Simply Radiant- Torchlight Review

Evidently, creating the ideal algorithm for a loot drop is as challenging as mapping the human genome. While selfless scientists have spend the last two decades unraveling the mystery of DNA, programmers have toiled for a similar duration in an effort recapture the frequency, escalating fortitude, and distinctiveness of Diablo‘s distribution of player trinkets. While PC players have been able to satisfy their cravings for a real-time treasure crawl with titles such as Titan Quest and Dungeon Siege, console gamers have had to survive on uninspired efforts like Arkadian Warriors and Too Human.

With the release of Runic Game’s Torchlight onto the Xbox Live Arcade, players no longer have to hunch over their computers to experience a proficient plunder-grab. With redesigned combat mechanics and interface, the title lithely sidesteps the usual pratfalls of most PC ports, giving gamers a diversion which recalls the adept action-RPG action of Snowblind Studios’ Champions series. While amiable adventurers might bemoan the game’s solitary expedition, others will be too busy coveting caches of weapons, armor, jewels and scrolls scattered across over thirty randomized floors.

Before venturing into the title’s depths, players will choose one of three characters- each drawing from genre stereotype. There’s the brutish Destroyer- who prefers short-ranged skirmishes settled with gargantuan-sixed weapons, along with the spell-casting Alchemist and ballistic launching Vanquisher, who both favor ranged attacks. With a healthy amount of auto-aim, the game allow players to sneak a few accurate volleys in while running from formidable foes, although environmental objects like staircases and corners can sporadically obstruct long distance assaults.  Torchlight allows players to assign their own attacks to a controller’s face buttons, with a press of the directional pad unleashing additional skills. Unlike the PC version where I had to look at my keyboard to for a specific attack, the 360 version allowed me to keep my eyes-on screen at all times. With HP and mana replenishing vials mapped to the bumpers, players aren’t likely to succumb to adversaries as they scramble for a hot-keyed potion.

Accompanying explorers on their quest into title’s mineshafts are one of three pets- a wolf, tiger, or Chakawary- a lizard-like creature first seen in the Torchlight 2 announcement trailer. Beyond being able to outfit your sidekick with powerful spells and amulets, they also follow simple commands- you can even send an overburdened pet back to town where they’ll pawn your excess goods. The same amount of depth is articulated in the weapons and armor system, which allows player to socket gems into their goods, embedding articles with stat bonuses.

Between the extensive offensive loadout of your character and pet, Torchlight can become a pushover at the game’s easier difficultly settings- I recommend genre veterans start the game on the ‘hard’ setting. That way, once players complete their quest, forays into the Shadow Vault, and other post-game prizes will feel justly earned, instead of being delivered by mere attrition.

Although some have complained of Torchlight’s diminutive font size, I experienced no problems reading the game’s text on my modest thirty-seven inch television. However, the title does present a plethora of information on the menu screen, which can be initially daunting for new players. When compared to the vibrant hues of the PC version of Torchlight, the 360 iteration’s colors looks a bit washed out. Fortunately, gamers can tweak the game’s brightness and contrast ratios in the game’s options screen, allowing the game’s radiant spell effects and well-lit details shine. Regrettably, the game’s framerate can falter when adventurers unleash a cascade of spells and summons to combat resilient enemies.