Diablo 2 Gameplay No Commentary: A Love Letter to ARPGs

As a lifelong fan of the Diablo series, I've had my fair share of unforgettable gaming experiences. From beating the original on PSX to replaying classic titles like Diablo 1 and 2, I've spent countless hours exploring the dark fantasy world that Blizzard has created. But what makes Diablo 2 gameplay so special, you ask? For me, it's all about the pick-and-play nature of action RPGs (ARPGs) and the joy of rolling new characters.

My fondness for local multiplayer in Diablo 3's console version is a testament to how much I love playing these games with friends. However, my approach to ARPGs might be different from others who enjoy the genre. While some gamers are content with investing hundreds or even thousands of hours into endgame content, I'm more interested in experiencing each game's campaign and then moving on to new characters or even new titles.

I must admit that Diablo 4's campaign was the most enjoyable I've experienced in an ARPG. The story was engaging, and the gameplay was addictive. However, once I reached level 50, I was ready to start fresh with a new character. This pattern of leveling up, unlocking abilities, and finding a rotation I like is what keeps me coming back for more.

What sets Diablo 2 apart from other games in the series is its timeless appeal. Despite being released over two decades ago, the game still holds up today. In fact, I broke the 2,000-hour mark in Diablo 2: Resurrected, which speaks to the game's enduring popularity.

For me, ARPGs are all about the experience of playing through a campaign and then moving on to new challenges or games. I don't get bogged down in endgame content or feel compelled to spend hours upon hours optimizing my characters. Instead, I find joy in exploring different character builds, trying out new strategies, and experiencing each game's unique story.

Ultimately, it seems that we're looking for different things in ARPGs. While some gamers are happy to sink thousands of hours into a single title, others – like myself – prefer the pick-and-play nature of these games. Either way, Diablo 2 gameplay remains an iconic part of gaming culture, and its timeless appeal is a testament to Blizzard's commitment to creating engaging and addictive experiences.

Diablo 2 gameplay no commentary