Describing Diablo II as iconic isn't merely a random descriptor, it's a seminal release which not only helped define a genre but Diablo Gold laid the groundwork for a future where loot, real time action, player progression, and objects like assembles and weapons and character classes became ubiquitous as military shooters that concentrated on gruff soldiers with assault rifles. In fact you could probably trace Call of Duty's multi-player systems back to Diablo. Probably.
At BlizzCon last month, when we got our first glimpse at Diablo II: Resurrected, the surprise came not from the announcement itself but in the way in which the execution apparently exceeded all expectations. Impressive, modern 3D visuals which remain true to the appearance and feel of the original. Visuals that sit at the top of those classic 2000-era pixels, introducing a radical visual makeover that preserves what makes Diablo II, well, D2.
"It is a different kind of challenge," Rob Gallerani, Primary Designer on Diablo II: Resurrected informs us asked about the decision to go 3D whilst keeping the 2D core. "I will assert it is easier than trying to rebuild brick-for-brick the entire game. I'd rather take the Sistine Chapel and rotoscope over it afterward be like here's a lot of pictures, go build it . It does have unique challenges since we're seeing behind the curtain"
For Diablo II: Resurrected, that includes the base game and the Lords of Destruction expansion, 1 way to consider it's because rotoscope or tracing sense. Employing the underlying assets and game for a means to drive the 3D layer. On top of taking each and every part and recreating it, animating it, adding textures, and lighting too -- the challenge mostly derives from the very nature of moving 3D.
"It is the 2D into 3D world translation," Rod Fergusson, Executive Producer on Diablo II: Resurrected adds. "When you've got a sprite-based 2D world it's a flat thing on a flat thing. And now you have stairs with elevation, you've got undulating ground a sword must fall onto. Even simple things like readability turned into a challenge, like a Paladin's Aura. The way which you're able to Buy Diablo 2 Items see the Aura very definitely lets you know you have that particular Aura.