This is a community-driven project that enhances and modernizes a foundational action role-playing game, originally released in 1996. It focuses on providing a seamless and improved experience for players looking to revisit or discover this classic title. The core of this project is to make the original game easily accessible and playable on modern systems while introducing a suite of technical improvements and optional quality-of-life features. It aims to preserve the original's dark fantasy atmosphere and addictive gameplay loop, making it more palatable for contemporary audiences without altering the fundamental experience.

What is this game?

This project is a port and enhancement of a beloved action role-playing game, originally developed by Blizzard Entertainment and published by Interplay Productions. This particular version, released in 2019, is a community-driven effort that aims to bring the classic experience to a wide range of modern platforms.

Core Gameplay and Experience

At its heart, this game is an action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Players choose a character class and delve into procedurally generated dungeons, battling hordes of monsters, collecting loot, and growing their character's power. The gameplay loop is characterized by its addictive nature, combining real-time combat with strategic character progression and the thrill of discovering powerful items. The atmosphere is steeped in gothic horror, with a focus on exploration, combat, and resource management.

Key Features and Improvements

This project's primary value proposition lies in its comprehensive approach to modernizing a classic:

Engine Improvements: It offers significant technical enhancements to the original game's engine, leading to smoother performance and better compatibility with current hardware and operating systems.
Bug Fixes: Numerous bugs and glitches present in the original release have been identified and resolved, providing a more stable and polished experience.
Quality of Life Features: Optional features are included to enhance the player experience without compromising the core gameplay. These can range from improved UI elements to more convenient inventory management, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
Broad Platform Support: This project is notable for its extensive availability across a wide array of platforms, including PC (Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac), mobile devices (iOS, Android), and various game consoles such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and older Nintendo handhelds (3DS, New Nintendo 3DS), as well as retro systems like the Amiga.

Story and Setting

The game is set in the grim and gothic world of Sanctuary, a land plagued by demonic forces. Players take on the role of a lone hero who ventures into the depths of a cursed cathedral and its surrounding catacombs to confront the source of evil. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, NPC dialogue, and in-game lore, creating a palpable sense of dread and urgency. The atmosphere is dark, oppressive, and filled with a sense of impending doom, drawing players into its grim narrative.

Additional Content

This project does not include any downloadable content (DLCs), expansions, or remakes. Its focus is solely on enhancing and porting the original game and its associated expansion content.

Release Information

This enhanced port was initially released on December 31, 2019. It is available on a multitude of platforms, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.