Look, I’ll admit it. I’m a PC gamer through and through. Clicky keyboards, high refresh rate is my jam. But lately, a weird itch started growing in me with the news of Diablo IV crawling its way to console. Could the button-meshing goodness of Diablo translate from the precision of a handy mouse to the comfort of a sofa? I decided to discuss the potential of Diablo IV on consoles.
Control Scheme from Clicks to Sticks
The first hurdle, of course, is the control scheme. Aim-and-click aiming with a mouse in Diablo 4 is second nature. It is how we dodged demons and telegraphed attacks for years. I’m assuming a twin-stick setup like Gauntlet or isometric action RPGs we’ve seen. Left stick for the movement and right stick for aiming and attacks. But here’s where it gets interesting. Diablo is all about revealing a torrent of abilities. Imagine tapping on a button to cycle through your core skills, with a dedicated button for potions. Gotta stays alive for those sweet D4 Gold drops, amirite? And another for those ultimate abilities.
The UI/UX Makeover
Let’s be honest, PC players like me have been spoiled with sprawling inventory screens and gear comparisons. But that kind of real estate just isn’t feasible on a console. Think Diablo 3 console version – a radial menu for potions and frequently used items seems like a good starting point. For the main inventory, a grid-based system with sorting options by rarity, set bonuses the ever-important Duriel Mats for crafting is must. A streamlined inventory might just force console players to make tougher choices.
Diablo Social Experiments
One of the things that always drew me to Diablo 4 was the social aspect. The skulls with a buddy in co-operation is pure unadulterated fun, isn’t it? I feel this is something copied perfectly to Diablo IV console. Imagine holding back on your favorite sofa in your cozy room with your hommie laying waste to hordes of demons. Split-screen co-operation is a no-brainer. The possibilities for this co-op sessions with buddies are endless.
Keeping Console Cowboys Hooked
Diehard PC gamers like me scoff at the idea of difficulty levels but for console newcomers, it’s a great way to ease into the Diablo 4 experience. Start with a lower difficulty to learn the ropes, then crank it up to torment as you get comfortable. The Diablo IV console players might also appreciate shorter bite-sized challenges alongside the campaign. Think “bounties” or “rifts” from Diablo 3 which was a perfect way to jump in for a quick demon-slaying fix.
A Cautious Thumbs Up
So, the big question – does Diablo IV on consoles hold water? The answer, for this PC gamer, is a cautious thumb up. The core gameplay loop of Diablo 4 – loot, kill, repeat – is fun and perfect to a controller. Hey, who knows? Maybe I’ll even find myself kicking back on the sofa, slaughtering demons with the controller in my hand. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I got to get back to grinding for that elusive Duriel’s Shell…
