Torchlight was too like Diablo 1, with far more repetitive gameplay and limited options than D2 did. It was a good game, mind you,but it really couldn't compete with other games (Titan Quest, Sacred 2) on the same genre.

I don't expect Torchlight 2 to be too different. I believe a good chunk of the issue is simply that the story is so light I don't see any reason to care about it. And the loot, which is the main reason to play those games, doesn't seem interesting enough either.

Of course, internet play will make it more interesting, but I have my doubts as to how much more. Diablo games just have a much better developed world than Torchlight, and a much more interesting setting.

Diablo 3 will feature different followers that you can find during your play.
+1 for everything, but I got Torchlight for a few pounds, so I'm not complaining much.

I'm still hoping that the online mode will make Torchlight 2 not as horribly boring as the original game (or any in that genre) was in single player mode.

Happened to me on Sacred Gold. Needless to say I have not finished that game.

it's not an issue of what you do, but how you do it. it's undeniable that TL1 was somewhat ... lacking, the game was designed to be a simple kickstarter for the TL MMO that would have already been released if TL1 hadn't turned into a total hit.

as a single player tech demo for the various systems that were to go into the MMO Torchlight is amazing, however Torchlight 2 is to be a full title in it's own right and will more than likely supersede D2 as the everlasting multiplayer ARPG for generations to come.

comparing TL2 to D3 is incorrect in my eyes because TL2 is actually being targeted against D2, not D3. D3 is a Action MMO centering on rouge-like endless dungeon crawls, TL2 is an action RPG that aims to cover all the same ground as D2 and then some by offering elements that D2 sorely lacked (a MMO style character creation system, better towns, less being led by the nose through the game's story, little moderation and content control + official mod support).
the catch to Torchlight's equipment system is that it's armor sets cycle, so you can have an epic/high level version of the same piece of armor that you got at a lower level (like chain mail). it eases the OCD burden because you can still collect full sets of armor AND ditch shit with low stats.

also, this kind of issue is why they support mods. checkout http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/ and you will probably find multiple mods that offer extended storage options.

This +1.
man sounds like D3 is all about online and the cruddy auction house thingie (for those into that kinda thing and farming things in a game ie WOW)
I have both Diablo 1 & 2 and enjoyed both games (have a level 73 Weredruid save i havent touched for years..).
Played Torchlight 1 and enjoyed it - never meant to compete against Diablo 2 nor is the 2nd one meant to compete against D3 but inevitable comparisons will no doubt come up.
Any idea if this will be a steamworks game?.

Only $19.99? Score. I am very rarely willing that pay that much for games with internet activation, but I want this badly enough that I'll probably fork it over on release day, especially since it's cheaper than I was expecting. I just hope it doesn't make the same crippling mistakes that Diablo 2 made.

I really hope not, but the way Runic was all buddy buddy with steam on the first one it's not off the table.

I have no issue with it being SOLD on steam (and said Steam sold versions requiring the client) just so long as all the other versions not sold on it don't require it too.

Versions of the first game bought outside of steam didn't require steam.

Versions bought on steam had achievements and your save games were kept on the cloud, so that you'd never lose them.

I just wish there was something about the first game that made it stand out more. It just felt and looked so lost in the middle ground between the rest of the market. It's not a bad game, but there's almost zero compulsion to play it.

And, IIRC, the cloud saves are optional, but are the default within Steam.
It definitely has a slightly incomplete "tech demo" feel to it, which hopefully the sequel will address.

It just needed something more of an identity. Titles like Deathspank and Bastion coming out after haven't really helped matters for Torchlight either.

I think i will end up with this one instead of Diablo 3. The restrictions they put in the game and DRM made me loose interest.

I know, and that's fine, just so long as I can buy a steam free version from Gamersgate or Runic themselves and I would find not having achievements and cloud saves as a benefit.