Fun at first, but gets old pretty quickly. The end game revolves around running standard levels with negative modifiers, in hopes of getting better gear and cash to use on the final dungeon. The problem is that the negative modifiers really turn the game into a slog, and the final dungeon is pretty mediocre. I do enjoy the core loop and the various skills, but I have no desire to play the same missions, but with reduced visibility, or invincible enemies, or lava constantly spawning on me, etc. It's not a knock to the developers; they have designed the game they want. Sadly, it's just not for me.

I sadly don't have enough time to focus it anymore considering the huge content it got over time. But believe me this game is a very good deal when it comes to bullet-hell genre. If you like the oldschool aesthetic that is.
I personnally think that's what I loved the most : the pre-rendered 3D visuals of the 90s games, the UI, sound and music. It all matches so perfectly !

The only downside I see here, is basically the same in every similar game these days : FOMO kills the interest.
I see you can upgrade 0.2% of X stat by redeeming some shard at the end of a run.
That's just overkill grind to me when I see the ocean of things to max out. I just wished Halls of Torment would have stick to a shorter experience you don't need to sink hundreds of hours in to have a sense of closure.

Otherwise, it's a very fun and polished roguelite with tons of possibilities (characters, loadouts, skills etc) and an identity of its own.

Great time killer whilst shutting off your brain after a busy day.

Well if you enjoy the sweet caress of RNGEeeesus, dip right in. This game is better than a lot of its competitors in the field because it hits (my) power trip creep juuuuust right (90skidDiabloInverforget:)

a game that makes me feel like i'm gaming at the library in early 2000's

I've only been playing Halls of Torment for an hour and a half and I already love it.
Also HUGE plus for having point shop items that actually look cool!

For a while I've been saying "vampire survivors is the same things I enjoy about Diablo, condensed into a 20-30 minute session"

Now here's this game, which actually is just Diablo condensed into a 30 minute session.

It's not gonna change your life but yeah it's basically what it says on the tin. If you think you'll enjoy it, you probably will. If you hate brainrot games like Vampire Survivors, well, yeah don't play this game.

yes

The gold standard for bullet hell games that scratches that old time diablo ii itch.

vampire survivors but better

Nicely polished Survivors-type bullet heaven, with a satisfying strategic layer and an absurd number of achievements, some moderately tricky. The Diablo 2 aesthetic is icing on top. Price is insanely low for the amount of fun here. Strongly recommended.