Diablo II: Resurrected

Diablo II: Resurrected is a modern remaster of the cult classic from 2000 that brings the complete original game plus the Lord of Destruction expansion to Xbox Series X/S in reworked graphics. The visuals have been completely rebuilt in high resolution, while the player can switch back to the period-accurate graphics at any time with a single button press and compare just how far the isometric world of Sanctuary has come. Seven classes, an elaborate system of runes and items, build crafting around specific sets, and endless replayability thanks to randomly generated dungeons and the Nightmare and Hell difficulties remain untouched and still work exactly as they did in the original from the turn of the millennium.

On the new generation of consoles the game benefits from fast loading and stable performance, which for a title dependent on smooth item farming and quick transitions between areas means a noticeably more pleasant experience than on older hardware or on a period PC. The controls have been adapted to the gamepad and offer clear quick slots for spells and potions, which for a game designed primarily for mouse and keyboard was managed without major compromises in clarity. The audio side, including Matt Uelmen's iconic music and the atmospheric sounds of the catacombs and desert temples, has been preserved almost unchanged and still ranks among the most atmospheric scores of the entire action RPG genre.

The remaster was received by fans as a respectful and technically accomplished tribute to the original, which at its time defined the entire action RPG genre and influenced countless later games including Diablo III and IV themselves. On consoles it allowed the series to reach an audience that would otherwise never have gotten to the 2000 PC version, and cross-region online multiplayer also helped revive the community around trading rare items. Even years later Diablo II remains one of the most influential titles of the genre, and Resurrected is still considered one of the best ways to play it on modern hardware.

Why play it: For fans who want to experience the title that defined the action RPG genre on modern hardware, Resurrected remains one of the most respectful and technically accomplished remasters out there.