How good Diablo 2: Resurrected would look like, was clear before release: Already in the playable alpha and beta versions we were able to play the new edition extensively, resulting in several graphics comparisons and reports. But the switch implementation alone held Blizzard as far as possible under closure. A bad sign? From release, we spent several hours with the switch implementation and give a first test assessment. There is a momentum of pictures on which we compare the graphics with the PC version. It quickly becomes clear which compromises were needed to be able to play the Remaster on the way. Despite significant graphic smears, the switch implementation leaves a good impression. Source: PC Games
Good playability
The most important first: Diablo 2: Resurrected also makes a good figure on the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is identical to the other versions, solely at the online multiplayer, there is a limitation: while clicking on PC, XBox and PlayStation consoles with up to 8 players, the switch version is limited to up to 4 players. In our season, the performance was pleasing, most of the time have reached 30 frames per second, which is enough for liquid games - whether in TV or handheld mode. The well thought-out Gamepad control flows exactly as well as PS5 or Xbox Series X, only restriction here: The cool zoom function from the PC version is unfortunately not. But that seems to be missing in all console versions. At least we could not discover them.
Cross-Save? Functions!
As announced, all versions of Diablo 2: Resurrected a Cross-Save feature. This allows you to transfer your score to other platforms, but it must be mandatory for an online character. So offline heroes should not move. The hero transfer is very pleasant about the hand. At the first start, you only have to connect to your Nintendo account with your Battle.net account: For this you only need to call up a website, log in to your Battle.net data and enter a code - done. Thereafter, your online heroes are automatically stored on Blizzard s servers and can be easily played on another device.
Speaking online: The switch version was also struggling with shaky servers. The next morning everything was fine, we could easily log in and play online on all platforms, which also applies to the switch.
How well is the graphics?
It should probably surprise anyone: For the switch version, Blizzard had to screw up noticeably on the graphic quality to hold a reasonably stable frame rate. All textures are much more orderable than on the other platforms, as well as pretty surrounding details such as grass or some decorative objects are missing. As a result, some locations - for example the burning tristram - have a little bare than in the other versions.
To see well on the next image comparison: The PC socket already shows a slightly larger image section in 1080p than the switch version. Incidentally, this also affects the Xbox and PlayStation versions.
Atmospheric effects such as reflections in puddles or other surfaces are completely missing in the switch version. The fire effects also fall compared to the PC less detailed. In addition, the resolution on the Nintendo Switch is also lower in docked mode than in the other versions, so the picture basically works slightly muddy. However, the happening is always easy to read and the writings can still be recognized in handheld mode neatly.
But the biggest graphic loss is shown in lighting. Compared to the PC version, the switch implementation is clearly lighter, which is probably due to the missing environmental coverage. In this example (below) you can see the difference particularly clearly at the fountain. Such smears must be accepted, here Blizzard has clearly given the frame rate - the right decision. In contrast to the PC, the loading times are noticeably longer, but usually also fall on the switch only a few seconds. So that s no problem. Incidentally, the completely newly rendered videos also look in the switch implementation tip.
How did your Diablo 2: Resurrected?
Of course, for a final verdict we have to play the switch version a little longer, but already we can give all-clear: the implementation leaves a good first impression despite clear graphic smears. Everything else we clarify in the test next week! Of course, however, we would like to hear your opinion:
What do you think about Diablo 2: RESURRECTED? What innovations have succeeded in which improvements do you miss? Power with our short survey! It s fast, anonymous and without registration. We look forward to your results! More images comparisons between PC and switch can be found in our picture gallery. See all 19 pictures in the gallery Switch [Source: PC Games] Developer Blizzard has been violent in criticism for several weeks: the cult studio (u.a. Starcraft, World of Warcraft) is involved in an ugly sexism scandal, more and more women have meanwhile reported harassment at work and unjust treatment. Activision Blizzard has already pulled first consequences, several leading developers had to vacate their items. All backgrounds are in our report, current news about the topic can be found in our news area. From Felix Schütz editor 24.09.2021 at 20:02