Notable Diablo-alike Torchlight 2 has broken the million copy barrier sales-wise, according to Runic Games’s Twitter feed. No doubt boosted by the recent Steam mega-sale in this achievement, the indie success story has seen its way past some choppy waters.
Delayed earlier in the year and faced with stiff competition in the form of Blizzard’s return to the genre, Torchlight 2 has emerged to supersede its predecessor as well as its influences and establish itself as a contender on the strength of a unique class and skill system. And while Diablo 3 remains mired in server issues, cancelled game modes, and lack of endgame (while to be fair still making money hand over fist), Runic Games seems to be taking every bit of that cautionary tale to heart.
Unique Class and Skill System
One of the standout features of Torchlight 2 is its unique class and skill system. Unlike many other action RPGs that offer a limited number of classes with predefined skill trees, Torchlight 2 provides players with a more flexible and customizable experience. The game features four distinct classes: the Engineer, Outlander, Berserker, and Embermage. Each class comes with its own set of skills and abilities, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle.
For example, the Engineer class can be built as a tanky melee fighter or a ranged support character, depending on the skills chosen. The Outlander, on the other hand, can specialize in ranged combat or summon powerful minions to aid in battle. This level of customization adds a layer of depth to the game, encouraging players to experiment with different builds and strategies.
Community and Modding Support
Another significant factor contributing to Torchlight 2’s success is its strong community and modding support. Runic Games has always been supportive of the modding community, providing tools and resources for players to create and share their own content. This has led to a thriving modding scene, with countless mods available that add new classes, items, quests, and even entire game overhauls.
One notable example is the SynergiesMOD, which adds new classes, dungeons, and endgame content, significantly expanding the game’s replayability. The modding community has kept Torchlight 2 fresh and engaging, even years after its initial release, by continuously introducing new content and improvements.
Comparison with Diablo 3
While Diablo 3 has its own merits, such as polished graphics and a well-established lore, it has faced criticism for its always-online requirement and lack of meaningful endgame content. Torchlight 2, on the other hand, offers a more accessible and offline-friendly experience. Players can enjoy the game solo or with friends in a seamless multiplayer mode without the need for a constant internet connection.
Additionally, Torchlight 2’s loot system is often praised for its generosity and variety. Players are frequently rewarded with powerful and unique items, making the process of grinding for gear more enjoyable. In contrast, Diablo 3’s loot system has been criticized for being too reliant on random drops and the controversial Auction House, which has since been removed.
Future Prospects
With Torchlight 2’s impressive sales milestone, the future looks bright for the franchise. Runic Games has already announced plans for a new installment in the series, Torchlight Frontiers, which aims to build on the success of its predecessors while introducing new features and innovations. Torchlight Frontiers is expected to offer a shared, persistent world where players can explore, battle, and trade with others in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment.
In conclusion, Torchlight 2’s success can be attributed to its unique class and skill system, strong community and modding support, and its ability to offer a compelling alternative to Diablo 3. As the franchise continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see what new adventures and challenges await players in the world of Torchlight.
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