Diablo II: Resurrected – Infernal Edition: A Hellish Nostalgia Trip
Where the past meets the present in a dance of demons and pixels
Launch Day Larry
Diablo II: Resurrected – Infernal Edition is like finding your old high school yearbook and realizing you were cooler than you thought. This remaster takes the classic ARPG experience and gives it a fresh coat of paint, all while keeping the original’s soul intact. It’s a game that invites both veterans and newcomers to dive into its dark, gritty world, where the only thing more dangerous than the demons is the nostalgia.
Gameplay: A Classic ARPG with Modern Twists
Diablo II: Resurrected manages to walk the fine line between nostalgia and innovation, offering a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The game retains its classic ARPG mechanics, demanding strategic planning and decision-making. Permanent character choices and limited respec opportunities mean that every decision counts, appealing to those who enjoy a more punishing, yet rewarding, experience. It’s like Dark Souls for the ARPG crowd, where every choice could be your last—or your best.
The introduction of new content, such as the Warlock class, runewords, and a new Hell final boss, adds layers of depth and replayability. Meanwhile, quality of life improvements like currency tabs and loot filters streamline the experience, making inventory management less of a chore and more of a joy. The game also caters to different play styles, whether you’re in for a quick loot run or a marathon session of demon-slaying.
However, not everything is perfect in this infernal paradise. Load times can be a test of patience, especially on handheld devices like the Steam Deck, where controls can feel a bit clunky compared to the precision of a keyboard and mouse. And while the absence of microtransactions is a breath of fresh air, the lack of cloud saves for offline characters is a missed opportunity for seamless cross-progression.
Graphics: A Nostalgic Yet Modern Visual Feast
The graphics in Diablo II: Resurrected are a testament to the power of nostalgia done right. Vicarious Visions has managed to update the visuals without losing the original’s grim and dark aesthetic. The ability to toggle between the new and original graphics is more than just a gimmick; it’s a love letter to long-time fans who want to relive their glory days in high definition.
While the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, the Nintendo Switch version leaves much to be desired, with long loading times and a less-than-stellar online lobby screen. The graphics are demanding, requiring significant VRAM, which might catch some players off guard. And for those playing the new Warlock class, the inability to toggle to original graphics is a small but notable disappointment.
Story: A Timeless Tale of Darkness and Despair
The story of Diablo II: Resurrected is as legendary as the game itself. Its dark and grim narrative, delivered through Marius’s haunting narration, immerses players in a world of horror and intrigue. The cutscenes are a highlight, eagerly anticipated by players as they progress through each act, adding depth and immersion to the experience.
While the story is celebrated for its timeless quality, the reviews tend to focus more on the emotional connection and nostalgia rather than specific plot points. This might leave players new to the series wanting more details about the narrative itself. However, the hardcore mode adds a unique layer of challenge, making player decisions more impactful and the story more engaging.
Final Verdict
Diablo II: Resurrected – Infernal Edition is a successful remaster that respects its roots while introducing welcome improvements. It’s a must-play for both nostalgic fans and newcomers to the ARPG genre, offering a rich and rewarding experience that stands the test of time. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in performance on certain platforms, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Score: 8.5/10