The last time I played D2 I ended up playing locally. I enjoyed being able to adjust the number of players in the game. Also, I used Hero Editor to give myself a couple of charms that each had roughly 1300 MF, 100% increased walk speed (I know overkill) and 400% gold. This made the game move a little more quickly. Also, if I wanted to replay a difficulty, I would reset all of the quests, so I could gain more stat points, skill points, imbue and socket quests, etc... And after a while in Hell I gave my merc a level 31 Conviction aura so it would be easier to solo, especially with a Sorceress. It ended up being a lot of fun playing that way.