The Unmatched Sound Design of Diablo II: Resurrected
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Chapter 1: A New Era for Diablo II
One of the standout features of last year's remaster of Diablo II is not its graphical upgrades, enhanced gameplay mechanics, or the addition of a mini-map and cross-platform progression. Instead, what truly sets it apart is its exceptional sound design.
Despite the excitement surrounding Diablo II: Resurrected, it seems to have quickly faded from the mainstream gaming conversation, just six months post-launch. This is unfortunate because it boasts some of the most impressive upgraded sound in any remaster currently available.
The timing of its release didn't help either, coinciding with the public fallout from the Activision Blizzard harassment scandal. This situation led numerous major media outlets to halt coverage of the company’s products. The ongoing allegations and lawsuits detailing the troubling behavior at the company are distressing, and I fully support the employees who faced such hardships. My hope is for improvements within the company, and that the hard work invested by the developers in remaking Diablo II doesn’t go unrecognized.
Chapter 2: Gameplay and Graphics
While the player base appears to be stable, and Blizzard continues to release updates, it hasn't reached the level of popularity that Diablo III achieved, which is disappointing. Resurrected represents an outstanding reimagining of a classic title. The foundational gameplay, narrative, and balance of Diablo II remain intact, allowing players to revert to the original audiovisual experience whenever they choose.
The remastered graphics have been completely overhauled for modern consoles and PCs, exhibiting impressive detail. Although some visual charm may be lost from the traditional isometric view, the graphics still rank among the finest in contemporary gaming. Environments are enriched with intricate details layered over the original design, and character animations boast a higher fidelity than seen in any previous Blizzard title.
The first video titled "Is Diablo 2: Resurrected Worth Playing in 2024?" provides an engaging overview of the game's current standing and features.
The audio experience, however, is where my enthusiasm truly lies. Instead of merely reusing the original sound effects and music, Blizzard and Vicarious Visions have significantly enhanced the audio in every aspect. The game has been fully remixed to support true 7.1 and spatial audio, providing a fantastic auditory experience when used with modern 3D headphone systems, such as those on current Xbox consoles. I suspect it would also perform well with Tempest 3D Audio on the PS5, although I have not yet managed to acquire one of Sony's consoles.
The second video titled "50 Things You Didn't Know About Diablo 2" delves into lesser-known facts and insights about this iconic game.
Chapter 3: Sound Takes Center Stage
The music tracks in the remaster are clean and rich, offering a depth that the original mixes lacked. Sound effects have been enhanced, featuring additional bass and improved positional audio, making the game world feel more vibrant. The clang of weapons and other sounds echo the original but are refined through modern audio production techniques. New ambient soundscapes breathe life into hidden areas and add richness to weather effects and spellcasting.
When switching to classic graphics, Diablo II: Resurrected reverts to the original sound mix, allowing players to appreciate the extensive audio work that has been done. The new soundtrack elevates the gaming experience, making it the definitive way to enjoy the game, and I often wish I could pair it with the classic visuals for nostalgia.
Throughout the past decade, I have experienced numerous remasters, most of which retained the original sound effects and music while focusing solely on visuals. Diablo II: Resurrected breaks this mold and sets a precedent for the importance of audio design in classic remasters.
Though it isn't without its flaws—such as a menu system that is overly reliant on mouse control for console use and a hotkey setup that feels clunky compared to the classic PC system—the overall audio and visual quality sets a new benchmark for remasters.
In conclusion, Diablo II: Resurrected is arguably the best-sounding entry in the franchise and possibly the standout game overall. Upcoming titles like Immortal and the much-anticipated Diablo IV have significant expectations to meet. I sincerely hope they take inspiration from the rich 3D audio landscape found in Resurrected, reminding future developers that sound can be as impactful as graphics.