Review: Diablo II: Resurrected
- @brunosbom
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Whoever enters Sanctuary must accept that death is part of the learning process
For those who started the franchise with Diablo III, as was my case, Diablo II: Resurrected feels almost like an identity shock. Since the initial announcement of the remaster, which could easily be mistaken for a full remake, expectations were high. Playing this experience in Hardcore mode only intensified everything the game sets out to do: punish mistakes, test patience, and reinforce the idea that nothing here is simple or forgiving.
The atmosphere is radically different from the third entry in the franchise, and that is an extremely positive thing. Diablo II has its own identity, a more oppressive tone, and a constant feeling that the world was not designed for you to win easily. Every step forward is earned, never given.
GAMEPLAY
Diablo II: Resurrected runs on the original game engine underneath, while a fully new 3D graphics engine operates on top of it, supporting 4K resolution. To me, this approach represents exactly how remasters should be made: modernizing the presentation without touching the core gameplay. The level of fidelity is so high that the game allows you to instantly switch back to the original graphics, clearly showcasing the care and respect given to the source material.
The gameplay carries legacy mechanics, and that is noticeable. The item pickup system can feel less refined by today’s standards, as can the lobby structure, which does not allow inviting friends directly through the platform. Even so, these aspects feel more like the result of conscious design decisions than technical flaws. Diablo II was built to last, and the fact that its servers have remained active since 1996 only reinforces that philosophy.
There is also support for online progression with shared saves across platforms, something that was clearly designed for longevity and preservation rather than immediate convenience.
The narrative takes place shortly after the events of the first Diablo and revolves around stopping Diablo from reuniting with his brothers, Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, and Baal, the Lord of Destruction. Unlike Diablo IV, here we have a strong physical presence from Tyrael, the Archangel of Justice, as well as classic characters such as the legendary Deckard Cain.
One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the indirect confrontation between protagonists. The events of the first game culminate in a situation where the former hero becomes part of the problem, creating a dynamic reminiscent of facing the previous protagonist, something that strongly echoes concepts seen in Pokémon Gold and Silver. It is a more subtle, less expository narrative, but one filled with meaning.
The skill tree is not as varied or dynamic as in more recent entries in the franchise, but that does not mean it is limited. On the contrary. Once you find the build path you want to follow, progression becomes extremely satisfying. This feeling grows even stronger as you acquire better equipment, which can completely transform your character’s performance.
Diablo II is not a game that holds the player’s hand. It demands willingness, observation, trial, and error. Very few modern games still operate this way. It is impossible to ignore how many MMORPGs and ARPGs have directly drawn inspiration from the mechanics Diablo II established decades ago.
VISUALS AND SOUND
The cutscenes have been completely remade with modern graphics, and the game is fully dubbed in Brazilian Portuguese, which adds significant value to immersion. The audiovisual work respects the original’s dark tone, reinforcing the narrative weight and the oppressive atmosphere of Sanctuary.
Even with modern visuals, the game never loses its classic identity. Everything feels familiar, yet refreshed at the same time.
TRAILER OFFICIAL
FINAL THOUGHTS
Diablo II: Resurrected is a true delight for players who enjoy games that are difficult, complex, and dense by nature. Finishing the game is perfectly achievable, but extracting everything it has to offer, maximizing builds, facing the endgame, and deeply understanding its systems is a journey that goes far beyond what most games deliver.
No two playthroughs are ever the same. You can start a character from scratch, go through essentially the same story, and still face different challenges, find different items, and learn more about this incredibly dense world that Blizzard managed to create over 26 years ago.
Diablo II: Resurrected does not try to adapt itself to modern trends, and that is precisely its greatest strength. It preserves a design philosophy where the player must learn, fail, and adapt. Decisions matter, builds have weight, and the world does not bend to your comfort.
For those coming from Diablo III, the initial impact may be significant. But for those who accept the challenge, the game delivers one of the richest, deepest, and most respectful remaster experiences available. A classic that not only survived the test of time, but continues to teach how games in this genre should be made.
Review by Gamertag: Scoulz
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