Players have used an old mod to unlock extra classes in Diablo 2: Resurrected's first alpha release. The upcoming title is a remake of the original Diablo 2, which released in 2000, and is being developed by both Blizzard Entertainment and Vicarious Visions. Diablo 2: Resurrected is expected to recreate the classic title, using modern hardware and graphics, without changing its gameplay or balancing.
Last week Diablo series developer Blizzard announced that the PC version of Diablo 2: Resurrected would receive a single-player technical alpha. The alpha began on April 9 and concluded on April 12, allowing select players who signed up through Blizzard to experience the title's updated graphics and performance. An anticipated multiplayer alpha was also hinted at by the developers. The technical alpha contained only three of the game's playable characters, the Amazon, Barbarian and Sorceress, and consisted of only the first two acts of the game. The technical alpha received positive reception, earning praise for the game's graphics, quality of life improvements and faithfulness to the original Diablo 2.
According to PCGamesN, several players who participated in the Diablo 2: Resurrected alpha were able to use other characters besides the three permitted by Blizzard. Players were able to use an old mod for the original Diablo 2, used to swap out and edit heroes, which still worked on the newly remade version of the game. Using the mod, fans could play as other characters such as the Necromancer and Paladin, all of which have complete or nearly complete movesets.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is receiving praise from fans for its apparent faithfulness to the critically-acclaimed original game. The developers have recently revealed that the remake will support save imports, meaning that players can import their old save files from Diablo 2 into Resurrected. Including this feature allows franchise veterans to bring their already-leveled characters into the new game, or continue an old quest from where they previously left off. However, the developers have also confirmed that the game will not support cross-play, meaning that players with different systems will not be able to enjoy the game's multiplayer content together.
Remakes have become quite popular in recent years, with games like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Final Fantasy 7 Remake becoming best-sellers. Bringing classic and iconic games onto modern hardware can be a brilliant idea, but developers must ensure that they are staying true to the original game. Cunning players were able to get a glimpse at what the other classes look and feel like in Diablo 2: Resurrected, and so far it seems that the remake stays true to the 2000 classic.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is due to release this year.
Source: PCGamesN, shalzuth (Necromancer), shalzuth (Druid)