Titan Quest II Makes a Surprise Early Access Debut
In a sudden move during the recent THQ Nordic presentation, Grimlore Games launched Titan Quest II into Early Access on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This unexpected release has been met with a largely positive reception, currently holding an 83% 'Very Positive' rating on Steam based on over 3,500 reviews. The game also saw a peak of 27,099 concurrent players on Steam, indicating significant interest.
Initial Impressions: Performance and Familiarity
Many early players have praised the game's performance, with some reporting stable 60 FPS even on systems below minimum specifications, thanks to technologies like FSR and FG. Higher-end setups, such as an Intel 12600KF paired with a Radeon 7800XT, achieve a smooth 90-100 FPS at QHD resolution, though some occasional dips to 40-50 FPS have been noted.
The game's adherence to the original Titan Quest formula has resonated with a segment of the player base. One player, 'Kover', highlighted that it's "absolutely not a successor to Grim Dawn" and isn't trying to compete with Path of Exile, maintaining a slower, deliberate pace that loyal fans might appreciate. They also noted the reasonable early access price point, encouraging others to try it and form their own opinions.
Divergent Opinions: What Works and What Doesn't
Despite the overall positive trend, player feedback is far from uniform, with some critical points frequently raised.
The Good:
- Visuals and Audio: Graphics, music, and sound design are generally well-received.
- Streamlined Progression: Some players find the simplified skill progression and integrated skill modifiers convenient, making character building straightforward.
- Core Gameplay: The classic hack-and-slash feel with modern additions like dodge rolls is enjoyed by many.
The Concerns:
- Lack of Innovation: Several players, like 'Alcorus', feel that after 19 years, the sequel offers little substantial new content and, in some cases, has even removed or simplified beloved mechanics.
- Skill and Loot Changes: A significant point of contention revolves around changes to how character stats affect gameplay. Unlike the original, where investing in Strength or Intelligence directly boosted damage, these stats now primarily serve as gear requirements. This, combined with what some perceive as uninspired skill trees and less meaningful loot, has led to a feeling of diminished character growth and excitement.
- Optimization Issues: Despite generally good performance, specific areas, particularly dungeons with numerous light sources, can suffer from frame rate drops and stuttering, even on high-end hardware.
- Missing Features: The absence of the iconic ragdoll physics from the first game has been a major disappointment for many, impacting the visceral feel of combat. Limited content (few quests, bosses, and enemy variety) in the Early Access build is also a common complaint.
- Localization: At launch, the game only supports English, with other languages, including Russian, promised for later. This has been a notable drawback for non-English speaking players.
Early Access Frustrations and the Road Ahead
Some players, like 'Silhoulette', expressed frustration with the Early Access model itself, feeling it's a way for developers to get paid upfront for an unfinished product. While acknowledging the value in purchasing early to secure a lower price before the full release, many have opted to play only briefly and then wait for the final version.
Grimlore Games plans for Titan Quest II to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. Upon its full release, the game is also slated to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. While the current build offers a limited slice of content, including four classes (Warrior, Trickster, Fire Mage, Lightning Mage) and bows without a dedicated hunter class, players are hopeful that future updates will address the concerns, expand content, and potentially introduce more sophisticated progression systems akin to games like Last Epoch.
The early access period will be crucial for Grimlore Games to fine-tune the experience and incorporate player feedback. The coming months will determine if Titan Quest II can truly recapture the magic of its predecessor while evolving for a modern audience.
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