We’re still hoping for that long-rumoured Diablo II remaster from Blizzard, but one YouTuber has taken it upon themselves to do a bit of an experiment with the original version of the game, with the help of an AI upscaler.
YouTuber ReznoR has created an entire playlist of upscaled footage of Diablo II in 4K resolution and a framerate of 60fps. For you technical junkies, Reznor used a Deep Learning Neural Network AI [also known as Machine Learning (ML)] and Advanced Motion Interpolation to upscale, enhance and smooth the original footage, all the while maintaining the original aspect ratio.
On top of that, for those who remember Creative Labs’ Sound Blaster cards that enabled EAX Environmental Effects and 3D audio, ReznoR has managed to get those enabled for the videos, as well.
It’s probably not be what we’d get from Blizzard’s actual remaster (if that’s happening), but it still looks quite impressive to watch with the smooth animation. And if anything, it raises hope that the upcoming Diablo IV will go back and try to glean some of what made Diablo II so great in the first place.