Blizzard released Diablo 4 screenshots in 4k following the game’s stunning debut at BlizzCon 2019, demonstrating a significant shift in aesthetic and in-game visuals that hearkens back to Diablo 2, the title that so obviously serves as a major inspiration for the next instalment in the franchise. Diablo 4 was one of the biggest announcements coming out of BlizzCon 2019, although a report surfaced weeks before the actual event that confirmed the existence of the project alongside Overwatch 2.
That didn’t dull fan response to the reveal, however, which featured a lengthy cinematic that served to reintroduce what appears to be the main antagonistic force in the Diablo 4 story - Lilith. Lilith is a fan-favorite enemy from Diablo 2, and her powers, demeanor, and the narrative surrounding her all lend themselves more to a dark, grisly, and visceral gameplay experience. While Diablo 3 got better with time - and fans were disappointed the second Diablo 3 expansion never happened - it was often criticized for being too bright and cartoony in places, straying too far away from what fans expected and loved about the franchise. With the new Diablo 4 BlizzCon trailer and the resurrection of a villain from the darkest game in the series, it appears Blizzard is addressing those complaints in full.
Just because Diablo 4 is going to be incredibly grim and bleak doesn’t mean it won’t look good doing it, however. That seems to be the philosophy behind Blizzard releasing Diablo 4 screenshots in 4k resolution, showcasing both gameplay and character rendering. While the scenes aren’t exactly going to inspire joy in those looking for a cheery take on hell and demons, they’re also beautiful representations of a game that looks like it will help assuage fears that Diablo Immortal will be a turning point in the franchise it can’t come back from. Here’s a look at some of the most eye-popping Diablo 4 screenshots Blizzard made available:
Fans will note that, even in stills, Diablo 4’s gameplay looks a shade more dynamic than it was in Diablo 3. Character positioning and the environment at large look like they’ll both play larger roles in the experience moving forward, and the trailer hinted at that too, with scaleable walls in the environment and mounts to ride. It also looks the the world of Diablo 4 will be a diverse one, judging by the different locations already on display in the Diablo 4 screenshot dump:
While the Diablo 4 screenshots look promising, however, it’s important to note that Blizzard has yet to provide a release date or even a window in which to expect the game. That likely means it’s pretty early in development and was present at BlizzCon 2019 to help improve the company’s public image after the Blizzard Hong Kong controversy that rocked consumer’s faith in the company. Diablo 4 screenshots won’t fix everything - and a very middling BlizzCon apology likely worsened matters - but for those looking for signs of life from a company known chiefly for its excellent games, the Diablo 4 screenshots provide some hope that the future will remain a positive one for Blizzard and its many fans all over the world.
Next: Blizzard Already Has A Diablo 4 Build Worth Showing
Diablo 4 currently has no release date.
Source: Blizzard
