Console Corner: Review of Titan Quest

It's good sometimes to get outside your comfort zone, learn about the world, including video games—at least to some degree. (Hey, give a guy whose written a thousand review intros a little slack when he comes up with a dud...) For years I have seen internet content dedicated to isometric rpgs—dungeon crawlers where players begin with a weak hero but steadily, killing endless hordes, build them into a powerful warrior/wizard/whatever, kicking ass left and right. Having now played Titan Quest (2006) I think 'dungeon grinder' may be the better descriptor.

In Titan Quest, players take on the role of an ordinary Greek man. They literally begin the game with a club, and slowly work (aka kill) their way across a vast map, collecting better weapons, armor, talismans, etc. along the way. Killing enemies earns experience and skill points, which in turn can be used to turn the ordinary Greek man into a superhuman. And there are dozens of ways this can be done, from warrior tank to nature wizard, clever rogue to summoning master. Players progress through four regions, each of which culminates in a big boss fight that tests the player's skills to that point.

The cynic's way of saying this is: Titan Quest tests players' grinding skills. Have you killed enough enemies to get the requisite amount of XP and skill points to build your character to the point it doesn't insta-die to the boss? No? Ok, go kill more. When I say more, I mean MORE. Walk into a part of the map, begin killing enemies, kite until are all enemies are dead. Rinse, repeat—a million times. That is Titan Quest. I was worried I would need to replace the square button on my controller before finishing the game...

It's clear Titan Quest (and such games) are not for me. But glad I tried it. Before closing this review, however, it's worth pointing out the positive aspects of the game. Gameplay is smooth as butter. For as much action as there is occurring on screen, the game never slowed or stuttered. Secondly, the options players have for developing their character are considered and deep. You may have to grind to do it, but you are properly rewarded for your efforts. And thirdly, this game is somehow more than a decade old but still plays wonderfully. Simplistic, yes, but it's not always obvious the game has so many rings in its tree.

With the absolute minimum of story guiding Titan Quest, I was left bored within five-six hours. Progressing the character was nice. You feel the additional power when investing in a new skill or ability. You smile when legendary loot gets dropped. But the extreme repetitive nature of the game turned me off. There was no purpose to the grind except to grind, and grind some more, grind, grind, grind... I know there are thousands of players out there who like the grind. So my recommendation is simple. Are you a grinder? If yes, Titan Quest may be for you. If not, look before you leap.