‘Halls of Torment’ now on Consoles: A Diablo-Like Survivors Gem

The survivor-like genre, popularized by the runaway success of Vampire Survivors, continues to evolve. One of the most compelling entries, Halls of Torment, is making its much-anticipated debut on Xbox and PlayStation on October 23, and the Boglands DLC for all platforms. Thanks to an early access copy provided to us, we had the opportunity to test the game on Xbox early on. Our verdict? It is a masterclass in blending retro nostalgia with modern, engaging gameplay that feels right at home on a console.

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This isn’t just another clone. Halls of Torment carves out its own identity with a distinct, dark fantasy aesthetic that immediately evokes memories of late 90s action RPGs like the original Diablo and maybe even Diablo 2. Yet, it smartly integrates contemporary roguelike mechanics to create an experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

First impressions: Nostalgia polished for today

From the moment you launch the game, the art style makes a powerful statement. The pre-rendered sprites, gothic environments, and moody lighting feel like a love letter to a bygone era of PC gaming. In my own playthrough, I felt it gave me very old Diablo vibes, but in the best possible ways. The developers have polished this classic look for maximum nostalgia, but paired it with the smooth controls and quality-of-life features that modern players expect.

What’s particularly impressive is how well this translates to a console experience. The game runs smoothly on the Xbox, with only very rare frame rate drops during the most chaotic on-screen moments. The controller support is intuitive, making navigation and combat feel natural from the get-go. The team has even included clever presentation options that can simulate a 4:3 aspect ratio, enhancing the retro feel without sacrificing screen space on modern displays. It feels authentic, not like a cheap filter.

Gameplay mechanics: Flexible and relaxing combat

Halls of Torment adheres to the core loop of the genre. You control a hero, face down relentless hordes of enemies, collect experience gems to level up, and choose from a random selection of upgrades to build your power over the course of a 30-minute run. What sets it apart is its execution and added layers of depth.

One of the best aspects is the flexible control scheme. Initially, I used the manual controls, directing my character’s attacks with the right stick. However, I soon found the automatic aiming and attacking options to be more relaxing. What truly sets it apart is that you can override the automatic aiming at any time by simply moving the control stick. You don’t have to toggle a setting in a menu. This allows for a “lean back” experience where you can casually navigate the hordes while sipping a drink, then instantly take manual control for a tricky boss or a dense pack of elites.

Character classes and deep customization

Player progression is a key motivator, and Halls of Torment delivers. You start with a basic Swordsman but quickly unlock a roster of other classes, such as the Archer and Shieldmaiden. While they fit familiar archetypes, each one felt different to play, encouraging new strategies and build paths. Personally, I found all the classes I unlocked to be viable and fun, though a part of me wished for unique names and backstories instead of generic class labels. Still, this is a minor point in an otherwise robust system.

The meta-progression is what will keep you coming back. Gold collected during runs can be spent at a hub area to permanently upgrade your stats, like health, damage, and pickup range. This sense of constant, gradual improvement ensures that even failed runs contribute to your future success. For me, without this layer of progression, the motivation to keep playing would diminish, making it a mandatory and well-implemented feature.

Adding another layer of RPG depth is the gear system. You can find and equip items like helmets, armor, gloves, and boots, each providing unique stats and effects. You can even send one item per run back to your stash for permanent use. This system feels like it goes way deeper the more you play, and the desire to find that perfect piece of gear to complete a build is a powerful hook.

A different vibe than Vampire Survivors

It is impossible to discuss Halls of Torment without mentioning Vampire Survivors. While both are excellent, they cater to entirely different moods. I love Vampire Survivors deeply, but I think there is no “better” or “worse” here. Vampire Survivors is about chaotic, over-the-top action and visual noise. Halls of Torment offers a different atmospheric, methodical, and strategic experience wrapped in a gothic horror aesthetic.

The two games can easily coexist on your hard drive, each offering a distinct flavor of horde survival. In my opinion, the Diablo-esque vibe in Halls of Torment feels very intentional, but in the style of a heartfelt homage, not a cheap clone. It was that specific aesthetic that initially drew me to the game, and I am very happy with how the developers delivered on that promise. With both titles also available on mobile, players have plenty of options for getting their gothic gaming fix on the go.

Excellent value for your money

In an era of rising game prices, Halls of Torment stands out for its incredible value. The console pricing is very fair for the amount of content and replayability on offer:

• Base Game: $9.99
• The Boglands DLC: $3.99
• The Bog Bundle (Game + DLC): $11.99

The pricing on other platforms is just as reasonable. On Steam, the base game is humorously priced at $6.66. A free, ad-supported version is available for smartphones, with a premium ad-free version priced similarly to the Steam release. Given the amount of play time and hours of fun you can get out of this game, these rates are more than fair.

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Halls of Torment is a must-play for fans of the survivor-like genre and anyone with a fondness for classic action RPGs. It successfully merges the addictive loop of a modern roguelike with the nostalgic charm of a 90s dungeon crawler, creating a package that is both innovative and deeply satisfying. Watch our footage below to find out how Halls of Torment looks on Xbox Series X.

YouTube: Let’s Play – Halls of Torment [Gameplay, No Commentary]

Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Chasing Carrots and Future Friends Games.
Editorial notice: We have received a free press sample to test the game, but were not paid to cover it.