Torchlight: Infinite is a mobile game that successfully captures the essence of Diablo-like games. It has a complex threshold, long-term investment, and a satisfying feeling when you finally form a powerful character. The game's biggest positive feedback comes from the sense of satisfaction when you cut through hordes of monsters or defeat a boss. Currently, it's quite addictive and I spent a good amount of time playing it.
The talent system uses a talent board with big talent points which lowers the threshold compared to Path of Exile, making it more beginner-friendly as you don't need to design a talent route. The level design is also not too difficult, even for newcomers who can easily progress through the game. Each profession has a unique characteristic, making them interesting to play and explore. For example, the Berserker's ability to use support skills is impressive, and the game's talent system is ambitious, even though there are limited options available.
However, the game has its drawbacks. Firstly, the game cannot afford to be homogenous; it needs a wide variety of options to stay fresh and exciting. Currently, the game offers a few tricks that players can use, and it's easy to see how quickly players could become bored with the same gameplay. Secondly, the game's rare and valuable items, known as Dark Gold (DG), are rarely utilized, as stronger BD (builds) overshadow them, making DGs redundant. The main reason for this is that players tend to play strong BDs, and if the DG doesn't match the BD, it's useless. Lastly, the experience of playing the game is hindered by the bad looting system, making it a frustrating experience. Players have to repeatedly move back and forth to pick up items which ruins the gameplay experience.
Furthermore, the game's plot is thin, which is not essential for a "grinding game" but adding depth to the story would be a plus. The game has some tricky corners and staircases, which can cause the character to get stuck, and the joystick control is not as precise as a mouse, making it difficult to adjust direction when the character is stuck. This is especially frustrating when trying to speedrun through the game, and the obstacles can add up over time.
In conclusion, Torchlight: Infinite is a richly diverse game that captures the essence of grinding games with its satisfying sound effects and visuals. It has some drawbacks, such as a lack of variety in gameplay, poor looting system, and some issues with the game controls. However, the game is worth playing as it has a lot of potential, and hopefully, the developers will address the issues mentioned to make the game even more enjoyable.