Universal Torchlight Infinite (by XD Games)

There have been multiple failed attempts to bring Torchlight to mobile; judging by my time spent on the closed beta, this one is the real deal. Don’t have specific authorization from the publisher to speak about my experience with the game (unlike the guy on the video below), but I will say one thing: like Genshin Impact, this is a free to play experience that shows a deep respect for the actual game they are developing. I’m very excited for this.

 

Yep — right there with you. Part of me feels like they’re harking back to the game’s PC/mouse and keyboard origins, but with over a decade on console you’d think they could have added controllers into the mix.

The biggest thing for me is that it feels like a proper Torchlight game — not a revenue model.

 

Well, it is in the upcoming games section .

BTW based on the state of the beta, I would expect it to come out soon.

 

I’ve now put it about 20+ hours into the beta and can say a few things about the game with a fair amount of confidence:

1) This is the closest thing to Diablo 3 on mobile — for both good (mostly) and ill. Don’t expect a deep dungeon dive experience — rather, Torchlight Infinity uses the same kind of varied environment exploration approach of Diablo 3: you go from forests to deserts to mines to proper dungeons, all tied together by “hideouts” with traders, craftspeople, and other NPCs.

2) The game is called Infinite, but there is a linear story. The idea is that there is “infinite” replayabity, with multiple playable characters, skill paths, types of upgradable gear, and randomly generated “dungeons.”

3) There’s plenty of depth to the skill system. Skill paths are complex and varied, with multiple levels and plenty of choice. That said, on my archer character a lot of that amounts to more DPS, more defense, and faster speed. It’s satisfying, but there’s little “oh my god” quality to it. The skills themselves are not particularly flashy, though doing 4K damage on a single hit always brings a smile to my face.

4) It’s visually stunning and runs at 60 FPS. The choice to use a flat, more cartoony aesthetic really pays off. The game looks great and performs fantastically — all without overheating my iPhone 13 Pro.

5) They nailed mobile quality of life. The game starts off where you left off - ‘nuff said.

6) It feels like a real game. Yes, it’s free to play and always online. But the game is balanced towards gameplay rather than stat management. IAP is not implemented on the beta, so it’s hard to see the final impact of the monetization system. But you get the sense that they are planning to keep it fairly unobtrusive. There’s no “home” screen packed with currency offers, special deals, gacha teases. Oh, and no auto play.

I’m sure most people here would prefer this to be premium — I would, too. But XD has clearly taken a page from Mihoyo and delivers a game for people who love Torchlight/Diablo first and foremost.

 

On the endgame loop: it’s not quite clear to me yet, and might be something that is still in development. I’m kind of stuck in a particular section right now (I can finish the level but don’t seem to have everything I need to progress), and put the game down for a bit. I’ll try to get back to it soon. Overall, you are restoring torchlight energy across the realm, but the whole thing is a bit vague. Nothing on multiplayer so far.

As to the characters, I’ve only played the ranged fighter so far (my usual go to), so I can’t speak to the others.

 

Congrats. I’m also included in this new beta. My guess is that we’re looking at a fall release for Torchlight, but who knows.

 

The game is on TestFlight, but your account is through TapTap.

 

I haven’t gotten my official invite yet, so I don’t know whether my progress from the previous beta will transfer. My guess is that beta progress will disappear after the official release.