When comparing Payday 2 vs Torchlight II, the Slant community recommends Torchlight II for most people. In the question“What are the best LAN party PC games?” Torchlight II is ranked 10th while Payday 2 is ranked 25th. The most important reason people chose Torchlight II is:
Much of leveling up is permanent, which not only gives a sense of connection to ones built characters but also means there is a large incentive to replay to make different builds.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Exhilarating gameplay that makes you and your friends feel like you are part of a Michael Mann movie
This game is like the bank heist scene from Heat.
Pro Cooperation based gameplay makes sure no single player is more important than any other
Your crew needs to bring specific equipment and weapons in order to stay out of sight or improve everyones chances in a gunfight. You also need to pay attention to your crew's health and ammo. This creates a situation where each team member heavily relies on the rest in order to succeed.
Pro Tons of customization options lets every player individualize their look
You can customize your weapons, masks, and skills using the loot you earn from your heists. This lends itself well to the fact that the game is online multiplayer, being that most players enjoy that they can look different from other players.
Pro Random item placement keeps the games levels fresh
Important items are placed in different locations on each playthrough, adding a slight bit of randomness to how each game plays out. This way you never become too familiar with the layout of each level.
Pro Play as you like, since the missions can be finished in many wildly different ways
You can win levels through stealth, or through a massacre, meaning that you can use nonviolent methods as well as super violent methods, the choice is yours.
Pro New content is added regularly, making sure the game stays fresh and updated for everyone
New DLCs are released regularly, which give old players something new to do as well as keeps the game enticing in order to attract new players.
Pro Incentive to replay due to limited respec system
Much of leveling up is permanent, which not only gives a sense of connection to ones built characters but also means there is a large incentive to replay to make different builds.
Pro Elaborate loot system
Loot in Torchlight II is varied and dependent on a wide array of circumstances. There are so many variables that come into play as to what a player will find that makes searching out better and better items a game in and of itself.
Pro Varied level design
Unlike the first title there are many areas to see in the game that all have different looks. Plus there are large open ares as well as close quarter caverns.
Pro Works on different OS's: Linux/Mac/Win
Torchlight II is a multi-platform game that works on OSX, Linux and Windows. Which is great for users who dual-boot as the game can be played no matter what OS is booted at the time.
Pro Well implemented and fun action-RPG combat
Torchlight 2 has all the typical RPG mechanics such as classes, loot, skill trees etc. However all the little touches and details come together to make playing the game really fun and a great balance between depth/complexity and being able to get started killing hordes of monsters. Killing monsters is very satisfying and the loot system keeps things very interesting without feeling like you're just grinding for better items.
Pro Well implemented co-op
You can team up with up to 5 other plays to take on the hordes together. There is also a PvP mode if you'd rather kill your friends instead of team up with them.
Cons
Con Pay-to-win scheme
As others have said, this game is built on DLC and MicroTransactions. If you decide to just buy the game and not fork out any more money you'll find yourself at a SERIOUS disadvantage over other players. In addition, a lot of in-game items require you to either own other games or subscribe to specific Steam groups.
Con Microtransations that boost important stats
With Crimefest 2015, the developer (Overkill) decided to add stat-boosting gun skins that can only be acquired using real money. This makes for a pay-to-win scenario where people who purchase these items have a distinct leg up over non-paying players.
Con New DLC can be a bit expensive
Getting the new DLC the day it arrives can set you back a fair bit. Your best bet is to wait for a sale.
Con Some DLC requires owning other games
Some of the cosmetic items are tied into other games available on Steam, which means you can’t access them unless you purchase the other games as well.
Con Limited to 4 players only
This game has not been built for huge LAN parties (unless you split your players to multiple heists).
Con Train wreck of bad decisions
Developers broke the game to make cash, released a 'feel-good' version to build anticipation for Payday 3. Toxic, game, developers, community. Stay away.
Con Lacking in story
The characters are flat and the overall story is pretty boring/standard. While not unexpected for such a game it would have been nice to have something other than loot driving advancement in the game.
Con Limited respec system
Much like an old school dungeon crawler, there is little to no useful respec system here. You can respec the last three skill points used on a character, but that is it. This tends to lead towards plenty of skills in the skilltree that ended up going nowhere, which are just wasted points. Unless you know specifically where you will be putting each and every skill point for your build beforehand, no respec may have an impact on making a perfect build.