{"id":68469,"date":"2024-10-16T06:08:04","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T06:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ginx.tv\/vessel-of-hatred-review"},"modified":"2024-10-17T06:24:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T06:24:18","slug":"vessel-of-hatred-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ginx.tv\/en\/vessel-of-hatred-review","title":{"rendered":"Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Review: A Blinding Triumph"},"content":{"rendered":"

I hadn’t played Diablo 4<\/a> much since Season 4 Loot Reborn back in May, but there was a hunger in me for shiny loot drops, demon-slaying, and endgame farming. I expected that Vessel of Hatred<\/a> would satisfy these needs for at least a couple of months, but I didn’t anticipate just how triumphant Diablo 4’s first expansion would be.<\/p>\n

Fueled by the urge to dismantle the Lord of Hatred’s plans and with a renewed excitement for the iconic ARPG franchise, I picked up my Steam Deck and screamed, “Bul-Kathos Guides My Hand!” just like the barbarians from Mount Arreat did in Diablo lore.<\/p>\n

A word on story spoilers: <\/strong>Our Vessel of Hatred review does not contain any significant story spoilers, but we do discuss the end result of some side quests and unlocking endgame content.<\/em><\/pre>\n<\/p>\n
A Haunting & Foreboding Tale<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Diablo
Neyrelle isn’t doing too well…(Picture: Blizzard)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion picks up where the game’s original campaign ended and mostly ignores its five subsequent seasonal questlines. <\/p>\n
The story focuses on the player’s search for Neyrelle in the region of Nehantu, who is carrying the Soulstone, imprisoning Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred and the father of Lilith. <\/p>\n
The environmental storytelling in Nahantu, from its furthest reaches to the Kurast Bazaar city, does wonders to add atmosphere and push the story forward. In its damp, green, and lush landscapes, one might see a failed ritual site or a camp where a hunt went wrong.<\/p>\n
You’ll meet characters new and old and even encounter some iconic, creepy enemies from the Diablo 2 era. Characters from the Diablo 4 story are mentioned, but the main focus remains on Neyrelle and her mental and physical struggle against an entity that is WAY more powerful than she is. I can best describe it as a David vs. Goliath mental battle, with the fate of the world, the High Heavens, and even the Burning Hells at stake.<\/p>\n
\"Diablo
Even the in-engine cinematics can leave you in awe. (Picture: Wessel Minnie \/ Blizzard)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Every cinematic is worth watching, with intense situations and a perfect musical score to slam home the point that this is a high-stakes affair. Even the performances of some characters, with subtle changes signifying evil creeping in, are so expertly done that Vessel of Hatred’s cinematics could be shown in a cinema.<\/p>\n
The only issue I have with the story is its ending. I’m not going to spoil anything here, but it left me unsatisfied. There was this colossal setup, all the way from the base game’s story in the Fractured Peaks to the end of Vessel of Hatred, which fell flat right before the end. This might be fine for some, but this die-hard fan was left wanting. <\/p>\n
\"Diablo
Spirit Gates are your way into the Spirit Realm, where Spiritborn thrive. (Picture: Wessel Minnie \/ Blizzard)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The story should last the average player 10 to 12 hours, and if you complete all the side quests in Nahantu, you’re looking at about 20 hours of new content. Sure, you can rush through it in six hours or less, but I strongly suggest you experience the story thoroughly on your first playthrough. <\/p>\n
Friends in Need<\/strong><\/h2>\n
As one of the most exciting new gameplay features in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred, Mercenaries are new, permanent companions that help you in battle. Each of the four characters are unique, with their own personalities and interesting questlines.<\/p>\n