Diablo 2 was originally released in 2000. Now, over two decades later, it returns in a remastered form via Diablo 2: Resurrected. This is not a full-on remake but is instead a remaster. Not a lot, in fact, has changed about the experience causing some to scratch their heads. Why wasn't more done?
There are definitely things Blizzard could have done, or still can do, to improve the game especially for the new console players like on PS5. Even with its shortcomings, Diablo 2: Resurrected is still doing very well in reviews. Is this legendary game worth all of the hype or not?
10 Best: Remastered Improvements
Diablo 2: Resurrected feels very much like the original which is a double-edged sword. There weren’t a lot of improvements in the game but what was touched on is appreciated. The shared slots in the inventory have more options now.
Gold is picked up automatically which is great because everyone wants gold and there are no inventory limits to it. The cutscenes were redone and look great on top of the smoothed-over, updated graphics.
9 Worst: Forced Battlenet
Right now Diablo 2: Resurrected is digital-only for one big reason: it requires players to log in to their Battlenet account. Even if players don’t want to play online they still have to set an account just to get to the menu.
After this setup, which might take a while due to launch issues with the server, then they can switch off the online support. This is more steps than it should take to get into a game. Any sort of forced account setup is a weird requirement. As a positive it is nice players can import characters, but this setup is still not good.
8 Best: Classes
There are seven classes at the start of the game that each feature everything from the previous expansions. There is a whole wealth of options for all types of players from magic users like the Sorceress to hulking brutes like the Barbarian.
There is a class for every type of player out there. This comes into play with the skill tree system which doesn’t look pretty or well organized by today’s standards. That’s okay considering these abilities are nicely varied and well-balanced out.
7 Worst: Specific Class Genders
The downside to the class system is that their genders are set in stone. Other RPGs with class systems, like Dark Souls, allow players to choose a class and gender. That series also allows for facial and body customization which is a step further.
Diablo 2: Resurrected doesn’t need a full character customization option to be better. It would have been nice to see classes at least allow for male or female options though.
6 Best: Multiplayer
The reason why this game has such a legacy is that players love multiplayer. It’s fun getting together to play the game casually with friends or to marathon runs to kill Diablo in a single session. It may be over two decades old, but that multiplayer setup is still is one of the best co-op features the gaming industry has ever seen.
The launch did have some hiccups with Battlenet, which, again, was not great. Even with those problems the multiplayer still shines as the best reason to pick Diablo 2: Resurrected up.
5 Worst: No Local Co-Op
Players hoping to play the console versions with local co-op will be disappointed. Diablo 3 had a great set of local options but that does not appear to be the case for Diablo 2: Resurrected. Blizzard is quiet about it even being in the cards for later patches. If Diablo 3 can get it then why can’t this game?
It’s strange and is the one thing about multiplayer that is a letdown. There actually is one other related downside. There is no crossplay between certain versions at launch. Internal companies like all PlayStation consoles can talk to each other even between generations. PlayStation players can’t play with PC players yet though.
4 Best: Easy Game To Pick Up
Diablo 2: Resurrected is a very accessible RPG. Some classes may be easier to solo than others. Mage types may struggle when trying to cast spells and getting surrounded in the process. That is the only real caveat but the beginning level of difficulty should be easy for all types of players.
Again, that’s why multiplayer has excelled for decades now. Anyone can jump in, immediately understand what’s going on, and have a blast. Friends can help if people are somehow struggling. It’s a bit mindless but that’s a good thing in this case.
3 Worst: The Inventory
Even with the inventory tweaks, Blizzard made to Diablo 2: Resurrected, there is a lot more work to be done. One of the worst feelings in the world is filling up on items, then going back to town to sell stuff, and then having to do that again five minutes later.
Expanding the inventory slots in the field would have been so nice to see in this remaster. Even turning the mercenary into a pack mule would have been a desirable solution.
2 Best: Easy Skill Reset
There is another reason why the class and skill tree systems are so good in this game. That’s because players can reset points infinitely in town. This allows them to test out skills to see what type of player they want to be for their class.
For example, the assassin can get into martial arts, become a shadowy ninja, or set traps to harm foes. If a certain path, like the traps one, doesn’t feel right, players can reset and try something new.
1 Worst: The Map
There are three settings to the map in the game. Players can have it in the upper right, or left corners in a small version. They can also blow it up so that it is overlaid on top of players. All three versions can be useful, but being able to pull up a map in the menu screen, with more detail, would be better.
The maps as they are now are hard to read. It is difficult at times to figure out where to go for a quest. Thankfully areas aren’t super huge, but the maps should still be more legible.
Diablo 2: Resurrected was released on September 23, 2021, and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.