Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred - is the add-on worth it?

The "Vessel of Hatred" add-on for Diablo 4 is a "make it or break it" moment for the series. The question is whether Blizzard's hack-and-slash role-playing game can win back the hearts of its fans, or whether the criticisms of recent times weigh too heavily.

Vessel of Hatred actually manages to introduce an exciting new class and some remarkable features. Unfortunately, this doesn't solve all the problems and raises some questions for the future of the series. Will Diabolo 4 move further away from its roots as a solo game? In this review, we'll look at the strengths and weaknesses of Vessel of Hatred and take a look at the gameplay, story and overall experience.

The development of Diablo 4: A step forward with stumbling blocks

Vessel of Hatred actually manages to bring the franchise forward again with some innovations. However, not all that glitters is gold and, as almost expected, there are some points of criticism.

On the whole, the add-on is fun and can provide plenty of entertainment. However, this positive experience is marred time and again. It seems that for every positive point, there is unfortunately also something negative. Whether it's artistic choices or mechanical improvements, Vessel of Hatred is exciting and frustrating in equal measure. But let's take a closer look.

Captivating gameplay with minor setbacks

The core gameplay of Vessel of Hatred builds on the strong foundation of Diabolo 4 and will therefore appeal to most fans. There are still dynamic battles that are just as satisfying as Diabolo fans have come to expect. One major innovation is the introduction of a new class.

The Spiritborn come with a very flexible and complex build system where creativity pays off. It also enables fast movement over long distances. As a result, the new class provides a new gaming experience, as it offers a wide range of possible builds and adds more depth to battles. One Reddit player even says that he is having more fun with the game than ever before.

And here we unfortunately come to the first "but". Because the positive experience is marred by some technical problems. The optimisation is not yet as well-developed as in the base game, there are frequent bugs and glitches, or even missing scripts. These errors disrupt the gaming experience and leave a bland aftertaste. The game does not become unplayable, but they still have a significant impact on the overall experience.

The story: A dark jungle adventure

The storyline of Vessel of Hatred takes players to the jungle region of Nahantu. It is a continuation of the story of Neirela, a character from the basic game who stole Mephisto's soul stone.

The jungle landscape offers a very lively setting, and the story of the expansion begins with an idyllic, fairytale-like tone to match. For Diabolo fans, this is certainly an unusual sight at first. While the atmosphere is light-hearted, the dark themes of the game form a stark contrast. The stark difference makes them stand out even more and can delight Diabolo fans.

Missed opportunities in the narrative

The villain Urivar is a missed opportunity for a perfect antagonist, making for a major disappointment in terms of story. Urivar's subplot involving the radicalisation of the Church of Light could have added an extra layer of moral complexity and human darkness to the campaign.

However, instead of going into this more, he only appears in a few missions. Then his storyline is suddenly resolved, leaving the player with the feeling that his story was never fully told.

Nevertheless, there are some well thought-out quests and thematic contrasts in the campaign that are fun to play. In the main story, the themes of co-operation and trust are juxtaposed with isolation and hatred. This is achieved, for example, through companions and mercenaries who join the player and thus create moments in which teamwork is emphasised - which is rather atypical for Diabolo, as it is originally a solo game.

The good, the bad and the brutal cliffhanger

The cliffhanger: frustrating yet exciting

At the end of Vessel of Hatred, a big cliffhanger awaits players, which is both annoying and exciting at the same time. On the one hand, it leaves players wanting more and eagerly awaiting the final resolution.

On the other hand, the lack of resolution is frustrating, especially because you get the feeling that the story arc is only just getting going. Certainly this final twist will cause some debate amongst players as it is quite controversial and quite bold. It is full of religious and nihilistic undertones that can fuel discussion.

So fans will have to wait again to find out how Mephisto's story ends and how hatred and betrayal will play out. For some, the cliffhanger will certainly trigger a lot of anticipation for the next add-on, which was certainly the plan. However, it is also understandable that some players are frustrated at having to wait for the story to be resolved, as it felt like the story was only just getting going.

Mephisto: A villain who steals the show

The portrayal of Mephisto is the only aspect of the expansion that manages to completely win me over.

Every scene in which he appears is captivating, as he embodies charm and horror in equal measure. He is manipulative, grotesque and charismatic - qualities that make him one of the most memorable antagonists in recent Diablo history. His presence adds tension and drama to the story and keeps players on the edge of their seats whenever he appears.

Content and features: Worthwhile additions

Improved loot and complex character development

One of the biggest improvements in Vessel of Hatred is the revised loot system. Blizzard has adjusted the drop rates at which equipment is distributed. The result is convincing, as you now have the feeling that you have earned the rewards sooner.

Unnecessary "sacred" ranks have been removed from items, making it easier to progress. In addition, the character development system has been deepened by adding runes and mercenaries. This gives players more opportunities to create powerful builds.

These mechanisms are reminiscent of online casinos. After all, you never know what parameters an item will drop with. This gives players a sense of anticipation and excitement as they search for the best equipment. If that's not enough excitement and adrenaline for you, you can immerse yourself in the world of gambling and read the many reviews casino sites in Austria, where you can find expert opinions from professionals about gambling sites.

Whether you want to wreak havoc with relentless melee attacks, summon devastating spells from afar or weave a mixture of both, there's a build to suit your desires.

Black Citadel: A questionable raid direction

Another exciting endgame activity has been added to the game with the Black Citadel dungeon. The raid feels well thought out and is definitely challenging.

Nevertheless, not everyone will like this addition, especially die-hard Diabolo fans may be displeased. After all, to be successful, you need teamwork and that doesn't quite fit in with Diabolo, which is actually designed for solo play.

If this were an exception, it would certainly not be a problem for most fans, but the question arises as to what direction the developers will take with Diabolo in the future. And this is where the fear arises among many that it will go in the direction of an MMO. GamePro says of the Black Citadel:

'But be prepared to coordinate well with other players* in order to complete the three wings. You won't get far without voice chat.

A strong addition with room for improvement

All in all, Vessel of Hatred is a solid addition and offers Diabolo fans a few reasons to return to the franchise.

The combat is dynamic, there's a compelling new class and the antagonist makes for an exciting story that offers plenty of reasons to return to Diablo 4. On the other hand, the problems with optimisation, underdeveloped features and the unfinished storyline mean that some fans will stay away from the add-on for the time being.

Pros:

• True to the Diabolo formula, there are dynamic and captivating battles
• The Spiritborn class offers a variety of options for building up
• Mephisto is an outstanding villain who adds depth to the story
• Improved loot system and rewarding endgame progression

Cons:

• Technical issues, including bugs and glitches
• Some narrative elements feel underdeveloped, especially the villain Urivar
• The Dark Citadel raid pushes Diablo 4 in the direction of an MMO
• The story leaves too much open and ends with a frustrating cliffhanger

For fans of the series, Vessel of Hatred is a worthwhile game, but it's clear that Blizzard still has some work to do before Diablo 4 can realise its full potential.