Old is gold, or so the saying goes. Being able to enjoy a classic game under the guise of modern day circumstances is definitely something that gamers appreciate. If that were not the case, then we would not have seen the likes of Final Fantasy remakes as well as re-releases of older titles with updated graphics to deliver a more optimal gaming experience. Where Blizzard’s franchise, Diablo, is concerned, the same principles apply to it as well. In fact, Blizzard has just introduced a very special 20th anniversary patch under the guise of update 2.4.3 for Diablo 3. In this 20th anniversary event, the patch will come with a retro dungeon that has been specially curated in order to have it resemble the original Diablo title as far as possible.
In update 2.4.3 for Diablo 3, you will be able to gain access to this unique retro-style dungeon through Adventure mode. It will boast of old school graphics, not to mention far more repetitive sound effects that rolls back the years, being able to turn in just 8 directions unlike today’s games that offer fluid, 360-degree turns,among others. The old school dungeon will come with 16 floors that are chock-full of enemies as well as level bosses which might let you shed a tear because of pure nostalgia. Do take note that this revisit of the original Diablo gameplay will not be there forever. In will remain in the world of Diablo 3 for the entire month of January, and we are already five days into the new year. Known as The Darkening of Tristram, you will have to wait for another 11 months if you miss out on it since Blizzard has mentioned that they intend to offer it to the masses during each of Diablo’s birth month. Which is a good idea, actually, although waiting for that long might prove to be too much for some.
Does this mean we will see a similar thing happen in other Blizzard titles in the future? Will there be an anniversary event for the likes of Starcraft and Warcraft franchises? That would certainly be cool to say the least, although a whole lot of work would need to be thrown into the mix before that dream can materialize.
For the celebration of Diablo‘s 20th anniversary, Blizzard has also done its bit to pepper the rest of its major titles with Diablo references here and there. Overwatch, for instance, has Diablo sprays which enable players to simply spray their way around the maps. As for World of Warcraft, the secret cow level has opened up for adventurers to enjoy a cross-universe. Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls and its update 2.4.3 is now available on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms.
Of course, while providing a glimpse for a new generation of gamers into what the original Diablo played and looked like, update 2.4.3 will also introduce yet another piece to the Crusader’s Armor of Akkhan set -- the seventh, in fact, while making changes to the balance as well as tweaking in-game items for a more wholesome game.
PS4 Pro owners have yet another thing to celebrate about with update 2.4.3, as they can now enjoy Diablo 3 in 4K resolution once the update is downloaded and applied. Certainly an excuse to upgrade the TV in the living room, don’t you think so?
