The technical alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected provided a first glimpse into the remaster of the classic. Testers are largely enthusiastic and surprised that while the action RPG feels like before, it plays slightly differently. Blizzard seems to be landing the next retro hit after WoW Classic with Diablo 2.
What did the first alpha have to offer? From April 8 to April 12, the technical alpha of the single-player part of Diablo 2: Resurrected took place. Those who managed to get a key were able to play the first two acts of the story and test the improved graphics and quality-of-life changes in detail.
A second alpha focusing on the multiplayer part is yet to follow.
Alpha removes skepticism for many testers regarding Diablo 2
How was the alpha received? While there was some skepticism before the start of the testing phase, the majority of testers are now enthusiastic. The skepticism stemmed from the rather failed Warcraft 3: Reforged. The remaster of Blizzard’s strategy game was received very poorly by many veterans.
However, the situation looks different for Diablo 2: Resurrected after the alpha. Here, we summarize some opinions from the gaming press:
- Polygon editor Ben Kuchera writes in his article (via Polygon): “This is not the Diablo I played as a child, but it still feels like a warm blanket on a cool night.”
- Gamespot editor Michael Higham believes (via Gamespot): “Diablo 2 Resurrected shows all the signs that it will preserve the unique RPG many of us fondly remember.”
- Ars Technica editor Sam Machkovech explains (via Ars Technica): “I’m excited that D2:R feels like the Diablo of old – and I’m looking forward to the promised multiplayer alpha test, because the old-school clunkiness of the game is much more rewarding when experienced with a group of like-minded friends.”
- Brandon Adams from Attack of the Fanboy writes (via Attack of the Fanboy): “Nothing from Diablo 2 has been removed or fundamentally reworked in Resurrected. If anything, this remaster sometimes feels like it’s playing it a bit too safe.”
- Mitchell Saltzmann from IGN believes (via IGN): “Yes, the core of Diablo 2 still holds up 20 years after the original’s release, even though there are some significant frustrations caused by certain outdated design issues. Overall, Diablo 2: Resurrected is very promising despite its alpha phase.”
Our colleagues from GameStar streamed live from the alpha. You can watch a video of it here:
The community is also excited about the release
What does the community think of the game? Players who are not from the gaming press also had the opportunity to check out the alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected.
- m43h from the MeinMMO community explains (via MeinMMO): “I am by no means disappointed, I played Diablo 2 nearly 20 years ago and still play it today. I think it’s great what Blizzard is putting together, really cool!”
- ShadeScapes is very happy (via reddit): “It looks fantastic and feels exactly like I wished a remake would be.”
- darthreuental is still somewhat skeptical (via reddit): “My main concern is that this will just be D2 with a new coat of paint. And I understand that – I really do. The demand for it is huge. But whether people love it or hate it, there are a lot of features that Diablo 3 introduced that I will sorely miss.”
- TOPCommander believes (via official D2R forum): “D2R feels like D3LOD 1.14d and plays that way too. And so far, that is fantastic.”
- Shivan is not so thrilled about the alpha (via official D2R forum): “I prefer the original D2 Classic and LoD over this version. It’s too clunky or tedious to play this version of the great D2.”
What is well received? Testers especially praise the detailed graphics and lighting of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Some of the quality-of-life changes are also well received:
- The larger and shared stash
- The gold pickup
- The overview of all stats of items
- More information about the mercenaries, so you know which one to choose
What is less well received? Besides the redesign of the enemy Blood Raven, which is met with some criticism, the following things are criticized about the alpha of Diablo 2: Resurrected:
- Loading times could be shorter
- Some skill effects do not feel powerful enough yet
- There are too many popups regarding quest progress
- It does not play as smoothly and comfortably for non-veterans as Diablo 3
Did you also have the opportunity to check out the alpha of Diablo 2 Resurrected? What is your impression of the remaster of the hack ‘n’ slash classic?
We also reveal everything you need to know about the release of Diablo 2: Resurrected as a remaster.
