As the resident Diablo guy around here, I was actually just going to wait until release to play Diablo II Resurrected simply because I didn’t want to ruin it for myself. I knew I’d jump in and just keep playing once I started, but thankfully, the beta only gives you access to act 1 and 2, so it was decently easy to unplug after a few hours. Diablo II is one of my favorites. This is due to the fact that I spent so many hours playing it throughout my late teens. Therefore, my expectations here are exceptionally high. How does it hold up?
PC Classic on Console
Playing on the Xbox Series X was pretty smooth, despite hoping it would have had a Diablo III type control scheme. Diablo III having the ability to dodge roll is really what made that game feel next level on the console. That option missing from the Diablo II Remaster definitely hurts the presentation a bit, since the right analog stick is relegated to functioning as a mouse. Though, that’s a necessary evil due to converting an old PC game to the console. I loaded up the Amazon and hated everything about how they’ve changed her model; covering her ass to be safe for the Chinese audience. It’s obscenely unnecessary to change her face to appear more masculine to appease the extremely vocal minority. These are minor gripes, but unnecessary changes nevertheless.
I Am Druid
I spent the majority of the time playing the Druid, as it was a lot of fun in the LoD days. Rather than going shapeshifter, I went for an elemental build relying on ice and lightning; instead of falling back on the old faithful. It’s a pretty fun way to change things up, but until I get my hands on the full game, I only allowed myself to commit to about 10 hours. This was so I didn’t get far enough to really start enjoying that build.
Visually Improved
Graphically, the spell effects and fire effects, in particular, look incredibly realistic. There’s a nice touch on making an old classic look fantastic, without making it look far removed from the original source that it’s unreliable. So to this, I approve greatly of the visual polish, but we’ll see how it runs once you’ve got an army of skeletons, and Diablo throwing rings of fire all at once. The biggest disappointment was the amount of rubber banding I experienced. I found myself dying more often than I should. This was simply because I’d be randomly stuck on terrain. Or I’d be in one spot running away only to rubber band a second, later right back into the waiting arms of an elite who’d stomp me to dust. All this before I’d have a second to pop a potion. That was infuriating! I really hope that its ironed out before the game launches next month.
All and all though, Diablo II Resurrected is looking promising, and I can’t wait to spend more time with it in just a few more weeks. Hopefully, we’ll have a review ready by release day. But if not, we’ll have it ready for you as soon as we possibly can.
Diablo II Resurrected launches September 23rd on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. For more information, visit the official Diablo II site.
