Torchlight (XBLA) -- Proof positive that Diablo games would rock on consoles
After going back and forth, I decided this Torchlight thread has the most substantive content. The other one is linked in the 2nd post above.
I acquired the PC version a few days ago, when I learned this release was imminent. It's a decent Diablo clone on PC, but it really comes alive on XBLA. For one thing, control of your character is direct, and this really works. It feels more, well, immediate. The UI has been completely redesigned with a controller in mind, and I hope it serves as a template for other games in the genre. Once I got used to navigating the menus, I didn't miss the mouse at all. The button mapping is perfect, with up to 8 functions/spells/skills you map yourself. The only painful casualty seems to be the 2nd equipped weapon set. If that was preserved, I have yet to discover how to do it.
Graphics are improved from my rig, but this isn't saying much. I'm amazed the game runs on my 2005-tech PC at all, let alone (mostly) well. The only caveat is that you need HD resolution (720p). From what I read, the text doesn't change on old TV standard res, and there's no way you're going to be able to use that.
What didn't need to change wasn't changed. What only made sense with the mouse was fully redesigned. Great job. I hope this makes a lot of new fans on console, because the devs deserve it. Grab the trial game at least, which is the most generous freebie I remember on the console. I've been playing for a good 5 hours. The demo limits, none of which kick you out, are Level 7 and the stairs to Floor 5 of the dungeon. You can play multiple characters and trade gear between them. You can do all the quests within the limits, including buying maps to other dungeons plus the guy who opens a portal for his quests at the South end of the town. I'll be buying this shortly, but I wanted to see how far I could entertain myself with the demo. One good thing about it: I have the 2 most kickass Level-7 characters imaginable.
