PGC NEWS

Diablo III, a staple in the action RPG genre, continues to hold a dedicated player base years after its initial 2012 release. The 2014 Reaper of Souls expansion revitalized the game, and now, in celebration of the Diablo franchise’s 20th anniversary, Blizzard has released Rise of the Necromancer, a downloadable content pack introducing the highly anticipated Necromancer class. But does this new content justify the price tag and live up to the legacy of the Necromancer?

A Familiar Face Returns

The most significant addition in Rise of the Necromancer is, of course, the Necromancer class itself. Veterans of Diablo II will instantly recognize this iconic summoner, wielding dark magic, curses, and a legion of undead minions. This iteration of the Necromancer retains core elements from Diablo II, including curses, corpse explosions, bone spells, and the ability to command a chilling army of the dead.

alt text: Diablo III Necromancer summoning skeletons

The return of the Necromancer injects new life into Diablo III. This new class offers a fresh playstyle and motivates players to return to the Sanctuary and explore the familiar world through a different lens. While staying true to the class’s core fantasy, Blizzard has modernized the Necromancer, adding new abilities and playstyles that distinguish it from its Diablo II counterpart.

Modernized Gameplay

Blizzard has successfully updated the Necromancer for a modern audience. The class retains its signature dark aesthetic but boasts improved visuals and animations. The spells are visually impressive and satisfying to execute, capturing the essence of the Necromancer’s power.

alt text: Diablo III Necromancer using bone spear spell

New Necromancer-specific legendary items further enhance build diversity. Whether you prefer a “hands-off” approach, commanding a massive army with the “Bones of Rathma” set, or diving into the fray with the “Grace of Inarius” set, the Necromancer offers a variety of engaging playstyles.

Content Concerns and Bugs

While the Necromancer is a welcome addition, Rise of the Necromancer falls short in terms of content. Priced at $15, the DLC offers only the new class and associated items, with no new story content, cutscenes, or game modes. This lack of substantial additions may disappoint some fans, especially considering it’s marketed as a 20th-anniversary celebration.

alt text: Diablo III Necromancer surrounded by enemies

Furthermore, the DLC’s launch was plagued by minor bugs, impacting the overall experience. Issues like non-Necromancer classes using Necromancer-specific items and limitations on skeleton summons detract from the polished gameplay expected from Blizzard.

Conclusion: A Fun, But Fleeting Return

The Necromancer class itself is a well-designed and enjoyable addition to Diablo III. The updated visuals, diverse builds, and familiar gameplay mechanics are sure to please fans of the class. However, the lack of substantial new content and initial technical issues hold Rise of the Necromancer back from being a truly must-have expansion. While the Necromancer’s return is a welcome one, the price tag might feel steep for players primarily interested in new story content or game modes. Ultimately, Rise of the Necromancer is a worthwhile purchase for dedicated Necromancer fans, but others might want to wait for a sale or consider whether the new class alone justifies the cost.