We return to Hell, or at least Blizzard’s version of it. And no, this isn’t an expose on the current working conditions in Blizzard’s office for women (that article is pending), but a re-release from a time where they made amazing games. On September 23, 2021, Diablo II: Resurrected will hit stores and digital releases. Let’s take a look at the options and additional perks.
Currently, there is a stand-alone Diablo II: Resurrected for $39.99, which includes the game, early access to the Open Beta, and a Diablo II-themed Barbarian transmog (that only works in Diablo III). They have created a bonus edition called the Diablo Prime Evil Collection, and if you have never played Diablo III, this is the best time to join. The Diablo Prime Evil Collection includes the aforementioned game and goodies, as well as Diablo III, its expansion and Necromancer pack, and a Mephisto Pet and Hatred’s Grasp wings. If you currently own some of those items found in the Prime Evil Collection, you will receive a proportional discount to the items you currently own.
There have been rumors that the slowed content release of Diablo III is because they aren’t continuing to work on it, but releasing more collectibles for Diablo III will surely get us to dabble our toes in Seasons again. Diablo II: Resurrected is a true remaster, as the game includes recreated visuals up to 4k and remastered sound, all while retaining the combat we fell in love with. There is also a toggle switch that allows you to hop back and forth between original graphics and the remaster at will to truly experience the upgrade. The game comes with both the original story and the expansion, Lord of Destruction, featuring the additions to the systems and the two added characters (Druid and Assassin).
They have added more quality-of-life improvements, such as cross-progression (console or PC), which allows us to play on any device at any time, and they have even added an extended personal stash for storing items that are shared across all your characters. Thankfully Vicarious Visions was brought on board to handle this remake to avoid any comparisons with the disastrous Warcraft III remake (hopefully, we won’t be demanding refunds on this one). Vicarious Visions just finished the Tony Hawk remake and had been working on Diablo II: Resurrection before being officially purchased by Blizzard, and so far, everything released seems to be amazing.
I am excited to re-explore Sanctuary with older classes and to introduce my wife to the Amazonian. She currently enjoys Strafing past demons in Diablo III on her Demon Hunter. With an official release date on the horizon, we are excited to return to Tristram and battle Diablo. There is no word yet on the release date for Beta access, but we are getting much closer to that September 23 release date. Blizzard needs good news, not just from the stain of the sexual harassment lawsuit or the bad publicity in general; they need their fans to enjoy their content again. Here’s to hoping Diablo II is as great as we remember it.
