Diablo II: Resurrected

The story of Diablo II: Resurrected receives largely positive acclaim for its atmospheric depth, nostalgic appeal, and faithful adaptation of the original lore. Critics like Destructoid praise the "grimdark world with actual stakes," highlighting the near-perfect tone that immerses players in a morally complex narrative. Games.cz and Hobby Consolas emphasize the game’s enduring classic appeal, noting its retention of RPG elements and deep lore that resonate with returning fans. IGN France and TheXboxHub commend the structured quest to defeat Diablo, with the Lords of Destruction expansion adding a compelling fifth act. The dark, immersive atmosphere is frequently lauded, as seen in Metro GameCentral’s acknowledgment of its "distinctive grimdark atmosphere" and SpazioGames’ praise for "solid storytelling." These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to evoke nostalgia while maintaining a cohesive narrative that aligns with the series’ legacy. However, several critics point out shortcomings in the story’s engagement and execution. Push Square criticizes the "unengaging" storyline, noting players skipped through text to focus on gameplay, while We Got This Covered describes the dialogue as "forgettable but not bad." Pure Nintendo and Vooks argue that the narrative takes a backseat to action, with the story feeling perfunctory or secondary to the gameplay loop. Worth Playing adds that the archaic storytelling style risks stagnation in later acts, and Nintendojo mentions the plot’s reliance on cutscenes and exposition, which may alienate newcomers. These critiques highlight a recurring issue: while the lore is rich, the narrative structure and pacing fail to captivate all audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with the Diablo universe. Overall, the critical reception of Diablo II: Resurrected’s story leans positive, especially for longtime fans who appreciate its nostalgic fidelity and atmospheric depth. COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy emphasize the enduring strength of the narrative, while MGG and CGMagazine acknowledge the game’s faithful continuation of the original’s themes. However, the story’s reliance on established lore and its secondary role to gameplay create a mixed experience for newcomers. While Digital Trends and Hardcore Gamer note the thematic focus on perseverance and escalating challenges, others like Noisy Pixel and PCGamesN suggest that the narrative feels more like a backdrop than a driving force. Despite these divides, the consensus is clear: Diablo II: Resurrected succeeds as a love letter to its roots, even if its story may not fully resonate with all players.

The gameplay of Diablo II: Resurrected is widely praised for its faithful recreation of the original’s core mechanics, which continue to offer deep character customization, strategic build variety, and a compelling loop of loot acquisition and progression. Critics like PC Gamer and IGN France highlight the game’s enduring appeal, noting that its action-RPG formula—centered on class-specific skill trees, dungeon crawling, and challenging combat—remains engaging despite its age. The inclusion of quality-of-life improvements such as auto gold pickup, expanded inventory space, and controller support for modern consoles (as noted by MGG and Worth Playing) has made the experience more accessible without compromising its nostalgic charm. Many reviewers, including GameSpew and We Got This Covered, emphasize the addictive nature of the loot grind, with players drawn to the satisfaction of optimizing builds and uncovering rare gear. The game’s replayability is further enhanced by its procedurally generated dungeons and diverse class options, as highlighted by Twinfinite and GamingBolt, who praise the variety of playstyles and the depth of character progression. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that detract from the experience. Issues like outdated mechanics, repetitive gameplay loops, and clunky UI elements are frequently mentioned. Games.cz and Checkpoint Gaming criticize the rigid controls and lack of modern conveniences, such as an intuitive action bar for keyboard/mouse users, while GameCritics and Attack of the Fanboy describe the gameplay as tedious due to limited visual variety and frustrating inventory management. The game’s difficulty curve and stamina mechanics also draw criticism, with TierraGamer noting that combat lacks refinement despite its challenge. Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendojo, point out that the core loop—exploring maps, slaying monsters, and returning to town—can feel monotonous over time, though this is often framed as a deliberate design choice rather than a flaw. These criticisms are balanced by the consensus that such issues do not overshadow the game’s strengths, particularly for fans of the original. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Diablo II: Resurrected successfully preserves the essence of its predecessor while offering enough modern tweaks to make it accessible to new and returning players. Game Rant and Eurogamer Italy note that the game’s challenging difficulty and complex character customization remain as rewarding as ever, while Digital Trends and SpazioGames appreciate the balance between nostalgia and incremental improvements. Despite the criticisms about outdated systems and repetitive elements, the overwhelming sentiment is that the gameplay is still highly enjoyable, with many reviewers—such as GamingBolt and God is a Geek—highlighting its satisfying combat, diverse builds, and enduring appeal. While not without flaws, Diablo II: Resurrected is widely regarded as a faithful and engaging experience that continues to captivate fans of the action-RPG genre.

The majority of critics praised Diablo II: Resurrected for its successful modernization of visuals while preserving the original game’s nostalgic charm. Reviewers highlighted the enhanced graphical fidelity, with improved character models, textures, and lighting effects that elevate the experience without losing the dark, gothic atmosphere. For instance, TierraGamer commended the “impeccable presentation” and updated environments that “capture the dark atmosphere of the original,” while Everyeye.it noted how “impresively modernized visuals” and dynamic lighting “enhance the pixelated charm.” IGN France and TheXboxHub both celebrated the “visual refresh” and “vast graphical improvement,” emphasizing how the remaster revitalizes the game’s aesthetics. The ability to toggle between original and remastered graphics was a standout feature, with We Got This Covered and Game Rant highlighting its flexibility, allowing players to choose between retro authenticity and modern polish. Additionally, GamingBolt and PCGamesN praised the “meticulously crafted” environments and “attention to detail,” noting that the remaster retains the game’s signature style while making it more accessible to new audiences. While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks. Several noted that the graphics, though improved, still lag behind the technical standards of recent AAA titles. PlayStation Universe observed that the game “looks a little crude compared to recent AAA games,” and The Games Machine mentioned “minor flaws in animations.” God is a Geek critiqued the “clunky movement” as a sign of the game’s age, while Worth Playing acknowledged “noticeable downgrades on the Switch version.” Additionally, some reviewers, like Generación Xbox, pointed out the lack of Spanish dubbing on consoles, which, while not directly related to visuals, reflects broader technical considerations. These critiques, however, were largely overshadowed by the consensus that the remaster strikes a compelling balance between nostalgia and modernization. Overall, the critical reception of Diablo II: Resurrected’s graphics and visual design was overwhelmingly positive, with critics agreeing that the remaster successfully bridges the gap between past and present. The majority praised its ability to “retain the original look” while offering “stunning visuals” and “modernized graphics,” as noted by IGN Italia and Vandal. Even those who acknowledged minor flaws emphasized that the improvements significantly enhance the experience, with GameSpew calling the visuals “vastly improved” and Twinfinite describing the upgrade as “fantastic.” The ability to toggle between styles was frequently highlighted as a key strength, allowing players to enjoy both the nostalgia of the original and the polish of the remaster. As Game Informer noted, the game’s visual overhaul is “a huge step up from the original,” cementing its status as a successful revitalization of a classic title.

The critical reception of Diablo II: Resurrected’s sound design and music is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting its faithful yet refined approach to remastering. Critics like Games.cz and GameSpew praise the “excellent” and “outstanding” soundtrack, noting that the remastered audio enhances nostalgia while preserving the original’s iconic themes. PlayStation Universe emphasizes the “intact” original SFX improved in quality, creating a consistent yet elevated experience. Press Start Australia and The Games Machine commend the “revamped” music and “stellar” soundtrack, which they argue maintain the game’s dark atmosphere while offering more “spacious sounding recordings.” SpazioGames and Attack of the Fanboy highlight technical upgrades like 7.1 Dolby support and refined sound effects, with COGconnected noting live orchestral contributions that deepen emotional resonance. These reviews collectively underscore a successful balance between honoring the original’s legacy and leveraging modern audio technology to enhance immersion. While most critiques are laudatory, some minor concerns emerge. TierraGamer points out that the DualSense controller’s capabilities aren’t fully utilized, suggesting missed opportunities for haptic feedback integration. TheXboxHub mentions repetitive voice lines as a slight annoyance, though they acknowledge the overall quality of the voice acting. Attack of the Fanboy notes that some sound effects feel “cheesy” but adds that this aligns with the game’s charm. Additionally, Vandal observes that while the Spanish voice acting adds nostalgia, it may not appeal to all players. These critiques are largely peripheral, reflecting minor shortcomings rather than major flaws in the audio design. Most reviewers agree that these issues do not detract from the overall polished and immersive experience. The consensus among critics is that Diablo II: Resurrected’s sound design and music successfully bridge nostalgia and modernization. Everyeye.it calls the updated audio “masterfully” executed, while Game Rant highlights the ability to toggle between classic and remastered tracks, respecting longtime fans’ preferences. PCGamesN praises customizable audio settings, emphasizing accessibility without compromising authenticity. Despite minor critiques about hardware utilization or repetitive dialogue, the overwhelming sentiment is that the remaster elevates the original’s audio without altering its core identity. As PlaySense notes, the “iconic audio elements” are “improved upon,” reinforcing the game’s enduring appeal. Collectively, these reviews affirm that Diablo II: Resurrected’s sound design remains a standout feature, delivering both emotional resonance and technical polish for new and returning players alike.

The voice acting in Diablo II: Resurrected receives largely positive reception from critics, with several highlighting its faithful remastering and charm. Games.cz emphasizes that the voice work retains the original’s nostalgic appeal while benefiting from modern enhancements, enhancing the overall experience. Push Square praises the performances as “well-acted,” even if they found the storyline lacking in engagement. TheXboxHub commends the voiceover work for complementing the game’s presentation, and Multiplayer.it notes that the Italian voice acting in cinematics maintains fidelity to the original, preserving its authenticity. Vandal also appreciates the Spanish voice acting for adding a “nostalgic touch,” reinforcing the idea that the remastered audio elements successfully bridge the past and present. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a key strength, respecting the franchise’s legacy while delivering polished execution. While most critics focus on the positives, some do not explicitly address the voice acting as a standalone element. Checkpoint Gaming mentions remarkable cinematics and animations but does not specify voice work, and PlaySense includes it within broader praise for sound design and music without isolating it as a focal point. Push Square’s critique of the storyline is separate from their acknowledgment of the voice acting’s quality, suggesting that while the performances are strong, they may not fully compensate for narrative shortcomings. These minor omissions highlight that, though the voice acting is generally well-received, its impact is sometimes overshadowed by other aspects of the game. However, no direct criticisms of the voice work itself are noted, indicating a general consensus on its adequacy or excellence. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a strong consensus that the voice acting in Diablo II: Resurrected successfully honors the original while benefiting from modernization. Games.cz, Push Square, and TheXboxHub all highlight its quality, with Multiplayer.it and Vandal noting specific cultural nuances in localization. Even reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and PlaySense, who do not explicitly focus on voice acting, implicitly acknowledge its contribution to the game’s audio design. While some critiques touch on broader issues (like storytelling), none undermine the voice work itself. This suggests that the remastered voice acting is a cohesive and appreciated element, reinforcing the game’s nostalgic appeal without detracting from its modern presentation. The mixed focus across reviews indicates that while not every critic highlights it, the voice acting remains a consistent positive in the overall reception.

The technical performance of Diablo II: Resurrected across platforms received mixed but generally favorable reviews, with several positives highlighted. On PS5, critics like Hobby Consolas praised the game’s ability to reach 4K resolution at 60 FPS, while PlayStation LifeStyle noted that initial server hiccups were largely resolved post-launch. The Games Machine and TheSixthAxis also commended its smooth performance and fast loading times, with Push Square reporting minimal connection issues. For Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub acknowledged smooth gameplay after early bugs, while SpazioGames highlighted optimized performance on older consoles. On PC, IGN Italia noted minimal frame rate drops, and PCGamesN praised its stability on medium-spec systems despite minor hitches. Nintendo Switch saw mostly positive feedback from Vooks, who called it “mostly smooth” with only occasional frame-rate drops in specific areas. However, technical challenges plagued several platforms, particularly at launch. On PS5, Destructoid and Games.cz reported server issues, lag, and character teleportation problems, while Wccftech and Press Start Australia cited connection instability. Xbox Series X faced similar hurdles: GamingBolt criticized progress loss due to server glitches, and We Got This Covered highlighted frustrating disconnections. On PC, critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Noisy Pixel detailed crashes, controller disconnects, and performance lag, especially in multiplayer scenarios. Nintendo Switch users encountered server outages (Pure Nintendo) and limited online play (Worth Playing), while PC reviews from Everyeye.it and Vandal noted issues like ultrawide monitor incompatibility and programming errors. Even on Xbox One, SomosXbox acknowledged initial bugs, though the reviewer’s experience was largely problem-free. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Diablo II: Resurrected delivers a technically refined experience with platform-specific optimizations, but its legacy as a remaster means it retains some of the original game’s quirks. While PS5 and Xbox Series X saw significant improvements post-launch—particularly in server stability and performance—PC and Switch versions faced more persistent issues, though many were addressed over time. Critics like IGN France and PCGamesN acknowledged that while technical hiccups existed, they didn’t overshadow the game’s core appeal. The mixed reception underscores a balance between nostalgia-driven design and modern expectations, with most platforms ultimately offering a polished experience despite early teething problems.

The majority of critics highlight the strong replay value of Diablo II: Resurrected through its nostalgic appeal, deep character progression, and enduring gameplay mechanics. Reviewers like MGG praise the satisfaction of looting, the challenge of high-level content, and the visual refresh that entices both veterans and newcomers. Gfinity notes that the game’s “visual refresh” is enough to warrant a second playthrough for those familiar with the original, while Vooks and TierraGamer emphasize its appeal through character builds, randomized maps, and the joy of discovery. The inclusion of multiple difficulties, online co-op, and the Lord of Destruction DLC (as mentioned by Noisy Pixel) further enhances replayability. Critics like Game Rant and GamingBolt stress that the game’s grind for loot and character progression can offer hundreds of hours of engagement, with Hardcore mode and New Game + features adding longevity. The ability to experiment with diverse classes and builds—highlighted by Nintendo Enthusiast and Pure Nintendo—also underscores its replay value for players seeking varied experiences. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that may limit the game’s appeal. PlaySense and Vooks note issues like the absence of ladders on consoles, server instability, and online/offline character splits, which hinder multiplayer enjoyment. Games.cz and IGN France criticize the repetitive nature of the grind for higher difficulties and the lack of diverse endgame content, while Eurogamer Italy and Wccftech mention outdated mechanics such as limited skill allocation and a “heavy grind” that may deter modern players. The absence of modern features like seasonal ladders (as noted by PCGamesN) and the risk of feeling lost in progression (per NME) also detract from the experience. Additionally, some critics, like Games.cz and PlayStation Universe, argue that casual players might find the game too repetitive or punishing, especially given its reliance on old-school design choices. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans positive, with many acknowledging Diablo II: Resurrected as a nostalgic and engaging experience for fans of the original. While issues like outdated mechanics, server problems, and repetitive elements are frequently cited (as by PlaySense, IGN France, and Wccftech), the game’s core appeal—its character customization, loot-driven gameplay, and multiplayer co-op—remains strong. Critics like PC Gamer and Game Informer emphasize that the game’s replayability is driven by its “endless” itemization and class diversity, while others, such as Destructoid and Checkpoint Gaming, highlight features like ladder seasons and retro/modern style switches as key to its enduring appeal. Despite its flaws, the game is widely seen as a worthwhile revisit for veterans and a compelling introduction for newcomers, though with caveats about its dated design choices.