Diablo 1 is getting a remake but not as fans intended. Blizzard announced the controversial decision during the 2016 Blizzcon event last November 5.
The Darkening of Tristam
Diablo fans were speculating that a Diablo 1 or 2 Remake may be announced at the 2016 Blizzcon event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Diablo franchise. Blizzard did announce that it's going to do a remake of the original Diablo game. Unfortunately, it's not a standalone game but a patch in the Diablo 3 game.
Back To The Classics
The Darkening of Tristam will look and feel like the original game via a pixel filter. The audio will also sound like the old Diablo through a "Tinny" filter. The user interface (UI) will take players back in time where movements are only available to eight movements instead of the current 360 degree direction. Even the frame stutter has been thrown in to complete Diablo retro experience. The Diablo 1 remake patch will feature 16 dungeon levels where players can locate and confront the original four bosses.
Expected Release Date
The Diablo 1 remake is not only a patch but also a temporary event in the Diablo 3 game. Blizzard will introduce The Darkening of Tristam next week on the Diablo 3 PTR. Afterwards, the Diablo 1 patch will only be available every January starting on 2017. Aside from Diablo 3, players should also have the Reaper of Souls expansion before they could play the Diablo 1 patch.
Diablo Fans Disappointed?
Months or weeks before the 2016 Blizzcon event many fans were hoping for a classic Diablo remake or a Diablo 4 reveal. Instead Blizzard announced the addition of a playable Necromancer class to Diablo 3 and the yearly event for a Diablo 1 remake patch. Some of the Diablo fans are suggesting a meeting with Blizzard in order "align" the developer's plan and their expectations for the game franchise.
