A popular video making the rounds compares fighters inDiabloandDiablo 2to their counterparts inDiablo 4. It’s odd to consider that the originalDiablowas released in 1997, with its sequelDiablo 2arriving three years later in 2000. Now, twenty-three years later, Blizzard is preparing to releaseDiablo 4. Visuals, not to mention the talents of Blizzard’s artists, have come a long way in those years. The difference between theDiablocharacters is obvious, but the nostalgia is what may come as a surprise.
Diablois a curious franchise in many ways. DespiteDiabloandDiablo 2being over two decades old, the two games are still seen as the definitive experiences of the franchise by many. It’s the contrary becauseDiablo 3, despite its controversy was massively popular and has been played since 2013 due to continued seasonal updates.Diablofans playedDiablo 3while looking back atDiabloandDiablo 2as the better games, it seems. Even Blizzard has shared that view, givenDiablo 4is so heavily inspired byDiablo 2.
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The TikTok video in question was released by the officialDiabloaccount. It uses the popular “Spirits in my head and they won’t go” edit using the song from The Strumbellas. Half the video showcasescharacter classes fromDiabloandDiablo 2, including the Rogue, Necromancer, Sorcerer, Druid, and Barbarian. The other half of the video showcases these same classes but fromDiablo 4’s character selection screen.
The differences in visuals between the old games andDiablo 4are ridiculous, of course.DiabloandDiablo 2both used 2D sprites for their character art. Pixel art viewed from an isometric angle, at the time, was surprisingly impressive. Compared to the stunning3D art ofDiablo 4, however, the classic art looks somewhat underwhelming.
What some fans may not expect, however, is that in seeing the updated visuals ofDiablo 4, they might instead pine to go back and play theoriginalDiablogames. Those classic 2D sprites are iconic. Many PC gamers in their 30s, 40s, or older will have spent many hours with those characters, facing down Diablo and Baal. Updated visuals can’t take that feeling away.
The updated characters featured inDiablo 4aren’t those featured inDiabloandDiablo 2, of course.Diablo 4is set 30 years after the events ofDiablo 3’sReaper of Souls.Diablo 4’s Heroesalso allow for character customization, though, so players should be able to re-create those classic characters if they choose. Or, despite the nostalgia, perhaps players can create a new generation of Heroes that they can look back on fondly in another 20 or 30 years.
Diablo 4releases June 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
