It’s been 24 years since the launch of the original Diablo game and Blizzard is getting ready to celebrate the momentous anniversary starting January 3rd. Beginning on that date, The Darkening of Tristram event will open in Diablo 3 with a number of fun ways to experience the original game. “Whether you’re a series veteran craving nostalgia, or a newcomer hungry for your first taste of the franchise’s past, this annual loving homage to the earliest days of Diablo is for you.”
During The Darkening of Tristram, players will be following a special series of quests in Adventure Mode that will see them discover a portal to Tristram’s past. Heading through it will see players descend into “a realm of glorious RetroVision”. Veterans will immediately recognize Tristram’s cathedral and the, well, let’s just say “primitive” graphics of the first game. “Explore the depths and you’ll discover familiar enemies and iconic items, all brought to life in the D3 engine”. Along the way, players have the chance to collect event-specific items with unique transmog effects. There are also achievements, portraits, pets, and more to discover.
The event begins on December 31st, though the portal to the retro-themed content doesn’t open until January 3rd. The whole thing wraps up on January 31st.
Check out the Diablo 3 official site for more information.