Diablo Immortal is currently being ripped apart by critics. But MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus enjoys it. Moreover: he wishes that Diablo 4 takes the mobile game as a model and is sure that it is a good idea.
I often represent opinions that you don’t like. I already thought Fallout 76 was great when everyone was ripping it apart. And I was right. Fallout 76 has proven to be a solid game, with years of support and thousands of players as a fan base.
I also enjoy Diablo Immortal, even though, or maybe because I can’t play 8 hours a day.
The game does many things right, even though the biggest criticism from my point of view is also justified. The gameplay and content of Diablo Immortal are simply well done and it is, from a gameplay perspective, everything I hoped for.
When Diablo 4 was unexpectedly announced at the Xbox Showcase with new trailers including beta test, I immediately thought of Immortal with many pictures. The images are the first gameplay since the mobile game was released.
Much can be compared and I think: that is a good thing. Even if important sites like Maxroll turn away from Immortal, I now hold the opinion: If Diablo 4 is like Diablo Immortal, then it will be the best Diablo yet.
For the record, here is the latest gameplay of Diablo 4:
Immortal is the Diablo MMO that everyone wanted
Anyone who plays Diablo Immortal and does not just blindly parrot the criticism from YouTubers and streamers sees exactly what everyone has been demanding for years in the mobile MMO. You can play Diablo, but with thousands of players at the same time.
- Immortal features an open world with events and bosses that you tackle with other players
- PvP is an interesting change, even though balancing is still lacking here
- real Raid bosses in the Reliquary of Hell present a significant challenge for groups
- Dungeons are not just randomly designed, but repeatable content with various difficulties
The only drawback is the legendary gems. They are the big pay-to-win factor of Diablo Immortal. While you can get legendary gems for free, it takes forever. You can see more about this in the video:
Aside from these, the grind in Immortal is really well done. There are enough rewards that you can still get as a casual before reaching the loot limits.
If you don’t play like an absolute maniac all day, you won’t burn out after just four weeks.
There are even comparisons to Diablo 2, which is considered the pinnacle by hardcore fans of the series. However, some players agree: Diablo Immortal is better than Diablo 2 in some respects. And that is exactly what Diablo 4 should build on.
What Diablo 4 should definitely not adopt is the monetization. The ability to become much stronger for sometimes absurd prices is something I, as a defender of Diablo Immortal, condemn. In the podcast, Leya and Schuhmann explain more about it:
Diablo 4 can already learn from Diablo Immortal
From the information currently available, some content in Immortal is even more MMO-like than what Diablo 4 will strive for. Specifically, the dungeons are meant here.
Diablo Immortal features several real instances, which are always structured the same way with the same bosses and a fixed loot table. Certain set pieces can be found in specific dungeons – as in an MMORPG.
Diablo 4 seems to be taking a step back here. They want to have 150 dungeons, which is absolute nonsense. Sure, there are 150 dungeon entrances, but very likely behind them are procedurally generated dungeons with specific themes.
Maybe the game will surprise me, but real dungeons like in Immortal are simply an enrichment for Diablo. It would be even better if both came, in the form of random rifts and fixed dungeons.
The classes of Diablo 4 look very beautiful by the way. Recently, the necromancer was introduced, the last release class:
The campaign length of Diablo 4 already looks pretty good. One of the few points that might even be better here. I would still wish for features like the class switch from Immortal, just so I don’t have to grind the campaign multiple times.
What we already know about the upcoming game can be found in our hub for Diablo 4 with classes, release and beta.
Player interaction without pay-to-win can only be good
Diablo 4 should promote player interaction in the same way that Immortal does. Many contents require groups, sometimes even entire clans. Each week it’s about who dominates the server, and guilds need to work together for that.
With the factions of Immortal, there is a dynamic system through which players are supposed to play together. The grind will also later require groups
I see Diablo Immortal as a kind of beta for Diablo 4. MMO features currently playable in Immortal are to be tested and perfected. If they are then as wanted, they will come into Diablo 4.
Of course, I’m not blind and see that the pain threshold for monetization with Immortal is apparently being redefined. Diablo 4 also has a cash shop, but there shouldn’t be any equipment or similar items for sale.
I don’t want Diablo 4 to be exactly like Diablo Immortal. Otherwise, I could just keep playing that. But if the pay-to-win factor is removed, and no one can simply “buy strength” – then all other features can be happily adopted.
A few things still need polishing, but Diablo 4 is not set to release until 2023. Enough time to test with Immortal what still needs to be refined. And now please: tear me apart in the comments! Or mock like other players about unsuccessful whales:
Diablo Immortal: Players mock whale who spent over 32,000 euros and still fails
