Yet another classic action RPG is returning in a remastered version. Diablo II Resurrected is the reinvention of the old title released in 2000, which became famous for exploring the fantasy theme with the hack and slash style of gameplay, that is, a game focused on combat. Published by Blizzard, the official launch is scheduled for September 23 this year.
Last weekend, a version Diablo II Resurrected Beta was released to those who pre-ordered a copy on available platforms — PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. THE Techlifers was able to test the game in advance and brings the first impressions of the title that, beforehand, manages to re-enter the context of Diablo II's narrative well.
It is worth remembering that Free beta will be released to general public next weekend, with servers open from 14pm this Friday (20) until the Sunday (22).
Revisiting a classic
With improved graphics, Diablo II Resurrected has the motto of rescuing the affective memory of players who experienced the game in the 2000s while trying to present the game's history to the new generation. THE Blizzard followed the same trend as other companies, as when, for example, the Activision revived the considered 'Sony mascot' with Crash Bandicoot N'Sane Trilogy, a franchise that had its old image revamped with the help of an unpublished title.
Being able to run in up to 4K in the PC version, the new Diablo II brings back the hero saga in a world where inhabitants of hell have returned to carry out a massacre in small civilizations. It's up to the player character to gather the strength, weaponry, and spells needed to fight each of the enemies in a total of five acts. Figures like Diablo and Mephisto will be found in the final version of the game, which also offers the DLC Lord of Destruction ("Lord of Destruction", in translation), an extra chapter destined to Baal, one of the villains of the franchise.
When revisiting a classic title, the target audience is expected to be mostly understood. This is a game that, since its announcement, the developers have claimed is basically an upgrade of everything that was good about the original. In that sense, fans can expect preserved gameplay, as we confirmed during gameplay. On the other hand, as already mentioned, it is interesting to observe how such a game proves to be interesting for new eyes. In both cases, we can confirm that this is a successful RPG.
Entering the fantasy world
Diablo II Resurrected can be played as a single campaign, but also in co-op with other players. There is a lobby in the main menu where you can access not only yours, but also the world of the other warriors on the server. The first action you need to do before choosing where to go is to select your hero's class.
Divided into seven options, the characters have specific abilities and offer different gameplay strategies. How Amazona, the player figure is a master in dart and bow, with great martial training. THE Assassin is similar to the Amazon, but uses special traps instead of ranged weapons.
O Necromancer is a sinister class, capable of summoning skeletons and golems, as well as casting poison. THE Bárbaro is the classic melee character, with extreme brute force. THE Paladin combines sword and shield prowess with tough armor, while Maga wields fire, ice and electricity skills to help your army. Finally, the Druid embodies the form of a bear or werewolf and is allied with the powers of animals.
The ups and downs of gameplay
The beginning of the Beta takes place in an Amazon camp. Some quests are given to you, while characters present themselves as important points in the narrative. Using point and click mechanics ("point and click", in translation), the saga begins with your basic weapon and four potion items for healing. The entire game interface has been updated compared to the original and, in testing, is very intuitive. Offering multi-lingual dubbing options, the Spanish version is particularly interesting and well-directed in the epic context.
It is possible to check character data, whose name is given by the player himself, and improve it as new achievements are achieved. The game creates a very immersive atmosphere and encourages investigation of the scenario, as well as interaction with supporting actors and fighting enemies. On this last point, there are legions of them around the infested land, ranging from zombies to warriors from the depths of hell. Each one has strengths and weaknesses and it is interesting to explore this with different types of weaponry and spells.
In your inventory are all the items you equip, carry and find during your journey. The health and mana bars are located at the bottom of the interface for the player to check for the hero's survival. If you die, your character returns to the Amazon base, but without your item progress. In this sense, the game encourages gradual upgrade so that there are no misfortunes in longer missions in this two-act Beta.
In this sense, Diablo II Resurrected manages to improve what already existed in an updated version that is more appropriate to the molds of the new generation. The side that leaves something to be desired for now is the issue of bugs related to the execution of actions - the famous delays in motion animation -, which ended up costing the character's life. And especially when it comes to an RPG of this style, the ideal thing is that the game does not intensify errors beyond its own that could harm the progress of the campaign.
Also, the combat is a little stiff in the animation. Sometimes the character would not actually hit the enemy, but he would die from the damage dealt, and at other times, the opposite would happen. The hit was applied, but it didn't register damage (this, of course, counting beyond the times when enemies blocked the hero's hits). They may seem like details, but they are two topics that make a difference at the end of the journey.
Expectations for release
Diablo II Resurrected arrives with the promise of delighting fans of the saga again who can feel represented with this new remaster. For those who do not know or are not very familiar with the genre, the game gives the clues and commands necessary for the experience to be complete.
While the Beta version embraces the player with most of its smart points, certainly trying it out is a bittersweet experience, especially when we remember the context in which this game was built. With an embarrassing record of harassment complaints among internal teams, Blizzard disappointed by the serious issues that surfaced in the media. Relevant names left the company, including the director louis belly and the designer Jesse McCree, both involved in the future Diablo IV.
Despite being particular points, both the game and the scandal of Blizzard do not fail to converge in the player's ultimate experience. Amidst the pre-release chaos, Diablo II Resurrected may have the image tarnished, the one that was so respected in the past.
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