Torchlight II Reviews
Overall, Torchlight II is a very solid console port. The gameplay loop is generally satisfying despite the minor annoyances, and can even feel a bit zen once the player manages to sink fully into the rhythm. Torchlight II does not do anything remarkable for the action hack-and-slash genre, but functions as a good spiritual successor to Diablo II and makes for a good alternative for hack-and-slash fans who were put off by Diablo III.
Released at roughly the same time, Torchlight II shows just how much Diablo III has improved since launch, and the level of effort put into its console ports. While Diablo III is absolutely impeccable on console, Torchlight II feels neutered and a bit stunted.
Make no mistake, Torchlight 2 is nothing revolutionary. It favors a remix of genre conventions over any true evolution of the action RPG formula, but it is a pitch-perfect execution of those traditions that remains satisfying from start to finish and beyond.
The bones of a great game exist within the second entry, even today, but lop-sided gameplay and uninspired presentation obscure them far too much.
Torchlight is a good portage of a still good game, and it's great to play it everywhere on your Switch. But unfortunately, it lacks of a local multiplayer mode on one console.
Review in French | Read full review
Torchlight II is an older title that feels its age at times. Nevertheless, it remains a solid example of its genre and will keep you occupied for hours on end. Multiplayer, an expansive upgrade system, and a sea of worthwhile loot make up for the repetitive gameplay.
It just doesn't go above and beyond, feeling more generic overall. This is a Diablo-like game that feels a whole lot like Diablo, but doesn't carve out enough of an identity on its own to leave a lasting impression. Still, the only games of this genre that do the raw gameplay better are the ones that snuck their way into this review as a modifier to explain the style of game this is.
Even seven years after its release Torchlight II still knows how to please, the game has aged well. The typical loot system works wonderfully on the home consoles. The porting is successful except for the equipment area. The story cannot convince one hundred percent with the few twists and surprises, but it doesn't have to. Since the story is finished after a good twenty hours, in the end game you only concentrate on the optimal equipment anyway. Torchlight II can still be played today, as long as you don't have elaborate textures or detailed graphics.
Review in German | Read full review
In the seven years since Torchlight II was released, dungeon crawlers have both evolved into a more complex genre and toyed with mechanics pulled from outside them, such as roguelikes.
Torchlight II still continues to be one of the best the dungeon crawling, Action RPG genre has to offer. The gameplay is solid and full of different quests to always keep you busy. With the 4 classes being so different from one another and NG+ there’s so much replay value here. Online multiplayer is a great addition, if you have some friends to play with and want to team up for some dungeon crawling action. Some of the dungeon designs could have used a bit more creativity and the story feels unimportant, but those are small blemishes on an otherwise great package.
A leader in the genre, its non-stop action loop hits all the right notes.
GREAT - Torchlight II is a great alternative to Diablo III on the Switch. It carries a Teen rating, which is more appropriate for younger gamers and a great introduction to the dungeon crawling loot RPG genre. A lack of local co-op on one Switch is a bit disappointing, but the four player online co-op more than makes up for it.
Torchlight II takes what makes iconic action RPGs like Diablo fun and presents it in an accessible and highly enjoyable package.
Torchlight 2 is a quality port that took time in making its way to consoles. It feels like a little too late now, but this doesn't mean it is not a good action RPG. Those who are on the lookout for something new that can satisfy their Diablo thirst can have a good time with this sequel.
If you can brush aside the lack of single console multiplayer, Torchlight II remains an addictive action-RPG experience.
My time through Torchlight II is really just a blur of primary colours and explosions of gibs. If that’s what you need, and you’re able to look past the very deliberate shortcomings, then this will be a game that you will find hard to put down.
Torchlight 2 on consoles has a new look and great performance, but it remains true to its origins, which can be both good and bad depending on who you ask.
When compared with the plentiful amount of action-RPGs already on the Nintendo Switch Torchlight II can seem like a bit of an afterthought. But while its story has a poor endgame, it offers a cute aesthetic with plenty of charm. Panic Button has done a great job once again with porting, and those new to the genre will find plenty to entertain at a fair price.
Torchlight II was a great action RPG back in 2012 and it still remains it to this day.
The Switch port of Torchlight 2 is tremendous, however the lack of simple, local co-op multiplayer is slightly disappointing