Highlights
Diablo 4's loot and itemization issues can be improved with player feedback and Blizzard's intervention, giving hope that common problems will be addressed soon.
Diablo 4 lacks extensive character customization compared to other live-service games, resulting in a missed chance to enhance the overall immersion. The demanding resource requirements make it improbable for Diablo 4 to modify its character models and customization choices, but there is optimism for future iterations of the franchise to address this issue. Including body type options would have greatly enhanced the character customization in Diablo 4.
Diablo 4's popularity has fluctuated since its initial release, leaving room for Blizzard to improve the game through future updates, seasons, and expansions. While the issues with loot and itemization can be resolved with player feedback and developer intervention, it is unfortunate that the game did not launch in an optimal state. However, it is likely that the common problems will be addressed sooner rather than later. On the other hand, Diablo 4's character customization may remain unchanged for years to come.
Character customization in Diablo 4 presents a challenge because Blizzard has struggled to find the right balance. After facing criticism for microtransactions in Diablo Immortal, which leaned toward pay-to-win mechanics, Diablo 4's customization system still has its flaws. The main issue lies in the high cost of cosmetic items compared to other live-service games like Fortnite or Destiny 2, which offer more affordable options. Additionally, Blizzard missed a significant opportunity by limiting these cosmetics, including those from future battle passes, to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Diablo 4's Character Models Needed Body Types as Customization Options
Diablo 4 offers the classic ARPG experience with five different classes, each equipped with unique skills and talents. Players are given the freedom to customize their character's gender, hair, facial hair, jewelry, body tattoos, and marks, ensuring a distinct appearance for each individual.
While this customization feature is a step forward, Diablo 4 could have taken it even further to enhance the player's immersion. Other RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 provide a more extensive range of customization options, including the choice of body types. In contrast, Diablo 4 restricts character models solely based on the selected gender, which may limit the potential for armor sets and cosmetic customization.
To truly elevate the player's experience, the game would benefit from expanding its customization options and prioritizing a more immersive approach.
Players are more inclined to engage with customization options when they have control over the appearance of their character. Baldur's Gate 3 excels in this aspect, as evidenced by the fact that some players devoted hours to perfecting their avatars. The level of customization in Baldur's Gate 3 differs significantly from that of Diablo 4 and even Path of Exile 2, which is highly praised, will likely have predetermined character models with no customization options upon release.
Although Diablo 4 could have been an exception to the lack of character customization in action RPGs, its character models remain one-dimensional. This is unlikely to change in the future, as Blizzard would need to overhaul all existing in-game armor sets and cosmetics to accommodate a wider range of body types, which would be resource-intensive. However, Blizzard has stated that Diablo 4's successor will be developed in less time, suggesting that the possibility of expanded character customization is not entirely off the table for the franchise as a whole.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.