Diablo 2 Resurrected May Be Really Different From the Original
Diablo 2 Resurrected, the reported title for a supposed Diablo 2 remake, might vary drastically from its initial incarnation. In fact, the lead developer from Diablo 2 believes it may actually be an entirely new game instead of a simple remaster. The reasons behind this lead back to a crisis during Diablo 2's development, right before release.
While Blizzard's "Team 1" worked on Warcraft 3: Reforged, this dev subsection has since been dismantled after Blizzard acquired Vicarious Visions. Now it looks as if Vicarious Visions will be in charge of a Diablo 2 remake, as part of its recent merger. In this way, it seems likely that Vicarious Visions is still the same but with a different, unannounced name. Regardless, things are looking up for Diablo fans as the studio has a stellar track record for remakes.
The real trick to releasing a remake or remaster of Diablo 2 would be rewriting most of the game from scratch. During Diablo 2's initial development, much of the source code was lost when the project's backup storage was corrupted, leaving the developer to scramble and piece together the final game from code on various dev's local machines. This being the case, Diablo 2 Resurrected would likely have a much different feel as the developer would have to rework the balance, loot drops, and everything else that came together to make the original such a legendary title.
Diablo 2 Resurrected may have to actually live up to its name, as to bring the game to light would mean recreating all the assets and essentially get the game back from the dead. This presents Blizzard in a position to modernize the game, possibly using the Diablo 3 engine, but this could be a blessing or a curse if it can not capture the original Diablo 2 release's feel. As far as Diablo games go, the second installation has a live fanbase to this day.
The Diablo 2 modding community still works hard to make Diablo 2 a better and better game; fans have even upscaled the game. Hopefully, their efforts to include modern features in the game like more extensive storage, automatic gold pickup, refreshing potions, and item stacking are recognized, as these would be excellent additions to a new edition. Diablo 2 was more of a social experience than its predecessor, so a competent trading and lobby system would also be a must-have.
Originally, the rumors were that Diablo 2 Resurrected would be announced late in 2020. That time has come and gone, and fans are now hoping for a BlizzCon 2021 unveiling. It's impossible to say whether this will be the case or not, but it's something that many seem to be clinging to and would make sense in the grand scheme of thing. After all, with the seemingly redeemed Diablo Immortal and Diablo 4 in the pipeline, a Diablo 2 remake would likely deliver a core experience between the mobile game and the wait for Diablo 4 (assuming it came first anyway). Some may protest that this would be too much Diablo, but many would counter that there's really no such thing.
With BlizzCon 2021 just days away, the anticipation is rising among Diablo 2 fans. If the rumors pan out and Diablo 2 Resurrected is announced, what other information will follow? It would make sense to include the Lord of Destruction expansion in a Diablo 2 re-release since the add-on changed so much of the original game, and this would also follow suit with Warcraft 3: Reforged containing expansions.
With Diablo 3 currently available on modern consoles and Diablo 4 announced across all platforms, it would only make sense that Diablo 2 Resurrected would come out for the PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox as well as the PC. This would be another new look for the game, as the original was only ever released for the PC, the only Diablo game never to get a console release. As a game fully intended for the PC, a lot of work would need to be done to be accessible via a controller—another reason it would make sense for Diablo 2 Resurrected to be an entirely new game.
If Vicarious Visions is the driving force behind Diablo 2 Resurrected, or however the studio is redubbed as part of the merger, fans can expect a polished and well-thought-out title. The studio behind such successful relaunches such as Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy has proven its mettle when it comes to remakes. With more than 200 employees of Vicarious Visions now a part of Blizzard, the signs are pointing to this being the case.
The only thing that is certain when it comes to Diablo 2 Resurrected is that long-time series fans are slavering at the jaw for it. Easily regarded as the best Diablo game ever made, Blizzard has some large shoes to fill with a remake. There is no telling when Diablo 2 Resurrected will be announced, what it would look like, or with such a predicament, whether or not it even comes to fruition. All there is to know is that there is certainly a market eagerly awaiting the game, but until then, all gamers have are some rumblings in the industry.
Diablo 2 is available now on PC.
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