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Diablo III: Reaper of Souls

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
Item: Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 25, 2014

PlatformPC

DeveloperBlizzard Entertainment

Overview

Diablo III is an action role-playing game that takes place throughout the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary. You play a hero who engages in fast-paced combat that tests your reflexes and rewards tactical decisions. As you slay hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, you grow in experience and ability, learning new skills and acquiring items of incredible power.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. ActionTrip praises the introduction of the new antagonist, Malthael, and commends the storytelling through scrolls and diaries. AusGamers appreciates the addition of Malthael as a menacing threat in the Diablo III universe. Eurogamer Germany finds the gameplay improvements and new features compelling for fans of the series. Additionally, MMORPG.com and DarkZero mention that the engaging storyline involving Malthael adds depth to the Diablo lore and creates a dark and immersive narrative experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative sentiments towards the story of Reaper of Souls. Cheat Code Central criticizes the story for feeling incomplete and providing an unsatisfying conclusion. Game Informer describes the plot as hackneyed and uninteresting, while GameFront criticizes it for being generic with a predictable twist at the end. PC Gamer notes that the villain, Malthael, leaves a weak impression and lacks the unexpected deaths and shifting allegiances that added depth to the original Diablo III storyline. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. While some reviewers appreciate the introduction of Malthael and the dark, gothic setting of the narrative, others find the storytelling lacking in depth and originality. Despite the varying opinions, it is evident that the expansion succeeds in expanding the lore of the Diablo universe and providing an engaging backdrop for the action-packed gameplay. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and MMORPG.com find the storyline satisfying for fans of the series, while others like Game Informer and PC Gamer feel that it falls short in delivering a truly compelling and memorable narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. Some praise the introduction of the new villain Malthael and the dark atmosphere, while others find the storytelling lacking depth and originality. Overall, opinions vary on whether the expansion successfully expands the lore and enhances the gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls for its significant improvements and additions. Positive aspects highlighted by critics include the introduction of Adventure Mode, which allows for more freedom in exploration and completing tasks, as noted by GameTrailers and Gaming Nexus. The addition of the Crusader class was also well-received, offering a new playstyle and enhancing the overall gameplay experience, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and Game Revolution. The revamped Loot 2.0 system, as commended by NZGamer and Eurogamer Portugal, provided more frequent and better loot drops, adding to the enjoyment of the game. On the downside, some critics found the gameplay to be repetitive and similar to the original Diablo III, with quests involving familiar patterns of going to a location, killing enemies, and talking to NPCs, as pointed out by Cheat Code Central. Additionally, while the core gameplay remained largely unchanged, the improvements brought by the new Crusader class were appreciated, but not enough to completely overhaul the gameplay experience, according to God is a Geek. The removal of the Auction House was seen as a positive change by many critics, but it also meant that the focus shifted more towards monster slaying and looting, which might not appeal to all players, as highlighted by Eurogamer Germany. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The game was praised for its engaging and addictive combat, the variety of new features introduced such as Adventure Mode, Nephalem Rifts, and the Crusader class, and the improvements in the loot system and difficulty levels. Critics like Game Informer and GamesRadar++ found the gameplay to be polished and rewarding, offering a compelling experience for both solo and group play. Despite some criticisms about repetition and similarities to the base game, the majority of critics recognized the significant enhancements and regarded the gameplay as very good, making Reaper of Souls a highly recommended expansion for fans of the Diablo series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics loved Diablo III: Reaper of Souls for its improved gameplay features like Adventure Mode and the Crusader class, along with the enhanced Loot 2.0 system. While some found the gameplay repetitive, overall, critics praised the engaging combat, new features, and polished experience, making it a must-play for Diablo fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics unanimously praise the Graphics and Visual Design of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls for its detailed environments, atmospheric lighting, and dark gothic tones. AusGamers commends the burning and gothic setting of Westmarch as a visual feast with fantastically realized locations. COGconnected highlights the reminiscent dark gothic tones of Act Five and the overwhelming sense of awe during large fights. Game Revolution finds Act V to be the most visually impressive and entertaining with distinct and detailed environments. Impulsegamer notes that the game looks graphically superior to its predecessor, boasting great graphics and streamlined menus. On the downside, some critics express mixed opinions about certain aspects of the Graphics and Visual Design of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. Destructoid mentions that while Act V has its own signature artstyle and charms, the boss fights could have been better. Eurogamer Germany points out that while new areas like Westmarch and the Pesttunnel dungeon are visually appealing, other locations lack fresh ideas. GameSpot notes the lack of life and color in the locations of Act Five, despite praising the grim and beautiful visuals in certain moments. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The game is lauded for its detailed environments, dark atmospheric art style, and diverse locations that offer a refreshing experience for players. Critics like Gameplanet, MMORPG.com, and The Digital Fix appreciate how the visual enhancements contribute to a more immersive gaming experience, while Eurogamer Portugal and NowGamer highlight the introduction of new monsters and bosses in the expansion. Despite some minor criticisms regarding boss fights and lack of fresh ideas in certain areas, the majority of critics agree that the game excels in delivering a visually stunning and engaging experience for fans of the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Diablo III: Reaper of Souls' stunning graphics and visual design, praising its detailed environments, dark gothic tones, and immersive atmosphere. While some critics have minor gripes about certain aspects like boss fights and lack of originality in some locations, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the game is hailed for its visually impressive enhancements that enhance the overall gaming experience, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, highlighting various positive aspects. AusGamers commended the game for featuring a great musical score that enhanced the atmospheric experience. Eurogamer and Vandal both emphasized the electrifying and powerful orchestral soundtrack that heightened the intensity and immersion in the gameplay. Gameplanet specifically lauded the outstanding collection of choral arrangements and hauntingly beautiful compositions, showcasing the violin in the score. MMORPG.com and Machinima appreciated how the music complemented the dark and gothic visuals, effectively immersing players in the world of Westmarch and the battles against the undead. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. PCGamesN pointed out that the male voice actor for the Crusader class did not fit the role and could come across as condescending. However, this critique was more focused on the voice acting rather than the overall sound design or music of the game. It is worth noting that this was a singular negative comment amidst a sea of praise for the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. USgamer highlighted the excellent soundtrack, comparing it to the best songs in Lord of the Rings and emphasizing its contribution to the epic quality of the game. COGconnected praised the strong soundtrack that supported the dark gothic tones of the game, further solidifying the positive reception. The general sentiment is that the music and sound design effectively enhanced the gameplay experience, immersing players in the dark and atmospheric world of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The standout orchestral score, choral arrangements, and immersive soundscapes were widely appreciated, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game for both critics and players alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Diablo III: Reaper of Souls' epic sound design and music, with praise for its atmospheric score, electrifying orchestral soundtrack, and haunting choral arrangements that immerse players in the dark world of Westmarch. While a few critics noted issues with voice acting, overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, likening the music to Lord of the Rings and highlighting its contribution to the game's epic quality. The standout orchestral score, choral arrangements, and immersive soundscapes elevate the gameplay experience, receiving high acclaim from both critics and players.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for the PC platform, multiple critics highlighted the stable technical performance of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. COGconnected noted the smooth launch of the expansion with no hitches, while Gaming Age mentioned the absence of server issues both during and after the launch. Gameplanet specifically praised the introduction of local servers in Sydney, which improved latency for players in that region. Vandal also pointed out improved performance with optimized graphics, leading to smoother gameplay experience. On the negative side for the PC platform, GamingTrend raised concerns about the always-on DRM, suggesting potential issues with technical performance or stability. God is a Geek echoed this sentiment by mentioning server issues due to DOS attacks, indicating ongoing challenges related to the always-online component of the game. Critical Hit experienced some issues with Battle.net, although they mentioned that the overall technical performance seemed stable. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive outlook on the technical performance of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls across all gaming platforms. The majority of reviewers highlighted the improvements made since the initial launch of Diablo III, with Merlin'in Kazanı specifically noting Blizzard's continuous efforts to enhance and fix the game over time. While there were some concerns raised by a few critics regarding the always-online requirement and potential server issues, the general sentiment suggests that the technical performance of the game, especially on PC, has seen significant enhancements and stability since its troubled launch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Diablo III: Reaper of Souls on PC for stable technical performance, smooth launch, absence of server issues, and optimized graphics leading to smoother gameplay. However, concerns were raised about the always-on DRM and potential server issues due to DOS attacks. Overall, reviewers have a positive outlook on the game's technical performance, with improvements noted since its initial launch.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its longevity and engagement. Positive aspects include the introduction of new content such as Adventure Mode, Nephalem Rifts, and the Paragon system, which provide players with diverse activities and incentives to keep playing. Critics like Eurogamer Portugal and Game Informer appreciated the dynamic gameplay offered by bounties, rifts, and Adventure mode, ensuring that players always have rewarding experiences regardless of their level. Additionally, the ability to experiment with different character builds, loot systems, and difficulty settings, as noted by COGconnected and Gameplanet, adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience, keeping players invested in the long run. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that may impact the replay value for certain players. Cheat Code Central mentioned that the new additions like Adventure Mode and Nephalem Rifts may primarily appeal to those who enjoy the loot grind, potentially limiting the appeal for players seeking different types of gameplay experiences. NZGamer highlighted unbalanced difficulty spikes in Nephilim Rift dungeons, which could lead to frustration and hinder the overall replayability for some individuals. Additionally, Eurogamer warned that excessive playtime might result in a shallow experience, indicating that prolonged engagement with the game could potentially diminish its appeal over time for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The majority of reviewers, including AusGamers, DarkZero, and GameTrailers, commended the game for offering extensive replayability through a combination of new content, diverse gameplay mechanics, and incentives for continued engagement. By introducing features like Adventure Mode, Nephalem Rifts, and the Paragon system, the game caters to both new and experienced players, providing a wealth of content to explore and enjoy. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Diablo III: Reaper of Souls excels in delivering a highly replayable and engaging experience that keeps players hooked for hours on end.

TL;DR

replay value

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls impresses critics with its extensive replay value, offering diverse gameplay mechanics and incentives for continued engagement. While some critics mention potential drawbacks like unbalanced difficulty spikes, the majority applaud the game for its dynamic gameplay, character customization options, and overall longevity. With features like Adventure Mode and Nephalem Rifts, the game caters to a wide range of players, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Diablo III: Reaper of Souls for its significant improvements over the base game and its ability to revitalize the Diablo III experience. Many critics highlighted the engaging gameplay, rewarding loot system, and new content additions such as the Crusader class and Adventure Mode. Eurogamer Portugal commended the expansion for focusing on gameplay, removing the Auction House, and introducing new content that enhanced the overall experience. Game Revolution found the game hugely fun and worth diving into, even for newcomers to the series. The Digital Fix encouraged players who were initially put off by mixed reviews to revisit the game, emphasizing the enhancements and new class provided by the expansion. On the other hand, some critics pointed out shortcomings in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. Cheat Code Central mentioned that the game didn't revolutionize the Diablo experience and filled a niche that may not have needed filling anymore. GameFront noted that while the changes to the loot system and introduction of events were positive, the generic story and lack of innovation might not be enough to entice players who had previously given up on the game. Gaming Nexus found the short campaign forgettable, and they believed Adventure Mode should have been included from the start, indicating missed opportunities in the initial release of the expansion. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The expansion was widely praised for addressing previous criticisms, enhancing gameplay, and providing a satisfying experience for both fans of the series and newcomers. Eurogamer Spain successfully balanced original ideas with community feedback, resulting in a satisfying addition to the Diablo franchise. DarkStation highly recommended Reaper of Souls as a mandatory part of the Diablo III experience, emphasizing its significant improvements and the game it should have been at launch. The general sentiment is that the expansion breathed new life into the game, making it a must-play for hack 'n' slash fans and fans of the series alike.

TL;DR

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls hailed as a game-changer by critics for its thrilling gameplay, revamped loot system, and engaging new content like the Crusader class. While some critics noted minor flaws, the expansion breathes new life into the Diablo experience, earning praise for its enhancements and overall satisfaction. A must-play for fans and newcomers alike, it's a game that successfully revitalizes the franchise.

MONSTER

Reviews

104 reviews found

100

DarkStation

Apr 16, 2014