Why Diablo 2 Holds Up Almost 20 Years Later

Author’s Note: In November, Blizzard Entertainment finally revealed Diablo IV to fans around the world. Long-time players rejoiced at all the similarities to 2000’s Diablo II: skill trees, familiar classes, and a gritty (yet still colorful and evocative) art style. There’s a reason why Blizzard is following the design of Diablo II — originally developed by the now-defunct Blizzard North — so closely. In many ways, Blizzard North’s beloved sequel is still the standard bearer for action-RPGs, also affectionately known as Diablo clones. My newest book, Stay Awhile and Listen: Book II…