Playing this game for a few hours doesn’t provide enough time to fully explain this extensive statement. I’ve dedicated my entire Saturday to this game, and I’m still captivated by its novelty. This might be a stretch, so please take it with a grain of salt, but hear me out why I think it’s a Diablo killer.
Short intro like how you see on any cooking recipes
The long awaited time has come for me to analyze, but mostly have fun exploring this genre. It’s one if not the favourite one, combining so many aspects which I love from a game: role play, action packed, interesting isometric view. I grew up with this top-down style, from the classic Diablo and Diablo: Hellfire, which I replayed over and over.
In the early 2000s, while 3D games and RPGs were becoming popular, I revisited this genre with the release of Diablo 2. And, of course, I played its expansion, Lord of Destruction.
I’ve spent countless hours playing this game. I might have enough experience to reach a college level, if not a PhD level.
A friend’s honest review of the Diablo 3 launch prevented me from playing it for years. And it was a good decision.
I’ll share more later; however, let’s discuss this game.
Back to Last Epoch
One of the most important aspects of the game is that it feels made with love. Similar to torchlight, though less extensive. With Last Epoch, developers knew this genre in and out. They knew what they want from this game.
Knowing what to build and improve was one thing; more importantly, the game developers understood which existing ARPG elements not to remake.
Ease of entry for arpg veterans
Many game design elements in this game may feel familiar, as if you have played them before. They have not reinvented the wheel, from key binds, to graphical interface, all the way to the gameplay loop. It seems intuitive, like you already have played it before.
As you dive deeper, you’ll notice small improvements in crafting, boss fights, chapter transition, and more. These additions, along with the real build diversity, make the game truly original.
Initial impression: It’s what Diablo 3 should’ve been.
Initially, I still think this way, even as I approach 20 hour mark. Thankfully, understanding the game mechanics, I began hardcore gameplay, and while leveling and advancing through the story, initially at a slower pace, it felt like a true spiritual successor to Diablo 2.
Everything I needed was here:
- real build diversity, with basically many viable ways to play each class
- the game does not force you to keep your selected skills, but respects are truly punishing, especially in HC.
These two resulting because the game makes you think. Without being overly complex. Instead of spending so much time resetting my skill points and passive points and trying various builds on every map, I spent some time thinking about how I will plan my character, more than just clicking away and see what’s happening.
This resulted in a gameplay loop that I even forgot how much I missed.
Overall, from the initial impression makes me really believe that the developers loved Diablo 2 and thought “ok, how can we improve various aspects of the game, in our design”
Graphics and art style
Don’t judge the game based on the graphics and art style in the first hour. It’s not all cheerful colors.
The graphics are fine. Hopefully will use some optimisations, because without trying to compare everything with Diablo 4, my rig would handle 4k ultra D4, however with Last Epoch I could not go pass high on 2k resolution. Maybe because the engine is not compatible with Nvidia DLSS 3.
These are my thoughts so far. Until next time.
