The graphics are amazingly detailed and the story flows into the hack and slash. Where it just drops off for me is the overabundance of options and carpel tunnel point-and-click interface. Yes there are keybinds but just too many to casually enjoy the game. I guess if you plan to spend several hours per session routinely it becomes second-nature but just too busy for me. /shrug/ For the casual gamer it's just not worth it.
Torchlight 2 is a slight step up from Torchlight 1.
I am going to start with the negatives to this game.
I still don't like the color palette and find that everything blends into a pastel paste of said colors.
Also, despite having a slightly better random dungeon mode for end game content, I didn't really go out of my way to play more once I completed the main story.
The story, game world and most skills have a bland feeling to them.
Neutral things to consider:
Enemies cleared in an area never respawn until the game is completed.
Normal game mode it easy. Veteran is a good place to start. Elite can be tough depending on character build.
The classes you can play are pretty straight forward but the skills are not very interesting.
Good aspects:
Torchlight 2 always gives clear info about what everything does. Skills and attributes are clearly explained. Loot is decent but nothing really felt amazing.
Again, your pet is used as a pack mule and can be sent back to town to buy/sell items.
There are several different environments to explore this time instead of endless dungeons in Torchlight 1.
There are lots of little secrets to find. Fishing is relaxing and exploration is usually rewarded.
I recommend this game to anyone who is new to ARPGs.
While it's better than Torchlight 1 in terms of what item types result in what abilities from gems/skulls etc, it's longer and the graphics look a lot better there are problems:
1) You can't combine gems. Why? Who thought that was a good idea? Tochlight 1 was ahead of D2 in that you could remove gems from sockets and vice verse. All they needed to change was the stupid regen happening only for weapons. Not this.
2) You are forced into one ability/tree at the start instead of choosing where you want to put your point. You can reset it but even then you can only unlock a different attack style at like level 7 for the Engineer.
3) When you can access stuff in general for the engineer really limits available play styles.
4) There's no high magic spell damage/summon minions class like the Alchemist.
Don't even try NG or later modes without browsing the official forums and selecting one of the cookie cutter builds.
Otherwise, a very competent, streamlined game with a forgettable story. Can keep you occupied for a long time... if you enjoy grinding.
