Despite a rough launch in 2023 and two-and-a-half years on, there are still several unresolved issues, Diablo 4 is still one of the best ARPGs on the market by any standard. Path of Exile 2 it's up there with a fantastic customization and build class, although the Soulslike game didn't appeal to all fans. Between The Last Epochunderrated A gloomy dawn, PoE 1 and 2still under development Titan Quest 2and other games, competition for Diablo 4 he is quite rich.
It's not every day that a new game comes out that challenges the status quo of hack-and-slash titles or action-RPGs as a whole, but it happened inadvertently when The shape of dreams he was released. The shape of dreams was only fully released a few months ago, and while it's being marketed as an action Roguelite rather than a full-fledged ARPG Diablo 4it includes a lot of those sweet RPG features that elevate its action loop. Despite having a more than respectable 84 score on MetaCritic and over 92% positive reviews on Steam, the game has flown under the radar of many gamers and you shouldn't be one of them.
How Diablo 4 could copy Path of Exile 2's homework but make it look like it's own
Diablo 4 may be able to shake up its build diversity by following in the footsteps of Path of Exile 2, but with its own specific twist.
Why you shouldn't sleep on Shape of Dreams if you like Diablo 4
at first sight The shape of dreams and Diablo 4 look quite different. However, they are not as much as their respective properties prove:
- The shape of dreams is an action-packed Roguelite with a MOBA-like skill bar and ability system and typical isometric ARPG combat. In addition to Roguelite elements, Diablo 4 shares these features for the most part.
- The shape of dreams it offers co-op for up to 4 players and the same goes for multiplayer Diablo 4.
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Highly customizable skills and builds are the bread and butter of both The shape of dreams and Diablo 4including the ability to swap things while playing.
- The shape of dreams contains 8 unique characters while Diablo 4 has seven classes to choose from.
It's worth noting that many players praise Shape of Dreams' co-op because you can quit and rejoin from another platform, or be disconnected and rejoin without losing progress.
Differences between Shape of Dreams and Diablo 4 explained
i don't say The shape of dreams is Diablo 4 or that it's just better because they still have some key differences. For example, The shape of dreams it's best for quick sessions of the game where you'll complete a run or two, and its progression is based more on spur-of-the-moment choices and mods that make each run different. Instead, Diablo 4Loot progression makes your build something that gets better the more time you immerse yourself into playing, rather than quick power-ups in short bursts.
Which character to choose in Shape of Dreams
Much like Diablo 4Class 's determine what your game experience will look like, just like Travelers in The shape of dreams. This is because characters have their own starting skills, called Memories, which have different effects and can be modified at will, while also giving you passive effects unique to your Traveller. However, after completing the game's tutorial, only two travelers are immediately available, namely Lacerta and Mist.
- Lacerta: A shooter using a rifle, fire and explosives to take out your enemies.
- Fog: Fast, nimble sword fighting with a focus on dealing massive damage while protecting yourself.
The other six The shape of dreams characters can only be unlocked by meeting certain conditions, such as collecting enough Dream Dust as currency or defeating a given boss multiple times. These are:
- Auren: A melee support character focused on healing himself and his allies while dealing damage.
- Bismuth: Speed and ranged magic for fast running and good damage at the cost of survivability.
- Nachia: Ranged support with a penchant for summoning spirits to heal and deal damage.
- Shell: A wooden samurai assassin capable of moving quickly while landing deadly blows at close range.
- evening meal: A paladin-like character with a huge hammer to smash enemies with and the biggest armor in the game.
- Yubar: A wizard with teleportation and AoE damage abilities.
Diablo 4 may be the undisputed king of ARPGs, but Shape of Dreams combat is a must-try
The fight is where The shape of dreams lights up, although I think it feels snappier than the Diablo 4is with a big lead. However, this is still fundamentally different The shape of dreams it's based more on the MOBA equivalent of skill shots, rather than casting skills on yourself or nearby targets, so it takes some getting used to before it's good. Once you get the hang of it though, the skill response and how you build your character is very rewarding and it's like getting decent gear. Diablo 4 every time, which is a big plus for me.
Customization is the name of the game in the shape of dreams
Another important thing is that your The shape of dreams the character determines your starting skills, but you can gain new ones each run and get to the point where none of your skills come from your starting set. In addition, each skill can be customized with essences, which, if you know, behave very similarly Path of Exile 2's Support Gems. You insert them into a given memory and increase its performance or effects, which can completely change the gameplay. Both Essences and Memories can be purchased from vendors found on the map for that run, but they can also drop at the end of each section of the map you complete.
Combat in Shape of Dreams involves dodging and dodging telegraph attacks to save your health.
This gives the combat incredible flexibility and with this kind of quick and fast progression The shape of a dreams feels more like an alignment Diablo 4 than his actual endgame while gaining this kind of power much faster. Being a Roguelite The shape of dreams it gives you the means to customize your build and maximize your run, but it also means that when you die, it's over. His nimble runs make up for it, though, so I never found it punishing. Rather, I can say that when I die, it's my fault for grabbing modifiers like Intense Curses, going to map nodes that are too dangerous, or fighting bosses too soon.
Why you should or shouldn't play Shape of Dreams
The range is different and I realize the appeal The shape of dreams is not the same as that Diablo 4especially as someone who has historically preferred games with long-term replayability like MMOs. Still, I think the combat is what stands out here, and the game lives up to its promise that there are no meta builds and that each run is unique, making the game with Travelers, Memories, and Essences a hidden gem in the genre.
- Released
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June 5, 2023
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and gore, intense violence, language, in-game purchases, user interaction
