A popular video making the rounds compares fighters in Diablo and Diablo 2 to their counterparts in Diablo 4. It's odd to consider that the original Diablo was released in 1997, with its sequel Diablo 2 arriving three years later in 2000. Now, twenty-three years later, Blizzard is preparing to release Diablo 4. Visuals, not to mention the talents of Blizzard's artists, have come a long way in those years. The difference between the Diablo characters is obvious, but the nostalgia is what may come as a surprise.
Diablo is a curious franchise in many ways. Despite Diablo and Diablo 2 being over two decades old, the two games are still seen as the definitive experiences of the franchise by many. It's the contrary because Diablo 3, despite its controversy was massively popular and has been played since 2013 due to continued seasonal updates. Diablo fans played Diablo 3 while looking back at Diablo and Diablo 2 as the better games, it seems. Even Blizzard has shared that view, given Diablo 4 is so heavily inspired by Diablo 2.
The TikTok video in question was released by the official Diablo account. It uses the popular "Spirits in my head and they won't go" edit using the song from The Strumbellas. Half the video showcases character classes from Diablo and Diablo 2, including the Rogue, Necromancer, Sorcerer, Druid, and Barbarian. The other half of the video showcases these same classes but from Diablo 4's character selection screen.
The differences in visuals between the old games and Diablo 4 are ridiculous, of course. Diablo and Diablo 2 both used 2D sprites for their character art. Pixel art viewed from an isometric angle, at the time, was surprisingly impressive. Compared to the stunning 3D art of Diablo 4, however, the classic art looks somewhat underwhelming.
What some fans may not expect, however, is that in seeing the updated visuals of Diablo 4, they might instead pine to go back and play the original Diablo games. Those classic 2D sprites are iconic. Many PC gamers in their 30s, 40s, or older will have spent many hours with those characters, facing down Diablo and Baal. Updated visuals can't take that feeling away.
The updated characters featured in Diablo 4 aren't those featured in Diablo and Diablo 2, of course. Diablo 4 is set 30 years after the events of Diablo 3's Reaper of Souls. Diablo 4's Heroes also allow for character customization, though, so players should be able to re-create those classic characters if they choose. Or, despite the nostalgia, perhaps players can create a new generation of Heroes that they can look back on fondly in another 20 or 30 years.
Diablo 4 releases June 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
