Torchlight is a simple hack 'n' slash game. Simply put; you wander around dungeons smiting various creatures with spell, bow or blade. The concept is really nothing new, but it is easy to get into. This game is great for picking up and leaving off; blast a few enemies and come back later, or truck on for several floors. There are many possible levels you can go through other than the story levels, and they are randomized.
There are five difficulty levels which means all levels of gamers will have a place. Although, the easy mode is really very easy, and you may not get the satisfaction of any challenge playing under that mode. On the other end of the scale, Hardcore is not for the faint hearted. One death and you lose, good day sir.
Starting is simple. Load up the game, pick a character (one of three) and name them, choose a pet (dog or cat), name them, and you're done. You can choose from Destroyer (fighter), Vanquisher (ranged) and Alchemist (spellcaster). Whilst the obvious route to take these classes down is apparent by a glance, there are three skill trees which I won't go into. Getting into combat is extremely quick, you'll be potentially in the thick of it within 5 mins. This format is great if you don't like the tedious opening scenes of some games.
As you slay monsters, you gain XP. You can get up to 100 levels. There is also a fame modifier which, upon level-up, gives a skill point; quests and rare monsters (named and glowing) will give fame. Naturally, as you level you will gain skill points to invest in the skill trees, and stat points to boost your stats. These will directly affect your damage and defense depending on your choice of weapon.
This does help to allow customization within classes - there isn't one route you MUST take, for example you can make a combat alchemist rather than fully caster, but decide that for yourself. There is a plethora of equipment and gear available in simple to understand and easy to read format, you really won't go far without finding some even if you're only playing for 15 minutes, but you will need to use Identify Scrolls on them (which are easily bought). There are even skill scrolls you can pick up anywhere and learn a new skill. The game automatically saves too, meaning a short or long play is fine; no hanging on for a save point.
Your pet is also important. He can take blows, and can also be morphed into other creatures with different skills temporarily with fish. He can even learn up to two scroll spells. However, most conveniently, he has his OWN inventory, which he can take back to town at any time you like to sell, and you'll get the money. This prevents unnecessarily frequent town visits, although you'll still want to check back semi-regularly anyway.
Visually, the game is pretty. The interface is simple, with skill points and stat points easily available from a click at the left and right hand of the screen. The inventory and, well, everything else is easily available and nothing is 'buried', you can get to anything you want on the standard interface (or by keypress!). There are a wide variety of zones, from crypts to ruins immersed in water. The game is colourful and the style of monsters and characters is quite chunky, with some light gore. The spells and skills are also mostly decent looks-wise. I had no problems with frame-rates and that is definitely a good thing in my book.
The sound effects are smooth and do fit well, and the music is also fine. Whilst not personally memorable in most aspects to me, the soundtrack was decent enough.
The story is virtually non-existent, and if you're playing the game expecting an in-depth story, you'll be disappointed. There is enough to tick things over, honestly, but it's all very predictable & generic and lacks any real impact. Typically, every few floors, you'll find a boss and progress the quest on a little as you receive new orders and thanks from a woman you met at the start. The sidequests are similarly "go fetch this, thanks" and whilst they do have a minor interest, don't stand out.
As a summary, a few bullets.
- Hack n slash game
- Chunky artwork, colourful and visually pretty
- Good to pick up and leave at short notice
- Short to moderate in length
- Simple interface, easy for all levels of gamers to get quickly acquainted with
- Unmemorable story
- Several customization routes with scroll spells, skill tree and stat assignment
Play it if you like destroying lots of monsters and an easy to get in and out of world. Don't play if you're looking for a great story. Good value for money.
I would recommend a buy.
