Home » Technology » Is it Blizzard’s next retro hit with Diablo 2? That’s what the Alpha testers say

Is it Blizzard’s next retro hit with Diablo 2? That’s what the Alpha testers say

Diablo 2: Resurrected’s technical alpha gave a first look at the remaster of the classic. The testers are mostly enthusiastic and are surprised that the action RPG feels like it used to, but plays a little differently. Blizzard seems to be getting the next retro hit after WoW Classic with Diablo 2.

What did the first Alpha have to offer? The technical alpha for the single player part of Diablo 2: Resurrected took place from April 8 to 12. Anyone who could get a key could play the first two acts of the story and put the improved graphics and quality of life changes to the test.

A second alpha will follow, which revolves around the multiplayer part.

Alpha removes many testers’ skepticism about Diablo 2

How did the alpha get? While there was a bit of skepticism prior to the start of the testing phase, most testers are now excited. The skepticism stemmed from the rather unsuccessful Warcraft 3: Reforged. The new edition of Blizzard’s strategy game was really bad for many veterans.

But with Diablo 2: Resurrected things look different after Alpha. We summarize some opinions of the game press:

  • Polygon editor Ben Kuchera writes in his article (via Polygon): “This isn’t the Devil I played as a kid, but it still feels like a warm blanket on a cold night.”
  • Gamespot editor Michael Higham says (via Gamespot), “Diablo 2 Resurrected is showing all the signs that it will preserve the unique RPG that many of us fondly remember.”
  • Ars Technica editor Sam Machkovech explains (via Ars Technica): “I’m delighted that D2: R feels like the Devil of the past, and I’m excited about the promised multiplayer alpha test, because the clumsiness of the old School is much more satisfying when you play with a group of like-minded friends. “
  • Attack of the Fanboy’s Brandon Adams writes (via Attack of the Fanboy): “Nothing in Diablo 2 has been removed or completely redesigned in Resurrected. If anything, this remastering feels a bit too safe at times. “
  • IGN’s Mitchell Saltzmann says (via IGN): “Yes, the core of Diablo 2 still stands 20 years after the original’s release, although there are some significant frustrations to overcome caused by certain outdated design issues. All in all, Diablo 2: Resurrected is very promising despite its alpha phase. “

Our colleagues at GameStar streamed live from Alpha. You can see a video here:

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The community is also looking forward to the launch.

What does the community think about the game? Even non-mainstream players got a chance to see Alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected.

  • m43h from the DLPrivateServer community explains (via DLPrivateServer): “Well I’m by no means disappointed, I played Diablo 2 almost 20 years ago and still play it today. I think it’s great what Blizzard can do, very amazing! “
  • ShadeScapes is very happy (via reddit): “It looks fantastic and feels just as I wanted for a new edition.”
  • darthreuental is still a bit skeptical (via reddit): “My main concern is that this will only be D2 with a new paint job. And I get it, I really get it. The demand alone is huge. But whether you love it or hate it, there are a lot of features that Diablo 3 introduced that I will really miss. “
  • TOPCommander says (via the official D2R forum): “D2R feels and plays like D3LOD 1.14d. And that’s exactly what has been great so far. “
  • Shivan is not so enthusiastic about the Alpha (via the official D2R forum): “I prefer the original D2 Classic and LoD to this version. It’s too clumsy or cumbersome to play this version of the big D2. “

More about Diablo 2: Resurrected:

  • Diablo 2 Ressurected promises an interesting feature for veterans
  • Diablo 2 Resurrected shows 6 minutes of play, what about the cooperative mode?
  • After Diablo 2, Blizzard has to create new games: “There is nothing left to remaster”

What is popular? Testers particularly praise Diablo 2: Resurrected’s detailed graphics and lighting. Some of the quality of life changes are also welcome:

  • The largest and most divided camp
  • Collecting gold
  • The overview of all item statistics.
  • Learn more about mercenaries to find out which one to choose.

What is less popular? In addition to the opponent redesign Blood Raven, which has received some criticism, the following things are criticized about the Alpha in Diablo 2: Resurrected:

  • Charging times may be shorter
  • Some ability effects are not powerful enough yet
  • There are too many pop-ups for mission progression.
  • For non-veterans, it doesn’t play as quickly and comfortably as Diablo 3

Did you also have a chance to see Alpha of Diablo 2 Resurrected? What is your impression of the new edition of the classic Hack ‘n Slay?

We’ll also tell you everything you need to know about the release of Diablo 2: Resurrected as a remaster.

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