So guys I'm like 6 hours in (first time D2 player), last chapter of Act I (Sisters to the Slaughter) and I'm trying really hard to like it, but I'm struggling. I hope I don't trigger hardcore Diablo fans, but to me this feels like a big step back compared to Diablo 3. The gameplay feels disconnected and slashing enemies feels meh without any impact. Big difference with 3, which is an absolute rush blowing up corpses with the Necromancer. I'm using a Barbarian. The environments and enemies up until now are all the same type and kinda boring. The story doesn't do anything for me (which is fine, Diablo is about looting and hacking) and dying makes you apparently lose everything and you have to get back to your corpse to get everything back (didn't know that before). The stamina mechanic is kind of annoying and eve more annoying is the limited inventory space. I'm constantly accidentally picking up shit (console) because that is mapped to the attack button. I'm constantly throwing away stuff and the good loot I got I can count on 1 hand. Like 99% is trash and can be ignored. It makes the grind not very much fun.
Is this game especially great for old time Diablo 2 fans, or should I stick with it for a little longer? Or am I playing this wrong perhaps?
If you don't like the core gameplay loop, and it sounds like that, then don't force yourself to play it. Some parts haven't aged that well compared to modern games but i love all of it.
Every class has many options in terms of their builds and each class feels somewhat different in itself. Try a different one and see if this feels better to you. In the beginning you can gain levels fairly quickly so that helps to try out classes. Each act has different environments but also a lot of similarities. The biggest contrast is coming from the various looks of the different acts. The hub changes, the music, the enemies. Try to play act 2 for example and see for yourself. Enemy variety has some repetition but it is also possible that you won't even see every enemy type on your first playthrough. Keeps later playthroughs a bit fresh. Same as for the environments. Check act 2!
I like the story. It could be deeper and there could be more of it but the way it is represented feels good. It doesn't matter that much anymore after your first playthrough.
In higher difficulties you also lose experience points upon dying. But most can be regained by getting back to your corpse. Put your money into your stash so you don't lose it! You can also quit the game and go back in and your dead body will be right in front of you. For stamina try to use the stamina potions or specific gear to extend it. I'm using a sorceress which can teleport and i completely forgot about stamina. At some point you will know what to take with you and what not. Your are not supposed to take every item that you find to a vendor. You can map each attack to an individual button of your choice. Just map your basic attack to a different button if you have problems! In terms of the aquirance of loot... it is all randomised. Sometimes you play 20 minutes and get the greatest stuff ever and sometimes you play 10 hours and get nothing worthwhile.
As an oldtime Diablo 1 and 2 fan i'm having a great time. Haven't played the game for, i don't know, 15 to 18 years and i still love it like i did before. But although i played Diablo 3 a lot i never loved it.
At least try a different character or respec yours to see if it makes a difference to you. To me it doesn't sound like that you are playing it wrong. Give it a fair chance and if you don't like it then that's fine.
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