Review: GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition Gaming Glasses

If we’re being honest, I adore GUNNAR glasses. I’ve been a big fan of the brand for longer than I can remember. But, because I’ve owned so many different styles they have made over the years, I’ve learned how to spot subtle details, good and bad. The GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition pair is impressive, to say the least.

I love it when GUNNAR teams up with game studios and publishers to bring a licensed edition of any of their designs. But, it’s even more impressive when they go above and beyond to give a unique design to the frame unlike any of their other options.

What’s in the box?

The GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition gaming glasses come with a handful of goodies to round out your needs as a responsible owner. Sure, you get the glasses (we’ll discuss them later). But, what else?

In the box, you get a Diablo IV-themed glasses case. They sell more boring versions of the same case on their website for around $10. So, having it as a pack-in isn’t bad. Getting a case at all is always nice for any glasses. The case is velvet-lined and has the Diablo IV logo on the front of it. Inside, you’re treated with the game’s tagline, “Hell welcomes all.” 

It’s got a magnet to close it, but it’s not the most sturdy case in the world or anything. Just don’t get it too wet.

Additionally, you’re given the usual GUNNAR microfiber bag. This one is black and has a stylized version of the Queen of Succubi herself, Lilith. It’s a pretty awesome bag for anyone who likes the Diablo games.

Similarly, the usual microfiber cloth is also included. On one side, you get the game’s logo again. On the other side, you’ll find the key art of Lilith holding Diablo’s skull right out of some of the marketing materials that came out around the game. It’s (and pardon my language here) pretty bitchin’.

All in all, you get a good assortment of accessories included in your purchase of the GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition.

Tech in the Specs (or, Holding a Lens Up to These Glasses)

I can’t stress this enough: GUNNAR glasses tend to be very well made. They have a system and they stick to it. 

It’s easy to rattle off the things that all GUNNAR glasses have, such as the G-Shield Plus lens coating, which is scratch-, glare-, and water-resistant. It doesn’t mean they’re entirely proofed from it all. But, they’re some of the better quality options out there for gaming or blue-blocker glasses.

With metal reinforcement, the entire frame is solid. They’re thick with a more horn-rimmed design, which looks fantastic. The main portion is a wonderfully morbid shade of blood red, known as “blood onyx”, with a simplified Diablo IV logo on the side of each temple.

The hinges are the thing that comes to mind when it comes to any qualms about the main construction of some glasses from GUNNAR. Their Enigma line of glasses is the closest way to describe them. They’re the more cost-effective, $40 styles that you can generally find in Best Buy. 

Those tend to be very rigid, without any extra wiggle room for your head. Anytime I put the Diablo IV glasses on, even though I know they won’t snap, I feel like I’m about to yank the arms of the glasses away from their hinge and break them.

Wearing the GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition glasses

Stylistically speaking, the GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition glasses are sharp. They look good on any face and frame you in a good way at any angle. But, I’d liken them to high heels, when it comes to comfort: they’re pretty great looking but style comes with discomfort at times.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with them. However, for me, they tend to feel uncomfortable after a while due to their heft. Since the hinges are rigid, they form fit to your face and can occasionally feel like they’re hugging just a little too much.

Part of me thinks that since I got them to review at the same time as the GUNNAR tokidoki Year of the Dragon glasses, it’s like night and day when it comes to weight and comfort. As mentioned, I’d compare this closer to the Enigma line from GUNNAR over the lighter options out there, like the PPK or the tokidoki pair. 

Wearing the glasses, the metal frame is so noticeable, as well. While they look good, they are a little more unforgiving on my big head, due to the squeeze. I’m not claustrophobic. But, they feel more encapsulating than some other GUNNAR glasses out there. They form fit to a face and they don’t budge. Some people really do like heavier specs, so this is all more of a personal choice and opinion. I’m just not a fan of it, personally.

On a more positive note, the nose pads are flexible. This is really nice for someone like me. Not only do I have a big head, but my nose and bridge are a tad bigger too. The pads are actually incredibly comfortable on my nose and seem like they’re designed similarly to the tokidoki glasses. 

Aside from the frame itself, the lenses are just a great shape and size to utilize at a desk. Some GUNNAR glasses just have smaller lenses and, well, those just don’t block the blue like these do. As these only come standard Amber 65 (unless you get the prescription option), they’re designed to be worn to work in.

Final Verdict

The GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition glasses are, and pun intended here, hot as hell. They look phenomenal on any face. The style makes you look sophisticated without treading into looking too nerdy. The Diablo-focused parts are subtle enough that only hardcore fans will notice them. 

However, these tend to be on the heavier side when compared to other GUNNAR glasses. They’re also designed for someone with a smaller face in mind. Since my head is just bigger than some people’s, they felt more constricting to me than other options out there. It didn’t hurt my final score too much. But, it’s more of a warning to others. Good style often requires some level of discomfort.

The GUNNAR Diablo IV, Sanctuary Edition glasses are $99.00. If you need them to be prescription, that price goes way up on their site. For those, like me who don’t actually need glasses, the $99 is a solid price for what you get.

(If you buy on Amazon from our link, we may get a small portion and we highly appreciate it.)

If you made it this far, you might like my review for the GUNNAR tokidoki Year of the Dragon glasses. Spoiler alert: I loved them. Additionally, if you’re into licensed GUNNAR options, the new Fallout Vault 33 pair was just announced to coincide with the upcoming Fallout show on Amazon.