A smattering of reviews for Runic Games’ Xbox Live Arcade port of Torchlight have made their way to the Internet this weekend.
IGN gives it an 8.0/10:
That quest for loot is a lonely, solitary affair, but if Torchlight grabs you, it might be a while before it lets go. As an example of a type of game that’s largely eschewed release on the Xbox 360, Torchlight is a great case study of why that doesn’t need to be. At 15 bucks, Torchlight is a steal for lone wolves with a lust for loot.
ZTGD gives it a 9.2/10:
Torchlight is what happens when developers with a passion for what they do come together. You can tell the guys and gals that made this game truly love the genre and know what makes it fun. Torchlight doesn’t do anything that will reinvent the genre, but what makes it special is that it does everything right. If you enjoy hack and slash or dungeon crawlers there is no reason to pass up this amazing title. Console fans are in for a treat with Runic Games latest, and it comes at a fraction of the cost that it is worth.
Strategy Informer gives it an 8.5/10:
While Torchlight’s original faults still stand, the game lends itself wonderfully to the Xbox 360 controller, and we found ourselves preferring the console edition. If you’re looking for a hack ‘n’ slasher to lose a week’s worth of nights to, then sit down – you’ve found it.
Gamer Euphoria gives it a 4.5/5:
Torchlight has plenty to offer in terms of enjoyment and game time. The good by far eclipses the bad allowing Torchlight to be as enjoyable on Xbox Live as it was on the PC. Runic Games have done a fine job of carrying over their title and is cause for celebration for those who didn’t experience the game first time around. A highly enjoyable title and easily recommendable to all Torchlight is well worth investing your time and money into.
Elder Geek gives it a “Worth Buying” verdict:
Players who have not yet experienced Torchlight would do good to check this game out, as it is one of the highest-quality action/RPGs currently available on Xbox Live, and well worth the 1200 Microsoft points ($15, which is significantly less than the regular price for the Steam version of the game). Those who already own the PC-version will probably not find many new features in this latest version of the game, though even those who have previously fought their way through the dungeon below the eponymous town may enjoy replaying the game with the new, more relaxed, control scheme.
GameFocus gives it a 9.0/10:
In the end, Torchlight is a home-run for any Action RPG fan! Runic took what made Diablo so great to begin with and polished it up to a brilliant shine by adding the pets, the Fame system, and doing away with the skill tree. Now those who have yet to embrace it on PC can give it a whirl on their 360 and let me tell you, one taste and you’ll find yourself gobbling this meal down and begging for seconds. It’s an easy (Buy) at 1200 MP and no fan of the genre should be without it.
Now, when can I have Torchlight 2?
TheGamersHub gives it a 4.5/5:
Torchlight is an incredibly fun game, there is so much to do, so much to explore that you’ll feel like your ripping Runic off for only paying 1200 MS Points for it. Although there is no cooperative play available, it is still an amazing game and I have no problem recommending Torchlight to everyone!
GameSpot gives it an 8.0/10:
Torchlight might not break any new ground, but it remains an inspired reimagining of the hack-and-slash RPG formula. While the lack of multiplayer might keep it out of the big leagues for some players, it is still a great solo dungeon crawl with the ability to eat up a lot of your spare time.
Wolf’s Gaming Blog gives it an 8/10:
Torchlight is the ultimate dungeon crawler for Xbox 360, and a perfect for Xbox Live Arcade. In its genre it stands out as a superb example of how to do it, and no game since Diablo itself has captured the loot system so well, but outside of its hardcore genre following Torchlight is a repetitve game for most other people.
Sit Sam! gives it a 3/5:
Getting past the control issue lies endless amounts of customizable armor and weapons to be found as well as side quests, hidden dungeons, and tons spells. Torchlight definitely is not for everyone but for those that love collecting lots of loot and grinding dungeons all from the comfort of your couch then this is your game, otherwise stick to the PC version. Torchlight is available on the XBLA for 1200MP.
Game-Pad gives it an 8.8/10:
Overall Torchlight is a fun filled RPG with great innovative ideas such as the pet system. With it catering for all types of players and offering a meaty campaign at 1200MSP this game is well worth your money. Repetition is its main problem as you’ll continue to do the same thing over and over during each floor of the dungeon, often resulting in fatigue. That said due to the addictive nature of the gameplay you’ll no doubt end up returning to the game after a short while. The controls work perfectly well and are complimented by a fantastic soundtrack. Torchlight is one of the more enjoyable Xbox Live arcade titles available on the service.
Critical Hit! gives it a 15/20:
Despite its shortcomings, I find myself continuously returning to Torchlight. The main story (which is unfortunately a single-player only experience) will take roughly 15-20 hours and take your character to about level 30. The level cap I believe is 100 and the last set of skills is unlocked at 25, giving players an ample amount of room to experiment with new skills. In addition to the multi-leveled dungeon visited for the main quest, players will explore a few side quest and even hidden dungeons, as well as an (Infinite Dungeon) once the main game is finished. Despite the fact that Torchlight never really does anything new or exciting after the first couple hours, it’s fun to level up your character and experiment with new builds. Fans of RPGs will find Torchlight to be a long, enjoyable XBLA title best played in chunks and left to revisit from time to time, but gamers looking for a fresh new game to test the limits of the genre might want to look elsewhere.
Extra Guy gives it an “A”:
The gameplay itself is simple, but that’s a halmark of the genre. It’s never been about the depth of the combat it’s more about the breadth of your belongings. And it’s in this regard Torchlight is an unmitigated success.
Gamergeddon gives it an 8.5/10:
Torchlight is an exceptional mix of visuals and gameplay and it truly deserves a home on Xbox. Even with a few technical issues the game offers a very smooth experience and it’s extremely fun and addictive. It’s got all the PC content and some extra stuff packed in to increase the value, and for only 1200 :MSPoints: you can find your immersed in the world of Torchlight for hours on end.
Saving Content gives it a 5/5:
There was never a point in the game where I felt, (boy I should just go play the PC version I have). There has been care and attention given to the console version that makes it stand tall next to it’s PC/Mac counterpart. I highly recommend Torchlight as it is a great version of the game for those who did not get a chance to play it before. Even those who have, I hold strong in that recommendation.
RandomProdInc gives it a 7/10:
For all the reasons I have stated above, I would love to give Torchlight a bad review score, and I would of. The problem is just how addictive the game is, I found myself thinking (why am I playing this?) I could be playing something with a proper story-line. Then shrugging and continuing playing. If you are looking for an RPG with story and emotion go for Fallout, if you are looking for an addictive game without story at all then go for Torchlight. It will keep you entertained for hours and hours. It’s so addictive that even though it’s got a lot of flaws I’m going to give it a.
Marooners’ Rock gives it a 95/100:
Torchlight is the most fun I’ve had gaming in 2011. Granted, it’s only the beginning of March, but I have no doubt that it will end up being high on my list of the best and most enjoyable games of 2011 when the year comes to a close. Do yourself a favor and drop the 1200 MSP for this game. You absolutely will not regret it. If you do end up regretting it, well it’s your own damn fault for trusting some random Internet individual you’ve never met for influencing your purchasing decisions. Also, you suck.
And Games, Gold, and Glory gives it a 27/30:
Torchlight is fun. If you can run it, buy the PC version. If you can’t run it, buy the Xbox Live Arcade version. The game is nothing short of delightful. The art, story, and gameplay are all incredibly balanced with eachother to become a game that is incredibly fun when put all together. The console effort is an excellent attempt, but there is no way that a game like this could ever top the PC version in the present state of the gaming industry.
