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Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
Item: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAction, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 8, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperBlizzard Entertainment

Overview

The first story expansion for Diablo IV.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred dazzles with emotional depth, lore-rich storytelling, and character growth but stumbles on clunky pacing, unresolved plotlines, and a mechanics-first approach, leaving it as a flawed bridge to future content rather than a standalone triumph.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred receives praise for its thematic depth and character-driven moments, with several critics highlighting its cohesion with the broader Diablo lore and its exploration of emotional and moral complexity. CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming both commend its "compelling narrative" and "engaging" elements, noting how it weaves dark themes and twists into the series’ established mythology. Generación Xbox and PC Gamer appreciate the humanization of Neyrelle and the infusion of compassion and humor, which they argue enrich the game’s traditionally grim atmosphere. Push Square and GGRecon emphasize its surprising conclusion and focus on teamwork, while Forbes and Vandal acknowledge the expansion’s elaboration of sidequests and strongholds, as well as improved writing and character development. These reviews suggest that the narrative successfully expands the world and delivers moments of emotional resonance, particularly through its portrayal of Neyrelle’s struggles and the introduction of new antagonists like Urivar. However, the expansion’s story is frequently criticized for its pacing, structure, and lack of narrative substance. But Why Tho? and GamesRadar+ point out tonal inconsistencies, with the player character’s dialogue feeling "out of place" and the plot "thin" or "lacking impact." XboxEra and GamingBolt describe the story as "needlessly quick" and "underwhelming," with contrived scenarios and a cliffhanger ending that feels unresolved. IGN and Windows Central note that the narrative leaves questions unanswered, with "unearned" pacing and a sense of being a "setup for future content." TheSixthAxis and Ragequit.gr criticize its predictability, repetition, and failure to deliver a satisfying climax, while GameSpot and Siliconera argue it prioritizes introducing new mechanics (like the new class) over advancing the main plot, resulting in an "awkward middle chapter" and "cynical, cyclical" storytelling. These critiques collectively highlight a disconnect between the expansion’s ambition and its execution, with many feeling it sacrifices depth for brevity or gameplay mechanics. Despite the mixed reception, the overall consensus among critics leans toward acknowledging Vessel of Hatred as a solid but uneven continuation of Diablo IV’s story. While some reviewers, like CGMagazine and Push Square, praise its thematic richness and character moments, others, such as IGN and TheSixthAxis, find it underwhelming or disjointed. The expansion’s focus on Neyrelle’s journey and Mephisto’s influence is seen as a strength by some, but its perceived lack of payoff and reliance on cliffhangers frustrate others. The divide reflects a tension between its narrative ambition and its practical limitations—offering a "cohesive and focused" story for some, while feeling "predictable" or "wasted" for others. Ultimately, it’s viewed as a bridge to future content rather than a standalone triumph, with its strengths in character development and lore expansion overshadowed by pacing issues and unresolved plot threads.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred shines with the innovative, customizable Spiritborn class and reworked systems, earning praise for dynamic combat, loot, and fresh content like Kurast Undercity. While critics note minor flaws—underdeveloped mechanics, class imbalances, and solo-heavy post-game—it’s a stellar expansion that revitalizes the series’ core loop, offering depth and variety for fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred for its fresh and dynamic elements, particularly the introduction of the Spiritborn class. Reviewers like CGMagazine and GamesRadar+ highlighted its unprecedented customization and diverse playstyles, noting that its spirit animal affinities and flexible abilities allow for creative build planning. Checkpoint Gaming and XboxEra emphasized the class’s versatility and specialization, with the Vigor resource system and animal-based mechanics adding depth. The expansion also received acclaim for reworked leveling systems, streamlined endgame experiences, and improved loot mechanics, as mentioned by IGN and PC Gamer. New content such as Kurast Undercity, The Dark Citadel, and Strongholds was lauded for offering engaging challenges and varied activities, while Runewords and Mercenaries were seen as meaningful additions that enhance solo and cooperative play. GameSpot and Windows Central specifically commended the fast, fluid combat and the exciting loot drops that keep the gameplay loop compelling. However, some critics pointed out notable flaws in the expansion’s gameplay. But Why Tho? noted that the Spiritborn class, while functional, lacks innovative resource management and feels familiar compared to other classes, which could diminish its uniqueness. GRYOnline.pl and TheSixthAxis criticized aspects like mercenaries and runes for feeling underdeveloped or unbalanced, with the latter mentioning the Spiritborn’s imbalance and lack of distinctiveness against other classes. The Dark Citadel was a mixed bag, with TheSixthAxis calling it frustrating due to its lack of true teamwork and KeenGamer suggesting it may not be as rewarding for farming. Additionally, PCGamesN and GamersRD pointed to imbalances in the revamped rune system and the need for further refinement in certain mechanics. While the level cap increase to 60 and seasonal events were seen as positive by Forbes, some felt the post-game content leaned too heavily on solo play, as noted by Ragequit.gr. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay of Vessel of Hatred being deemed very good. The Spiritborn class, in particular, was a standout feature, with GamesRadar+ and XboxEra celebrating its engaging combat dynamics and build variety, while Dexerto and Push Square highlighted its mobility and flashy skills. The expansion’s reworked systems—from leveling to difficulty tiers—were seen as significant improvements that enhance the player experience, even if some elements like Runewords and mercenaries required more polish. While minor issues with balance and underdeveloped mechanics were mentioned, they were outweighed by the praise for innovation, content, and depth. As IGN and PC Gamer noted, the expansion successfully revitalizes Diablo IV’s core loop, making it a strong addition to the series that caters to both newcomers and veterans.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred dazzles with lush, eerie visuals and immersive art in Nahantu, though critics call it 'forgettable' and 'repetitive.' Despite minor flaws, it's hailed as a top-tier ARPG that elevates the series' legacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics lauded the graphics and visual design of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, with particular emphasis on the new Nahantu region. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and CGMagazine praised the area’s “gorgeous” and “visually stunning” landscapes, highlighting lush jungles, ancient ruins, and eerie swamps that balance wonder and dread. GamesRadar+ and Generación Xbox noted the “ecologically diverse” environments and “detailed and dark” settings, while GamersRD and PC Gamer celebrated the top-tier ARPG visuals, including ray-tracing textures and creatively designed monsters. GLHF and Windows Central emphasized the artistic expansion of the game’s world, with Vandal calling the art direction “stunning” and “immersive.” These critiques collectively underscore a strong appreciation for the game’s visual creativity and atmospheric depth, particularly in how Nahantu diverges from the series’ traditional hellish themes while maintaining its dark, immersive tone. However, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings in the visual design. KeenGamer noted that the graphics are “similar to the base game,” with “acceptable visuals” but “forgettable” music, while XboxEra found the jungle/swamp setting “nothing too memorable” despite its striking moments. GamingBolt and Siliconera critiqued the environments as “pretty good” but lacking in layout innovation or enemy variety, and Ragequit.gr mentioned that some areas “still need improvement.” TheSixthAxis described the visuals as “atmospheric but not groundbreaking,” and TheSixthAxis and Push Square acknowledged the game’s high standards but noted that Nahantu “doesn’t feel entirely new.” These critiques suggest that while the visuals are impressive, they occasionally fall into familiar patterns or fail to fully capitalize on their potential. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred elevates the series’ visual design. The Nahantu region, in particular, is seen as a standout achievement, blending “lush” and “dangerous” environments with “stunning” artistic direction, as highlighted by Checkpoint Gaming and PCGamesN. While some reviewers noted room for improvement—such as Siliconera’s comment on enemy variety or XboxEra’s lack of memorability—the praise for the game’s immersive worlds, detailed textures, and atmospheric storytelling outweighs these concerns. As Windows Central and Vandal emphasized, Blizzard’s art direction remains a cornerstone of the game’s appeal, solidifying Vessel of Hatred as a visually impressive expansion that enhances the Diablo legacy.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred’s sound design and music dominate with immersive, atmospheric brilliance—PCGamesN, Push Square, and Vandal praise emotional depth, technical mastery, and innovation. While a few call it 'forgettable' or 'underwhelming,' these critiques are minor, as the audio solidly elevates the game’s dark, gothic world, balancing legacy and fresh horror.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, highlighting its immersive and atmospheric qualities. PCGamesN emphasized the "exceptional music" that enhances storytelling, particularly noting the "cello sting" and traditional music in Nahantu, which added depth to the game’s world. Ragequit.gr described the soundtrack as "gloomy and appropriately miserable," reinforcing the game’s oppressive tone, while Push Square called the audio design "phenomenal," especially in cooperative experiences like the Dark Citadel raid. Vandal also commended the "captivating soundtrack" and "well-implemented" sound effects, with praise for the Spanish voice acting. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to create a rich auditory experience that complements its dark, gothic setting. However, some critics noted areas where the sound design and music fell short. KeenGamer criticized the music as "forgettable," arguing it lacked the impact expected from a series with Diablo’s legacy. Windows Central echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the soundtrack and voice acting were "spectacular," the number of standout moments felt underwhelming compared to the base game. These critiques, though less frequent, pointed to a disconnect between the game’s ambitious audio direction and the expectations set by its franchise history. Despite these reservations, the majority of reviewers emphasized that the sound design and music were strong enough to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a significant strength of Vessel of Hatred. While a few voices expressed disappointment with the music’s memorability or originality, the majority celebrated its atmospheric depth, technical quality, and contribution to the game’s immersive world. PCGamesN, Push Square, and Vandal’s praise for the soundtrack’s emotional resonance and innovation contrasted with the more critical takes, but the latter were clearly in the minority. This suggests that while the expansion’s audio elements may not fully redefine the series’ sonic identity, they successfully elevate the gameplay and storytelling, aligning with the expectations of fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred shines on Xbox Series X with flawless 4K/60 FPS performance, but PC users face stability hiccups, quest bugs, and mixed optimization—though DLSS 3 offers a boost. While technically strong, it’s a polished gem on consoles and a work-in-progress on PC.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred has received mixed feedback regarding its technical performance across different platforms. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox praised the game for its spectacular performance, noting it runs at 4K and 60 FPS without crashes or issues, which highlights the console's strong hardware capabilities. Meanwhile, Windows Central reported that the game is well-optimized on PC, running smoothly across a range of devices and delivering impressive graphical fidelity and performance. GamersRD also noted that the PC version performs well, with no FPS drops and DLSS 3 offering a significant boost, although some adjustments are required for optimal stability. These positive assessments suggest that the game is technically solid on both high-end and mid-range systems, particularly when leveraging advanced features like DLSS 3. However, several critics pointed out technical issues that detract from the experience. IGN, for instance, reported stability problems on both Xbox Series X and PC, including crashes, quest bugs, and NPCs multiplying, which can disrupt gameplay and immersion. GRYOnline.pl also highlighted optimization issues and technical bugs on PC, indicating that while the game is visually impressive, it may not be fully polished. These negative reports suggest that, despite the game's potential, there are still underlying technical challenges that need to be addressed, especially on PC where performance can vary more based on hardware and settings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred has strong technical performance on the Xbox Series X, with Generación Xbox and Windows Central offering positive feedback, while PC users have encountered more varied results. IGN and GRYOnline.pl raised concerns about stability and optimization on PC, but GamersRD noted that DLSS 3 can help mitigate some of these issues. While the game shows promise, especially on Xbox, the presence of bugs and optimization problems on PC indicates that there is room for improvement. The mixed reviews suggest that while the technical foundation is solid, the experience may not be fully refined for all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred crushes replayability with Mercenary customization, Spiritborn flexibility, and deep endgame content, but its repetitive gameplay, loot limitations, and MMO-like structure risk alienating purists. While fresh mechanics and seasonal variety keep players engaged, balancing hiccups and underwhelming late-game rewards spark debate over its long-term appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The expansion Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred receives widespread praise for its robust replay value, driven by an array of new features and content. Critics like But Why Tho? highlight the Mercenary system, which allows solo players to customize NPCs for co-op-like experiences, while CGMagazine and GamesRadar+ emphasize the inclusion of side quests, timed challenges, Runewords, and dungeons such as the Dark Citadel and Kurast Undercity, which add strategic depth and variety. Checkpoint Gaming and Forbes commend the Spiritborn class for enabling diverse playstyles and experimentation, with GGRecon and PCGamesN noting that mechanics like mercenaries and progression systems cater to both solo and cooperative players. The expansion’s focus on endgame buildcrafting, gear customization, and seasonal content—such as the Hatred Rising season introduced by GLHF—creates opportunities for long-term engagement, encouraging players to revisit characters and explore new optimization strategies. XboxEra and Siliconera also praise the addition of unique and legendary loot mechanics, which break up the monotony of late-game grinding and provide fresh incentives for repeated play. However, several critics voice concerns about potential drawbacks that could limit replayability. Windows Central questions the value proposition due to the episodic story structure and repetitive gameplay elements, while TheSixthAxis notes that the loot system may fail to deliver meaningful upgrades beyond level 60, reducing motivation to grind. KeenGamer points out that some activities feel less rewarding, and GamersRD suggests that certain aspects might become forgettable over time. PlayStation Universe raises issues with Party Finder limitations and balancing problems affecting the new Spiritborn class, which could hinder cooperative experiences. Additionally, GRYOnline.pl expresses worries about the series trending toward an MMO-like structure, potentially alienating fans of its traditional dungeon-crawling roots. These critiques highlight that while the expansion adds depth, its execution in areas like progression fairness and content longevity remains a point of contention. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward positive assessments of Vessel of Hatred’s replay value, with many praising its expansion of endgame mechanics and player customization options. IGN and PC Gamer both emphasize streamlined leveling and buildcrafting as key factors in long-term engagement, while Push Square and Dexerto acknowledge the new Spiritborn class and cooperative elements as compelling reasons to return. Despite the criticisms about repetition, balancing, and the shift toward MMO-like systems, the majority agree that the expansion significantly enhances Diablo IV’s longevity through its diverse features and content. While some reviewers caution that specific aspects may not fully satisfy all players, the collective sentiment underscores that Vessel of Hatred successfully broadens the game’s appeal and offers substantial incentives for revisiting its world, ensuring it remains a strong contender for fans seeking extended gameplay.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict for Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting its significant enhancements to the base game. Multiple reviewers, including CGMagazine and GamesRadar+, praise the expansion for its "stunning visuals," "addictive gameplay," and "wealth of content," calling it one of Blizzard’s best expansions in a decade. The introduction of the Spiritborn class, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Dexerto, is a standout feature, offering fresh mechanics and engaging endgame activities that appeal to both new and existing players. But Why Tho? and Generación Xbox emphasize the new region and core system tweaks as revitalizing the experience, while GLHF on Sports Illustrated commends the balanced systems that cater to casual and hardcore audiences alike. PCGamesN even argues that the expansion surpasses the base game, blending elements from previous Diablo titles with innovative features like Runewords, creating a "complete Diablo experience" that excites fans for the series’ future. These positives collectively paint a picture of an expansion that successfully modernizes and enriches the Diablo formula. However, several critics point to notable flaws that temper the enthusiasm. The story, while "effective" according to Forbes, is frequently criticized for being "lackluster" (GameSpot), "underwhelming" (GamingBolt), or "disappointing" (Ragequit.gr and XboxEra). TheSixthAxis and Windows Central note pacing issues, with some feeling the narrative feels like a "setup for future content" rather than a self-contained experience. Balancing concerns also arise, particularly with the Spiritborn class, as PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis mention potential imbalances that could affect long-term enjoyment. KeenGamer and XboxEra point to underwhelming activities or technical hiccups, while Siliconera critiques the "heavy-handed narrative" and GamingBolt suggests the expansion might feel "disappointing for its price" to casual players. These criticisms, though varied, consistently highlight the gap between the expansion’s gameplay innovations and its narrative execution. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus among critics is that Vessel of Hatred is a worthwhile addition for Diablo fans, with its strengths outweighing its flaws. IGN and GamersRD acknowledge the "quality of life improvements" and "fantastic new character class" as major draws, while Push Square and Dexerto praise its "compelling story" and "immersive sound design" as reasons to revisit the game. But Why Tho? and GGRecon frame it as a "must-purchase" for series enthusiasts, even if the story isn’t revolutionary. While XboxEra and TheSixthAxis note the expansion’s uneven pacing and balance issues, many see it as a step forward for the franchise, with PCGamesN and Generación Xbox expressing optimism about its long-term potential. The mixed reception underscores a general agreement that Vessel of Hatred is a strong, if imperfect, expansion that solidifies Diablo IV as a dynamic and evolving title.

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred dazzles with the addictive Spiritborn class, stunning visuals, and rich content, but its underwhelming story, pacing issues, and balance hiccups let down an otherwise stellar expansion—worth it for fans, but not without flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

115 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2024