A Game for the hungry Diablo-fanatic...
Upon starting the game, the first thing you would notice is the stunning graphics. Light bloom, multiple shadows and reflections, heavy textures, independent background animations and even an accellerated day/night cycle are just some of the premier visual features of Titan Quest. Unfortunately, being immersed in such a lush 3D environment, the camera is quite limited to it's fixed isometric view. The only camera movement in this game is when you zoom in and out, adjusting the view from a top isometric to a semi-third person type of camera angle. And, of course, because of it's great visuals, the game calls for a great rig also - meaning if you don't have a powerful PC, you'd be experiencing a lot of game skips, lags and (sadly) ocassional crashes.
Audio quality is ok in most parts, varying from good to bad in some. Ambient sounds subtly adjust the mood, although more often than not, the voice acting of NPCs ruin it with the ocassional inconsistent and melodramatic droll of dialogue.
Gameplay-wise, TQ features the all-too familiar point-click-hack-slash that the Diablo series introduced us to. In terms of ease of use, TQ's quite straightforward and simple enough to accommodate seasoned gamers and newbies alike. Although the initial character creation seems stiff, playeres will notice that their heroes will "grow" as they progress in the game acquiring skills and masteries and eventually being more formidable in battle.
The vastness in the number of items one can horde (or perhaps trade) is unbelieveable. Trying to match the system of the original Diablo series, which has in itself a huge array of arsenal and items, TQ attempts and succeeds in creating and supplying equipment to the player -- to the point that it becomes a chore. The attempt to color-indicate every item as to its value only gives players more reason to scour. In the end it all boils down to a humongous hunt for loot, killing what little substantial plot it has.
All in all, Titan Quest is successful in its effort to emulate what Diablo gave. It has an equal number of high's and low's, even unique points worth mentioning. It tried to give more but it just fades in comparison; Diablo will still be the greatest hack-and-slash isometric game and Titan Quest, for all its worth, will be just that: a look-alike, feel-alike trying to tap into the millions who adored, played and replayed the Diablo series.