Waiting for Diablo 3 driving you mad?

No need to fret, fans of action-oriented role-playing can get a first-rate fix of hacking and slashing right now in Torchlight, a dungeon crawl from the designers of the first two Diablo games and the cult hit, Fate.

I was introduced to this game by a friend, whose gaming interests are akin to those of mine; as in the MMORPG/Action/quest based games. If you’re looking for a successor to the Fate games, Torchlight boasts the same attitude, art style, and lighthearted personality that make that series a breezier play than the gothic Diablo games.

Don’t expect any surprises with this game though; the storyline consists of the typical rudimentary excuse to get you killing things under the ground.

You can play as one of three characters, the Destroyer fighter, a lithesome female anger called the Vanquisher, and the mage-mimicking Alchemist. Downside, outside of naming your adventurer, you’re stuck with these three stock choices. Character development runs along the same predictable RPG lines as its predecessors such as World of Warcraft and Arch Lord.

You gain experience points from slaying monsters. You level up every dungeon or so. You customize core stats like strength and magic.

Oh and have I mentioned loot?

This game is an absolute loot fest, acquiring gold and accessories is easy as killing a monster. Rare items are a plenty, reigniting your lust for the “Legendary” items. You can return to town at any point during your questing to buy things that you need, such as mana or health. But chances are you won’t have to return very often, as you acquire most of what you need in regular game play.

Click to enlarge

One thing that is new to the dungeon based RPG world is the introduction of the Pet character. Or, a more useful pet character. You can choose between a dog or a cat, but please don’t be confused; these are no mere house pets. Similar to that of Fable 2, these animals can find treasure, pick up gold, but also have the ability to fight, wear treasure and learn spells.

Another major plus with the Pet option is the ability to transfer items from your inventory to your pet’s inventory for storage, or for it to travel into town from the dungeon sell unnecessary items for you. Having this option allows you to loot and not have to worry about going to return to town to claim the gold for your items. Hardcore anyone?

The only downsides I see to the game is that, as in Diablo, the dungeons are so expansive and labyrinth like, that it is easy to lose yourself in the map. So while looking for a certain quest item, you may become a bit disoriented and find yourself re-traveling the map.

Another small incontinence is the identify scroll. This item is needed to identify mysterious or unknown items you pick up in your adventures. (Of course.)

Alas, this becomes troublesome when you run out of said scrolls and your torn between leaving multiple items behind, or chancing selling something nice.

But these two pitfalls of the game can be easily over looked by focusing on the vast game play, extensively detailed maps and great Diablo-esque music.

Over all, I give this game 7 out of 10. I thoroughly enjoy the quest based adventure and ability to amass great amounts of treasure and loot. But I would have given it a higher score had it come with either the multiplayer option, or an online gaming option.

But soon to be rectified, the designers of Torchlight are set to release a MMORPG based in the Torchlight world 18 months to 2 years after this games October 2009 release. So fingers crossed they will drop this promising sounding addition and keep us all clicking well into the wee hours of the morning.

So it’s obviously close to Christmas, and I was doing some personal shopping this morning, and discovered a funny little error on one of my favorite sites/company. Take a look.

This is the original screenshot  http://douglife.info/gamestopog.jpg

If  I was in charge of this, well,  I’d be chewin’ butts!
Step it up Gamestop!

Coming this October, Microsoft’s Major Nelson wrote in a previous update

There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements (Facebook/Twitter/Last.FM) that will arrive later this year.

This was on the 23rd of September. Now, the beta which is scheduled for the middle to end of October, has been highly anticipated. But why?

First of all, having the ability to show off each achievement I attain the instant I receive it, is another great way to boost my egotism to an all new level. I already use twitter daily to portray what I am doing, and at most times I am tweeting about using my Xbox 360.

Adding Facebook and Last.FM allows you to expand your gaming experience,  by allowing you to network with other gamers, and share your personal music favorites. I do hope that they create a Windows Media Center connection with Last.FM.

Personally, I’d rather use one electronic device, especially if I am on it at that moment, rather than putting down the controller to tweet on my phone or PC.

Not that I’m lazy, no, I am merely taking advantage of all the hard work our forfathers put in so long ago.

Lucky for UK users, Xbox has launched these applications today.

Microsoft have announced, via their website, that Xbox Live users in the United Kingdom will soon be able to use Facebook and Twitter through their Xbox Live accounts.

Damn Brit’s get everything first. Lady Gaga, Pierce Brosnan, Muse.

TheDouglife with some tips and tricks for surviving on Xbox360 Live playing Madden 2010

As you all know I do enjoy playing my Xbox 360. I just completed a 4 hour binge playing Madden 2010 by EA Sports. The least I can do is write a post about it.

So let’s start with what’s new. For me, the graphics are much better. Faces are considerably more recognizable than in the previous versions, and not as blocky. EA Sports has stepped it up as far as realism, along with player contact and player response.

Madden 2010 to me is a Football Simulation Game. And I love it.

Check out this link for more details about the latest features in Madden 2010.

My experience with Madden 2010 was fun and familiar (or so I thought), as I am familiar with the series of games, and of course jumped in on Xbox Live, choose quick match, poof, I’m the Buccaneers!

I lost horribly, 7 – 81ish… but I got some achievements!

Then I realized, this is a whole new game. Precision is key, audible(s) are essential, the new right stick features are AMAZING, and I didn’t know what to do with any of it.

So I took a few tutorials that came with Madden 2010, and realized, man, I have the internet, what am I doing?!

Google here I come. I came up with these sites, in which I read thoroughly, and happy to let you know I am 1-3 Ranked as of tonight. If you enjoy Madden 2010, you need to check out these articles.

KonsoleKingz IGN Strategy
GamerBlips Madden 2010 Tips

I have also registered at MaddenFans.com. If you fit the domain name description, I suggest you do the same.

Good luck, and hit me up on Xbox Live!

Deuces!