Torchlight II and the Seven Game Reviewers That Can't Stop Saying Diablo

Torchlight II is an isometric dungeon-crawler role-playing game in which players, alone or in groups, battle fantasy creatures in order to amass more powerful equipment, with which they can then use to fight even more powerful fantasy creatures.

See how easy that was? I got through the entire Frankenreview introduction without mentioning Diablo.

Oh come on, that one doesn't count.

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Three years ago I sat all day out in front of the Starbucks my girlfriend worked at, clicking away at a game called Torchlight on my primitive gaming laptop. It was November, and I distinctly remember my hands getting so cold towards the end of the night I could barely click the buttons on my mouse. I stayed cold, despite the endless supply of warmth and free coffee just feet away. I braved frostbite so I could complete that game. It wasn't so I could write my assigned review . It wasn't because I was engrossed in the story (I don't even remember it). It's because it was a damn fun game.

Does it resemble another relatively fun game? Sure, why not? Is that any reason to constantly refer to it in terms of Blizzards seminal isometric dungeon crawler? Considering I titled my review of the first game "Torchlight Review: The Fate Of DiabloCraft" I'd say yes, yes it does.

So here we go.

GamesBeat

It's been a crazy year for action role-playing games. First Diablo III released in May, and then Borderlands 2 came out earlier this week. And now Torchlight II. So, which one is best? The answer isn't easy - they're big-name and quality games. The little design choices are what might sway you to pick one over the other.

In terms of gameplay, Torchlight II (out today on Steam for PC) is exactly what you'd expect from the genre. You fight near-endless hordes of enemies and bosses as you explore different territories and collect loot, upgrading your gear and distributing your stats however you please. It's not an original concept, but it takes more effort on the developer's part to deliver consistent and fair gameplay. Torchlight II pulls it off.

AusGamers

It takes a few hours to appreciate the different play approach when compared to Diablo. Whereas Blizzard's behemoth would have you grind your mouse finger away in an attempt to gain enough loot and coin to finally upgrade or replace your gear back at the main hub, Torchlight II streamlines the experience, offering overpowered loot from each elite beast you conquer as well as a constant flow of coin. There is hardly any need to return to vendors, either, as it is possible to load your pet up with loot and send it off to town to sell it all. You can also give your pet a simple shopping list (potions, identify scrolls etc.) and get it to bring supplies back. Once ordered, your pet is usually only gone for a minute or two.

Your pet is much more than an extra bag slot. It packs a fighting punch and will often turn the tide of battle when things get out of hand. My bulldog, Gerald, is a stalwart companion, loyal, reliable and hardworking. With his AI set to "defensive", he follows me around and attacks any and all who come within our radius. So far, Gerald has even learned