The test
Diablo 2 Median XL, a standalone mode focused on ultra deep PvE and based on D2 mechanics, all the info in this test!
Gameplay and interest
Gameplay directly inherited from the Diablo 2 system, you play as a hero to annihilate hordes of monsters and bosses. Displacement in 8 directions and two spells with the possibility of putting 20 shortcuts, Médian XL can destabilize new users while older ones will quickly get used to it. In any case, it's always a pleasure to be able to destroy enemy packs and the new bosses added are very technical but extremely satisfying when you kill them. Downside related to the game engine, there are always Roll Backs, that is to say that your character goes back because of an animation that has bugged or a server latency. Note that with good settings these effects are much less present, but still frustrating.
If you pass this demanding side of gameplay, Median XL brings all the satisfaction of a good Hack And Slash PvE
You will face many bosses and minions in Median XL
Content and shelf life
Median XL brings a lot of considerable content, and this is the strong point of the game. If you like to create your character, equip it and make instances harder and harder, you will necessarily be seduced by the game and will be able to spend countless hours there. Each class has 7 specific talent trees, and you have lots of sets, runes and legendary items. You can therefore create the character that suits you. The only downside is the little diversified trees, if for example you want to do a lightning sorcerer, there won't be many alternatives. However, you can do a lightning, ice, fire, melee or even poison sorcerer. You will have about forty instances to complete, each time getting harder and harder in order to collect the charms and improve your character. On the bestiary and boss side, this one is extremely varied and allows you to never get bored regardless of your level. Note that a season and update system is present, allowing you to add content and keep an active player base.
The content offered by Médian XL is simply amazing
Each class has specific skill trees
Global design
For the design, this one is also inherited from Diablo 2. Some improvements were made on the interface and the definition, but one remains on an old model. Lots of animation have been added whether for new spells, bosses or new monsters. Overall the work done is extremely clean, although you will have to "put up with" the Diablo 2 graphics engine. Even if it won't happen any time soon, Median XL on the Diablo 2 Resurrected engine would be pure bliss.
Great additions to an outdated graphics engine
The design of Diablo 2 with many new features
Value for money and economic model
Median XL's business model is based on free to play with donations. You can therefore play the game for free, as long as you have a key to Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction, or if a friend has passed you theirs because the servers are those of Median XL, no need for a unique key. For the donation system for each euro donated you receive 10 x the equivalent in TG. Basic items cost between 10 and 30 TG, and rarer items start at 150, which is $ 1, $ 3, or $ 15, respectively. However, it is not necessary to go through this system, you can simply exchange your equipment for TGs to then be able to recover the equipment that interests you. This system is identical to the FG Forum Gold of D2jsp. If you want to trade, you will have to go through this TG system, without necessarily spending real money. If you want to go faster, you can buy TGs and then exchange them for items. You can also completely ignore this system and play Solo Safe Found (you only use items you find), which is very accessible due to the number of crafts and items you can find on your own. Even if I am not a fan of Pay To Fast, this system still makes it possible to finance the servers and the team who are constantly working on the game, and is in no way obligatory.
A very honest economic system adapted to all players
The economic system of the game
| Most | The lessers |
|---|---|
| Huge content in PvE, items and classes Private servers that make it a real standalone Diablo 2 gameplay Ladder and update system A demanding but very well balanced difficulty |
Dated game engine |
If you like PvE-oriented Hack and Slash, Median XL's content should appeal to you. Even if the inherent flaws in Diablo 2 remain present and if the difficulty does not scare you, I strongly advise you to try this game, which is much more than a simple mode but a full Hack & Slash.
I rated Diablo 2 Median XL 4.2 / 5
By Alchemists, September 2021
