Diablo II: Resurrected
Mature action remake is as fun, frustrating as the original.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Diablo II: Resurrected
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Diablo II: Resurrected is an action role-playing game for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Switch, and Windows PCs. Using a variety of weapons that include swords, a bow & arrows, and axes, as well as magic, players kill many, many people (including humans) and animals. This results in a lot of blood being spilled, though it's decidedly more noticeable in the cutscenes than the actual game, since the standard onscreen action has an aerial perspective. There are also numerous uses of Satanic images, as well as rather grotesque creatures. There's a cutscene that takes place in a bar (albeit with no one drinking), and another where a female monster has her cleavage on full display. The game's playable solo or with friends, and in the latter case, communication between players isn't monitored, potentially exposing users to inappropriate content.
Community Reviews
Same flawed masterwork is teen friendly.
Report this review
What’s It About?
In DIABLO II: RESURRECTED, the failure to contain the titular demon in the first game has resulting in an invasion of demons. That's where you come in. Played solo or with friends, you have to put a stop to this demonic incursion, and the person responsible, while also exploring the realm and improving yourself so you're strong enough to face Diablo and the other demons helping him to take over the world. A somewhat updated version of a twenty-year-old classic, this boasts improved visuals and sound, and brings this adventure to consoles for the first time, but largely leaves the action intact. That explains why you're still running around fields and caves, dispatching skeletons and monsters with your sword, magic spells, and bow & arrows.
Is It Any Good?
Once again, this happens to be an updated version of a classic game...that isn't as much of an upgrade as gamers would like. For people who loved the original, Diablo II: Resurrected is another chance to play this classic action/adventure game in which you battle zombies, monsters, and demonic creatures using swords, magic, a bow and arrows, and your skills as an explorer. Except now, the visuals have been upgraded rather considerably (as you can see for yourself by switching between the old and new with the click of a button), as well as the sound quality. It even includes the add-on released later, which expands the saga while also adding an assassin and a nature loving druid to your career options. Beyond that, though, this is the same game as it was twenty years ago, from the way the combat works to how you manage all the loot you gather.
While people that wanted a better looking version of the original are in luck, anyone looking for more will be disappointed. Doubly so if you were hoping this would be upgraded to play like Diablo III. For starters, some of the systems they left intact haven't aged well (especially if you play it on console). The map is too small, the inventory system is frustratingly restrictive, having to use the controller's right thumbstick like a mouse to navigate the menus is awkward, and the inability to pause is just baffling. Also, for some infuriating reason, you lose all your stuff when you die. Did anyone ever think this was fun? It also doesn't help that things are not adequately explained. All of which is why purists looking for nostalgia will appreciate Diablo II: Resurrected...while other people will just play Diablo III for the umpteenth time while waiting for Diablo IV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Diablo II: Resurrected affected by the fact that you're killing people and animals? Is the impact lessened because you also kill supernatural creatures that are threats to you and everyone else in the world, or does it not matter because you're constantly attacking and destroying everything that appears on the screen?
In Diablo II: Resurrected, you put your life on the line to stop an evil that could take over the world, so when do you think it's important to put the needs of the many ahead of the needs of the few, or the one?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
- Release date: September 23, 2021
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Last updated: August 7, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection
Knightly reboot tests the mettle of even hard-core gamers.
-
Biomutant
Flawed, absurd, and violent adventure is also deeply fun.
-
Torchlight II
Bloody fantasy tale is easy to play, stands test of time.
For kids who love action
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate