'Diablo IV' Review: Activision Blizzard deals old-school devilish delights

I rounded the corner of the dungeon as "Bob," my brooding fire sorcerer, hot on the trail of the demon Lilith. Instead, I was greeted by a mighty Blood Bishop, towering and bursting with dark-purple energy. Donning a shield of pure fire, I conjured a serpent of flame to squeeze the life out of the demon until there was nothing left but a shower of gold coins and rare items.

Dozens of hours in Diablo IV, the triumph was thrilling, and the game may also succeed at lifting developer Activision Blizzard out of a hell of their own making.