Torchlight II … I never played the first torchlight because the Diablo-esque video game genre always seemed to shine with MULTIPLAYER!
Thankfully they decided to listen to what the players want and added two multiplayer options (Internet and LAN). This is probably the thing that stood out the most to me. The problem I had with this was that I wasn’t able to register and create an account to use Runic’s game system. In all honesty I was hoping that it would be integrated with Steam but, it wasn’t…sadface.
FYI: I’m not going to be comparing this to Diablo 3 because everyone else is and I feel that every game should be judged by its own merits.
Anyway, on to the good stuff!
The gameplay is your standard button-mash fest but, it has several unique things that deserves some extra fanfare. Let me preface this by saying that I was privileged to have a brother who is a video game a·fi·ci·o·na·do and decided to buy the 4-pack that steam had on sale not too long ago. The first thing he told me about the game that sparked my interest was the ability to equip an item based on the level requirement OR the ability requirement. For example, you could use a weapon if you were lv 15+ or if you had 40 Str. This is a nice take on how to give multiple options for players to access different gear.
Another thing that I found very earlier in my time in the world of Torchlight II was that there are ‘Phase Beasts’ that will leave a portal behind after they die that will take you to a challenge world. An example is one that had 4 torches to light up in a specific order while you are being attacked from all sides and then once you complete this task…you are attacked by a boss! After killing this boss the screen was filled to the brim with gold and there were several dropped items that made the fight worth it.
I decided to pick the ‘Outlander’ class because I felt it would be good stealth/ranged class to play and so far the class itself has been underwhelming.
Take this with a grain of salt though, I haven’t made it too far into the game to make any judgement of the class but, I am really thinking of starting an ‘Embermage’ and seeing if it is more my style.
The boss encounters have been interesting – a decent challenge and a reward that fits.
I appreciate the fact that there are many hints at pop culture items in the game (Goonies!!!) and the art style.
The art is simple but, I really like it. The intro cut scene was a cartoon that looked really good and is a nice change of pace from the uber-realistic CGI with most AAA titles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mMyRiPPeJI
So far, I am digging Torchlight II but, I have a feeling that Guild Wars 2 will last me longer.
Time will tell…
Why must you taunt me with your new game reviews!
This looks great, of course, and I loved the first Torchlight. Phasebeasts! Ember! I fear that I will weaken and be picking this up sooner rather than later…
The either/or approach to item equip sounds like an open invitation to get right down to the nitty gritty and wail on some bad guys! Do you think the gameplay will get stale after you become so powerful so quickly? Or does this approach compliment multiplayer?
Thanks for the post. Maybe I’ll sign on tonight with my new computer and we can play together*
*this is a lie as I do not yet have a new computer.
@ Nick
It has been the opposite for me actually. I chose a class that seems to be more of a challenge than the others and now that I have progressed to a certain point I’m having more fun. I think this has been due to the fact that I have decent AoE skills now.
You may not need a new computer to play, system specs for your viewing pleasure:
1.4 GHz or faster processor.
1 GB System RAM
1.2 GB hard drive space (subject to change)
DirectX 9.0c or higher compatible video card with at least 256 MB of addressable video RAM.
Mouse and Keyboard.
An Internet connection (for game activation and online multiplayer)