Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Diablo II’s core gameplay remains as addictive now as it was at launch. You’ll carve a path through four sprawling Acts, slaying hordes of demons, undead, and twisted beasts while continually refining your character’s skills and gear. Each class—whether you choose the melee-focused Barbarian, the elemental-powered Sorceress, or any of the other iconic ArcheTypes—offers a unique combat loop that rewards strategic build choices and tight reflexes.

In the Collector’s Edition, Blizzard sweetens the experience with a Diablo II Dungeons & Dragons–style paper-and-pen RPG. This tabletop adaptation captures the game’s loot-driven progression in a new format, giving fans a fresh way to enjoy Diablo’s dark world with friends around a table. It’s the perfect complement to the digital campaign and extends the gameplay loop beyond the screen.

Seasoned players will appreciate the inclusion of game trailers for Diablo, Diablo II, StarCraft, StarCraft: Brood War, and WarCraft III, as well as a “Final Destination” movie trailer. These curated videos not only stoke nostalgia for Blizzard’s early-2000s golden era but also provide a glimpse into how the studio packaged its big releases. For newcomers, they serve as bite-sized history lessons in Blizzard’s evolution of action-RPG design.

Graphics

While Diablo II’s isometric visuals have a dated charm by today’s standards, the Collector’s Edition elevates the graphics package with 24 minutes of remastered DVD-quality cinematics. These high-resolution cutscenes—as seen on the included DVD movie—bring the harrowing story moments to life with sharper detail and richer color palettes, deepening immersion with every pivotal plot twist.

Behind the Scenes video of art and sketches further enriches the graphical appeal by showcasing concept art, character designs, and environment paintings. Watching these preliminary sketches evolve into the final in-game assets highlights the care Blizzard poured into world-building. It’s a fascinating peek under the hood for art enthusiasts and a valuable reference for aspiring game artists.

Complementing the visual offerings, the Diablo II soundtrack—available on CD in the English (USA) version—underscores every dungeon corridor and boss fight. Composer Matt Uelmen’s haunting melodies and percussion-heavy beats still resonate, and having them on a physical disc means you can experience the evocative scores outside the game itself. Together, these extras transform Diablo II’s audiovisual presentation into a collector’s showcase.

Story

Diablo II picks up where the original left off, with the nefarious Dark Wanderer racing toward the sinister Lord of Terror himself. The narrative unfolds across diverse locales—from the sun-scorched deserts of Lut Gholein to the frozen peaks of the Barbarian Highlands—each culminating in a cinematic showdown woven seamlessly into the gameplay. The Collector’s Edition’s DVD movie compiles these story beats into a standalone viewing experience free from UI clutter.

The enclosed behind-the-scenes footage offers valuable context on how the story came together. Developers and artists discuss writing challenges, environmental storytelling tactics, and how they crafted memorable NPCs like Deckard Cain and Tyrael. Hearing firsthand accounts helps players appreciate the narrative design and heightens emotional investment in the quest against Diablo’s minions.

Spanish and French regional editions bolster the story experience by including localized Prima Strategy Guides. These beautifully illustrated manuals delve into quest walkthroughs, lore entries, and character build advice, all in the player’s native language. Whether you’re tackling Act III’s epic battles or deciphering Tyrael’s cryptic warnings, these guides ensure you won’t miss a single narrative nuance.

Overall Experience

The Diablo II Collector’s Edition is a love letter to fans and newcomers alike. In the USA, you receive a numbered box (one of only 70,000 worldwide), Diablo II discs in a jewel case, a 17-track soundtrack CD, the DVD movie, behind-the-scenes footage, multiple game trailers, and the innovative paper-and-pen RPG. Every element feels curated to honor the legacy of one of the most influential action-RPGs ever made.

For Spanish and French audiences, localized game discs and strategy guides replace the soundtrack CD and tabletop RPG, ensuring content resonates culturally while preserving the core extras: remastered cinematics, art videos, and trailers. This thoughtful regional variation highlights Blizzard’s commitment to global fans and makes each version uniquely collectible.

Ultimately, the Collector’s Edition is more than just a game; it’s an immersive package that celebrates Diablo II’s enduring impact. Whether you’re reliving your first descent into the Chaos Sanctuary or discovering the series for the first time, this edition offers a comprehensive experience—bridging gameplay, art, music, and lore in a way few releases can match.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10