When comparing Orcs Must Die 2 vs Torchlight II, the Slant community recommends Torchlight II for most people. In the question“What are the best team-based games on Steam?” Torchlight II is ranked 10th while Orcs Must Die 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 Challenging mix of direct and indirect gameplay
The game requires patience and analysis from the player. You can only use so many traps because the currency is limited, which means you will have to run in and slay orcs yourself. Balancing when to attack and when to sit back is vital to success, and makes for an enjoyable challenge when things get hectic.
Pro Fast paced co-op that allows for deep strategies thanks to teamwork and communication
Unlike the first game in the series, Orcs Must Die 2 allows for co-op multiplayer. Two players can team up to kill hordes of orcs, each with their own skills and equipment slots. This not only allows for faster paced action, but also for strategic combat tactics. For this reason, it’s best played with headsets to ensure open communication. Overall, the co-op mode adds a level of fun that was missing from the first title.
Pro Many variables of gameplay that makes for a ton of replayability
The game has many maps, a ranking system, and a wide variety of items that can change each game significantly. These variables create a differentiated experience that doesn’t get stale.
Pro Challenge and longevity for those that want to master the leaderboards
Leaderboards are on offer for those that would like to compete for high scores around the globe. This can be a fun but monumental task, as higher tier weapons will be needed in order to score the combos necessary for a competing high score in any level. Something more in line to the hardcore gamers looking for a challenge, but easily a way for the players to pad out the longevity of the game.
Pro Humorous
The main characters have a great banter with one another that keeps the levels amusing.
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 Gets repetitive over time
Actually since the game is perfection based (meaning you'll want to redo areas for better scoring) and has plenty of included plus DLC maps you can play OMD2 for quite a while and it will seem fresh. The difference in difficulty levels also can refresh the same map since varying levels release different type of enemies.
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.