Torchlight

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 910 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 618 out of 910
  2. Mixed: 238 out of 910
  3. Negative: 54 out of 910
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  1. ZazaTR
    Mar 28, 2012
    9
    Nice visual style, features, gameplay. Somewhat repetitive maybe, but so is every hack-and-slash game ever released. Modest price and less idiotic DRM than the one used in upcoming Diablo III make this game a sight for sore eyes when it comes to looking for some good-old hack-em-up action!
  2. wololooo
    Mar 19, 2012
    9
    It's a Dibalo clone, sure - but Torchlight is one of the best dungeon-crawler Action RPG's I've played in years. Clean, simple interface, and a slick visual style made this one of the most visually pleasing games of 2009. There's some great features, such as loading up your pet with items and sending him to town to sell them, that really add to the experience. As with most games in theIt's a Dibalo clone, sure - but Torchlight is one of the best dungeon-crawler Action RPG's I've played in years. Clean, simple interface, and a slick visual style made this one of the most visually pleasing games of 2009. There's some great features, such as loading up your pet with items and sending him to town to sell them, that really add to the experience. As with most games in the genre, it can turn into a bit of a grind-fest at times, but the huge amount of variety between the different skills (and classes, for that matter) makes it totally worth it. I can't wait for Torchlight 2.… Expand
  3. Restax
    Mar 15, 2012
    6
    A LOT like Diablo, even going so far as to use some of the same musical scores and SFX. Quite addictive for a while but feels very samey. I did enjoy playing it but don't know if I'd ever go back to it or even purchase a sequel.
  4. PLANETX
    Mar 13, 2012
    7
    A great hack and slash RPG. IT's simple, easy to play, and has a good amount of fun. It does lack class customization and of course any Multiplayer, but if you loved games like Diablo than you'll definitely want to play this. It's at least good for one run, original, and worth your money.
  5. Ideclarewar901
    Mar 7, 2012
    8
    Very SMALL length game originally, but the gameplay is AWESOME, just like Diablo. I love this game no matter what. The graphics are not super, but not bad, like it's special style of Texture! Feels like Warcraft'ish.. I kinda like that! Misses Online Play, but that is coming with Torchlight II, what makes this game unique, is the Modding. Like Seriously.. The game can get 6 times biggerVery SMALL length game originally, but the gameplay is AWESOME, just like Diablo. I love this game no matter what. The graphics are not super, but not bad, like it's special style of Texture! Feels like Warcraft'ish.. I kinda like that! Misses Online Play, but that is coming with Torchlight II, what makes this game unique, is the Modding. Like Seriously.. The game can get 6 times bigger than Diablo II: Lord of Destruction with the modding. It's not as good though... But a very good RPG! I would put it second on the list. Definately worth 19,99$ ! Hope TOrchlight II will have more ACTs and zone types!… Expand
  6. Larux18
    Feb 28, 2012
    6
    Torchlight is a rare game we get, its a Diablo clone, that is clear, but its a great example on how a dungeon crawler is made. I really think this game has potential in it, or had, unfortunately it was not used to its maximum power. The environments are repetitive, really repetitive, every 5 dungeons or so you get a change but that doesn't kill the repetition, and all the lost dungeons andTorchlight is a rare game we get, its a Diablo clone, that is clear, but its a great example on how a dungeon crawler is made. I really think this game has potential in it, or had, unfortunately it was not used to its maximum power. The environments are repetitive, really repetitive, every 5 dungeons or so you get a change but that doesn't kill the repetition, and all the lost dungeons and extra ones are the same thing, that is the major disappointment of this game. After I see the enemies getting extremely repetitive too which get a little tedious and then of course there is repetitive loot which is found in massive amounts. All these issues make this game a little bit tedious but there is a saving grace, the art style is just outstanding, the sound is good and the learning curve here is just about right. I will tell you to buy this game if you are a diablo fan since this is a great experience for dungeon crawler fans but its not the reboot of the genre nor is it innovative to death, it gets a 6/10 but i will still recommend a buy.… Expand
  7. whitespider999
    Feb 17, 2012
    7
    I have always been a fan of action/loot/rpgs, and this satisfied all my urges. A beautiful interface, smooth gameplay, rewarding loot, and a great modding community make this a must have. The visuals are rounded, attractive, and run on very old pc's, however the music is probably the best aesthetic thing about the entire game - it is truly exceptional. And while the package and content isI have always been a fan of action/loot/rpgs, and this satisfied all my urges. A beautiful interface, smooth gameplay, rewarding loot, and a great modding community make this a must have. The visuals are rounded, attractive, and run on very old pc's, however the music is probably the best aesthetic thing about the entire game - it is truly exceptional. And while the package and content is fantastic, the game has some faults as well. It's very repetitive, focusing purely on a single descending dungeon (with a few side portals). In a game like this, you do need more variety to make it interesting for longer. And the omission of multiplayer and the ability to share your game experience limits the longterm value. Regardless, this game understands what makes a action rpg tick.… Expand
  8. namDa65
    Feb 5, 2012
    9
    Very fun diablo clone. No story, all gameplay. There are lots of mods available adding even more classes or randomly generated dungeons in the game as well! 9/10
  9. Billick
    Jan 25, 2012
    7
    Torchlight is a fairly standard hack and slash dungeon crawler. It's not a bad game by any means, but it doesn't do anything to make it stand out either. For the price, it's worth checking out if you're a fan of Diablo style games.
  10. Djabx
    Jan 16, 2012
    8
    Very good clone of Diablo 2 (minus network gameplay) with some improvement.
    No revolutionary idea, but no mistake either.
    The game is not that much difficult, and their is no end game (as in diablo).

    In sale, if you liked Diablo, it's a good bargain ... else it's up to you.
  11. Ggdograa
    Jan 1, 2012
    8
    Addictive, easy to pick up and loads of fun to play. You can't really go wrong with that formula. Diablo clones are a dime a dozen but this is one of those clones that gets everything right. If you're not too concerned about a wafer thin storyline you're going to definitely enjoy your stay in Torchlight. There's also great replay value as you can try different character builds and collectAddictive, easy to pick up and loads of fun to play. You can't really go wrong with that formula. Diablo clones are a dime a dozen but this is one of those clones that gets everything right. If you're not too concerned about a wafer thin storyline you're going to definitely enjoy your stay in Torchlight. There's also great replay value as you can try different character builds and collect different sets of loot to swap about. One fault worth mentioning is that the load times can be surprisingly long at times and the abundance of enemies can be overwhelming to say the least, but it's really just nit-picking on an otherwise solid title.… Expand
  12. R_O360
    Dec 26, 2011
    4
    This game sucks, is incredibly boring, and looks like ****

    I am typing this because I need 150 characters blalblalblALBLALBLALDSFLKSDFLKlksdflksgdflLKSDF.
  13. spinspock
    Dec 20, 2011
    9
    This game is a blast that fills a serious void. If you love Diablo 2 you owe it to yourself to play this. My only complaint would be the lack of co-op. I've seen they are putting co-op in 2 so I'm extremely excited for that. Just hope they get it out before D3!
  14. DeGreZet
    Dec 10, 2011
    8
    Hah! Again ones of my favorite games. ;)
    This is the best Hack'n Slash after Diablo games ever. Great gameplay, nice graphics and good but just good maps. Biggest minus in this game is just 3 heroes..... This is enough.
    I can't played this game more them 10 hours in week because this become boring.
    I advice Torchlight Diablo II fans and people who likes Hack'n Slash games. My rate is 8.3/10
  15. slan
    Nov 6, 2011
    7
    Good game, albeit repetitious -borrowing unashamedly for Diablo -yet it does not pretend to be anything more than it is.
    A small company that does a good job which has been a success against the odds (Diablo).
    It had better get its new version out before Diablo 3- as at lest abridge for addicts of the game - or its next more ambitious effort will lose sales ,at lest in the short term.
  16. Scoobydruid
    Oct 28, 2011
    7
    Game started out OK but the cartoon graphics are disappointing. The game lacks richness and variety. While it might be cheap ($20), I'd gladly pay $60 for a better experience. Time is a more precious commodity to me than an extra $30-50. But this game wouldn't sell well at the higher price point. For the price, it's good value, but if graphics are an important part of the experience, IGame started out OK but the cartoon graphics are disappointing. The game lacks richness and variety. While it might be cheap ($20), I'd gladly pay $60 for a better experience. Time is a more precious commodity to me than an extra $30-50. But this game wouldn't sell well at the higher price point. For the price, it's good value, but if graphics are an important part of the experience, I wouldn't bother buying this. This was my first dungeon crawler. It was very easy to pick up and play, but I got tired of it before finishing the whole thing. But since it only cost $20, I didn't feel ripped off.… Expand
  17. AlfishKK
    Oct 22, 2011
    6
    I liked so much about Torchlight--the graphics were were really cool, gameplay was fast-paced and the spells and abilities were fun. Overall I did like it, but for me it was brought down by the flimsy story and non-characters. None of the NPCs have anything interesting to say and no bosses (except the last one) have back stories or motivations, they just show up with their cool characterI liked so much about Torchlight--the graphics were were really cool, gameplay was fast-paced and the spells and abilities were fun. Overall I did like it, but for me it was brought down by the flimsy story and non-characters. None of the NPCs have anything interesting to say and no bosses (except the last one) have back stories or motivations, they just show up with their cool character designs and then you kill them and think, "Wish I knew what that guy's deal was." Even your character doesn't have any personality.

    I'm someone who likes to read the same books over and over, and for me the replay value comes from the story. There wasn't any in Torchlight, so I beat it once and had fun... but I haven't played it since.    … Expand
  18. choppy
    Oct 12, 2011
    8
    Don't expect brilliance or endless replayability. This is something to tide you over until D3 releases. It's clear that this isn't as balanced as Diablo games - on normal, it's too easy, making it a boring grind after the first playthrough. On harder levels, it can be simply too difficult for some builds to complete the game. Also, some game mechanics are clearly broken, with some skillsDon't expect brilliance or endless replayability. This is something to tide you over until D3 releases. It's clear that this isn't as balanced as Diablo games - on normal, it's too easy, making it a boring grind after the first playthrough. On harder levels, it can be simply too difficult for some builds to complete the game. Also, some game mechanics are clearly broken, with some skills (like Vanquisher's Explosive Shot) completely overpowered, and other skills underpowered.

    All of that said, I got it for $15 and had tons of fun playing it through the first time. Totally worth the price at that level.    … Expand
  19. Grizz
    Oct 12, 2011
    7
    Torchlight is a fun game with a lot of polish. The graphics are cartoonish but charming and look very good for how low the system specs are. I have two large complaints however. The first being no multiplayer whatsoever. It's a shame for a dungeon crawler like this to not have multiplayer support as this would have made the game much much more fun. The second issue I had was the lack ofTorchlight is a fun game with a lot of polish. The graphics are cartoonish but charming and look very good for how low the system specs are. I have two large complaints however. The first being no multiplayer whatsoever. It's a shame for a dungeon crawler like this to not have multiplayer support as this would have made the game much much more fun. The second issue I had was the lack of depth/re-playability. The game features only 3 classes and there aren't that many skills to chose from. Nonetheless if you are a fan of dungeon crawlers then you will definitely enjoy this game.… Expand
  20. syrik
    Sep 26, 2011
    7
    This is plain and simple a Diablo clone. It plays like Diablo, copies the main plot of Diablo (troubled town sitting on top of hell, or a long cavern thought to be hell), hell it was even made by some of the same people that made Diablo. If you want originality in a game...well, go back in time to the 80's, but this ain't it. What it does offer is fun gameplay at a reasonable price.This is plain and simple a Diablo clone. It plays like Diablo, copies the main plot of Diablo (troubled town sitting on top of hell, or a long cavern thought to be hell), hell it was even made by some of the same people that made Diablo. If you want originality in a game...well, go back in time to the 80's, but this ain't it. What it does offer is fun gameplay at a reasonable price. This title now sells for $15, a reduction from a whopping $20, making it a screaming deal when it was full priced still. The graphics are pretty, not overly taxing on your system (the company says it can be played on a tablet, pretty cool) and it runs smoothly. Levels are randomly built so you won't have the same map over and over. Tons of loot drops, also randomly generated, keeping you always looking for an upgrade. Again, just like Diablo. A couple of things are missing from the game like the ability to keymap (seriously developers, let me set my own buttons, IN EVERY GAME) and you can't respec (I guess everyone is supposed to automatically know what every spell and ability does) both things which hurt the game. Another rude awakening thing you will learn is the enchantment system is also random and there is a chance that the item you are enchanting will be rendered useless (all stats removed) which is very annoying if you really like whatever it is you are using. But overall, considering how many Diablo clones there are in the world, how fun this one actually is to play and its price it comes out as quite a good game.… Expand
  21. Boris
    Sep 5, 2011
    9
    This game is mostly excellent. It's not the reason why, but it explains it : the studio from which this game comes from (runic games) has been formed by Travis Baldree (creator of Fate), Max Schaefer and Erich Schaefer (co-founders of Blizzard North - who worked on the first Diablo).

    The reasons (yes there are many) why this game is really great are : Simple but efficient game design    This game is mostly excellent. It's not the reason why, but it explains it : the studio from which this game comes from (runic games) has been formed by Travis Baldree (creator of Fate), Max Schaefer and Erich Schaefer (co-founders of Blizzard North - who worked on the first Diablo).

    The reasons (yes there are many) why this game is really great are :

    Simple but efficient game design (with the ability to use a "pet" to sell the loots without having your inventory always full of useless valuables) ; Cute and good looking SD character models and graphics ; A GREAT soundtrack which reminded me Diablo only few seconds after I started playing torchlight ; It has a very nice level editor ; Now, why nine and not ten ? Simply because there is no multiplayer capability yet (I've read somewhere it is planned for the sequel), and also because after a lot of time (but this game is so addictive that you easily spend a LOT of time on it) the randomized levels are a bit repetitive.    … Expand
  22. Monurah
    Jul 18, 2011
    9
    You can see the subtle signs this game shows in reference to other compelling hack and slash games. However, this game offers what all other similar games don't. A level editor in which you can decide what your journey will be.
  23. averagegamer707
    Jul 17, 2011
    6
    In the beginning you choose one of three common RPG archetypes, the warrior, rogue/ranger or mage. You are then placed in the small town of Torchlight, and thrust into action which foreshadows the main story line of the game. Now, I don't have a lot of experince in this genre really, but to me the story seemed very weak, which I will come back to later. In the first few missions you areIn the beginning you choose one of three common RPG archetypes, the warrior, rogue/ranger or mage. You are then placed in the small town of Torchlight, and thrust into action which foreshadows the main story line of the game. Now, I don't have a lot of experince in this genre really, but to me the story seemed very weak, which I will come back to later. In the first few missions you are only required to do simple things (kill this thing here, go talk to that person there) which I found boring at first, but after a while of clicking away the story progressed and so did the quests, and I started to really get into the combat and it became very entertaining. As I beleive to be common in the genre, as you level up you get a certain amount of points to increase your stats as well as gain new abilities. Playing as the 'alchemist' (the mage type character), I found the new spells and pets kept me playing, and for a while I really liked the game.
    The problems came after the 17th floor (each quest brings you deeper and deeper into the main 'dungeon', and I beleive there are 35 floors to the main dungeon) or thereabouts where the game slowed down to a crawl (in a dungeon crawl game, who would have thought?). I think there are several problems that are faced by each genre, and even in general, that need to be addressed by developers. In dungeon crawls, you are bascially asking the player to do the same thing over and over again to get through a dungeon, usually in a pretty formulaic way (you go through here, kill those, go to another level/area). To keep the player interested, I think its pretty important to balance interesting and varied combat against the background of an intriguing and engaging story so the player doesn't realise that all they are doing is clicking buttons and killing data.

    While Torchlight delivers varied combat, seen in its variation in level design (to an extent) and enemy models, introduction of new spells at a nice and natural pace and drawing the player into combat through an interesting armour/weapon discovery system which gives a good incentive, the story is greatly lacking. While not overly generic, the development of the story is slow and not overly compelling, making me often question why I was even bothering to play, other than to watch my character perform some devastating spells and attacks. To me, they failed in the balancing act I mentioned previously. By the 20th floor the game turned into nothing but 'walk here, AoE that, find the stairs to the next floor', which lead me to the analogy of self harm with kitchen utensils.

    The game also has some cool features worth mentioning, like having a dog or cat (you decide at the beginning of the game) to help you in combat, as well as being able to tell them to go back to town from a dungeon with items to sell, a handy way to make money as well as clear inventory space without losing momentum in dungeon crawling. The use of town portal scrolls is also handy, which allows you to teleport to town to hand in quests etc and then you can return to the place you teleported from. While being helpful features, they are not nearly enough to save the game from it's weak story line and player motivation.

    I do not contend that this is a horrible game, the combat (a key feature of this kind of game) is very fun, and the game does well to draw you in. Fans of the genre will probably enjoy this game a great deal, as I've read in numerous other reviews, overlooking the game's plot faults. It has a lot of replay value for fans, being able to try the game again on different difficulties or as a different class, as well as the option of fighting through a dungeon with infinite levels and side missions at the end of the main quest (but if I wanted to do this, I would go back to World of Wastecraft).

    To conclude, while the combat of Torchlight is fun and engaging, the story is not much of either. For people who aren't great fans of the genre, you will probably get a few hours of great fun and then a few hours of soul crushing monotony, while fans will probably spend the 10-60 hours of possible gameplay in complete bliss.

    Breakdown

    Presentation - 7/10 -The user interface is reasonably compact and functional, with the use of a number of easy to use buttons to hotkey spells. Some keys are a little awkwardly placed, which cramped my hands a few times.

    Graphics - 8/10 - Cartoony graphics, but quite detailed and very charming

    Sound - 8/10 - Very fitting musical score, capturing the ambiance and feel of each level of the dungeon

    Gameplay - 7/10 - Combat is very fun, but gets old some time into the game, slowing to a grind

    Plot - 3.5/10 - weak story, slowly implemented and not compelling/does not draw you in

    Lasting impact on player - variable - if you're a fan, you will love the options, but if you aren't like me you might avoid finishing it once


    Overall about a 6/10 (Okay)
    See other reviews at http://criticalgamingstudies.blogspot.com    … Expand
  24. oblivion2011
    Jul 11, 2011
    7
    This game has all the basic elements of an RPG, but lacks the variety of one. Environment leaves you feeling trapped in a box going back from the caves and then back to hometown. I feel this game is more linear and condensed than an actual world to explore.
  25. MrButtermancer
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    This game is awesome. I'm an avid isometric dungeon crawler fan, and Torchlight has been one of the most satisfying games in years. The combat mechanics and animations are highly entertaining and addictive. I get the impression that the FATE series (decent, not spectacular) was a warm-up for this company. Torchlight is the finished product. The art is good, the combat is spectacular,This game is awesome. I'm an avid isometric dungeon crawler fan, and Torchlight has been one of the most satisfying games in years. The combat mechanics and animations are highly entertaining and addictive. I get the impression that the FATE series (decent, not spectacular) was a warm-up for this company. Torchlight is the finished product. The art is good, the combat is spectacular, and I can't count the number of times I told myself "just ONE more floor..." This game would tempt me at $20-30. For the piddly amount stores (and my lord, STEAM) is asking for it, you have no excuse not to buy this game if you are serious enough to be reading this review. Doooo eeeet.… Expand
  26. Brumbek
    Jul 2, 2011
    10
    Such a simple game yet so charming, addicting, and entertaining. This is what all games should be: easy to pick up and enjoyable for a 10 minute session or a 4 hour marathon. And at its price, it's one of the best values around. It easily beats every other Diablo clone, and only Torthlight II or Diablo III will be able to trump it. So for what it is I give it a 10, despite it being fairlySuch a simple game yet so charming, addicting, and entertaining. This is what all games should be: easy to pick up and enjoyable for a 10 minute session or a 4 hour marathon. And at its price, it's one of the best values around. It easily beats every other Diablo clone, and only Torthlight II or Diablo III will be able to trump it. So for what it is I give it a 10, despite it being fairly short on content.… Expand
  27. CivforBrains
    Jun 28, 2011
    9
    Superb game. I'd give it a 10 except that it doesn't have multiplayer and it had a few balancing issues at higher levels sometimes. Other than that, you can't beat the price. Looking forward to Torchlight 2. :)
  28. wordy_actions
    Jun 24, 2011
    7
    Fantastic indie Diablo clone. The graphics are vibrant and reminiscent of Warcraft (not a bad thing). There are only 3 classes but they've done a good job of making each unique. Lots of opportunity for customizing your character's abilities. Loads of cool armor and weapons. Good variety of weapons. For just a few dollars you get hours of fun. Highly recommended for PC gamers.
  29. KaiEkkrin
    Jun 24, 2011
    8
    Diablo rip-off of the highest order, made by many of the same people who made Diablo itself. This was my favourite stress-relief device for over a year after release. It's only fallen out of favour recently because of a glitch: if you lose your portal into wherever you were in the infinitely deep dungeon (the Shadow Vault), you have to start it all over again, it seems (at which pointDiablo rip-off of the highest order, made by many of the same people who made Diablo itself. This was my favourite stress-relief device for over a year after release. It's only fallen out of favour recently because of a glitch: if you lose your portal into wherever you were in the infinitely deep dungeon (the Shadow Vault), you have to start it all over again, it seems (at which point you might as well make a new character...) Single player only; roll on Torchlight 2 (which will have more than 3 classes, and co-op!)… Expand
  30. Lanzmann
    May 21, 2011
    8
    Torchlight is a solid game. It's an improved Fate, which was pretty good. It features nice cartoonish graphics and Diablo-esque mechanics, nothing new. It excels at gameplay, though. It's fast, violent and plain funny.
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best PC Game of 2009
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
20
#20 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. RPGamer
    90
    With phenomenal music and great art direction, combined with an addictive combat system, it's hard to step away from the keyboard and mouse after the first floor.
    Read full review
  2. Cheat Code Central
    88
    Runic hasn't dumbed down the experience, they've removed the fluff and distilled it down to the truly fun parts. Add in a few innovations and what you've got is Torchlight; a game that raises the expectations for dungeon-crawling action RPGs by being not just fine-tuned but affordable as well.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    88
    The core of the game is its combat and character progression, and both of those are outstanding. Torchlight might not be breaking any new ground, but the soul of Diablo hasn't been so ably captured in years. You won't find much that approaches Torchlight's worth at its $20 price point.
    Read full review
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