out less damage compared to other classes, Spiritborn's offensive and defensive kit helped me understand the fundamentals of this game more.
Another major addition is the Mercenary system, which allows you to recruit NPC companions to assist in your journey, which is more helpful for players who prefer the solo grind like I do.
Another major addition is the Mercenary system, which allows you to recruit NPC companions to assist in your journey, which is more helpful for players who prefer the solo grind like I do.
For those who prefer multiplayer, Diablo IV introduced the Dark Citadel dungeon, which provides a challenging, cooperative multiplayer experience for groups of 2-4 players, and combines puzzle mechanics with intense battles.
For those who prefer multiplayer, Diablo IV introduced the Dark Citadel dungeon, which provides a challenging, cooperative multiplayer experience for groups of 2-4 players, and combines puzzle mechanics with intense battles.
Admittedly, at the time of this review, I wasn't able to dabble much into the Diablo IV universe, but experiencing the expansion first-hand as a beginner was good enough to pique my curiosity towards the game itself and encourage me to pick it up after this.
Admittedly, at the time of this review, I wasn't able to dabble much into the Diablo IV universe, but experiencing the expansion first-hand as a beginner was good enough to pique my curiosity towards the game itself and encourage me to pick it up after this.
It goes without saying, however, that there are a few bugs, and occasional crashes which dampen the experience. This user also experienced a few hiccups along the way, such as having to update the game every day. But such is expected of a new offering, anyway.
It goes without saying, however, that there are a few bugs, and occasional crashes which dampen the experience. This user also experienced a few hiccups along the way, such as having to update the game every day. But such is expected of a new offering, anyway.
Still, Vessel of Hatred introduces enough fresh content to keep the Diablo community engaged for quite a while.
Still, Vessel of Hatred introduces enough fresh content to keep the Diablo community engaged for quite a while.
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