Halls of Torment on Xbox – A Darker Twist on the Survivors Formula

As someone who has sunk countless hours into Vampire Survivors, I approached Halls of Torment on Xbox with both excitement and skepticism. Could another auto-shooter roguelite really capture that same addictive magic without feeling like a shallow imitation? To my surprise, Halls of Torment not only embraces the familiar loop of mowing down endless hordes, but it layers on a grim, gothic atmosphere and a deeper progression system that makes it feel like a natural evolution of the genre. Where Vampire Survivors thrives on chaotic simplicity, Halls of Torment leans into its Diablo-inspired aesthetic and RPG-like mechanics, creating a roguelite that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly distinct.

The moment you step into the halls, the gameplay loop feels instantly familiar: your character auto-attacks while you focus entirely on movement, dodging, and positioning. Enemies pour in from every direction, starting as small swarms and quickly escalating into overwhelming hordes that test your ability to weave through tight spaces. The tension builds as you collect gems dropped by enemies, which serve as your experience points. Each level-up pauses the chaos just long enough for you to choose a new ability or upgrade, and this is where the real fun begins, crafting a build that can turn you from a fragile adventurer into a walking storm of destruction.

What sets Halls of Torment apart from Vampire Survivors is the added depth in its progression. Characters aren’t just cosmetic differences; they feel like distinct classes. The warrior swings a heavy blade, the archer fires precise shots, and later unlockable heroes bring entirely new playstyles. Each run feels like an experiment in synergy, do you stack area-of-effect abilities to clear mobs faster, or focus on single-target damage to melt bosses? Speaking of bosses, unlike Survivors’ endless waves, Halls of Torment punctuates its runs with powerful enemies that act as milestones. These encounters force you to think more tactically, breaking up the flow of mindless mowing with bursts of high-stakes combat.

The game also introduces a hub area that expands as you rescue NPCs during your runs. These characters offer services like armour upgrades, permanent stat boosts, or new gear options. This meta-progression adds a satisfying sense of permanence so you’re not just grinding for unlocks, you’re building a base of operations that makes each subsequent run feel more rewarding. It scratches the same itch as Survivors but with a stronger RPG flavour.

Visually, the game is a love letter to the late ’90s PC dungeon crawlers. The isometric perspective, detailed sprite work, and oppressive atmosphere immediately evoke memories of the original Diablo. Unlike the colourful chaos of Vampire Survivors, Halls of Torment is drenched in shadow, with eerie soundscapes and grotesque enemy designs that make each hall feel hostile and foreboding. This darker tone gives the game a unique identity, and while the visuals are deliberately retro, they’re polished enough to feel modern rather than dated.

On Xbox, the game feels perfectly suited for both short bursts and marathon sessions. The controls are intuitive, and the roguelite loop is just as addictive on console as it is on PC. It’s the kind of game you can boot up for a quick 20-minute run, only to find yourself still playing hours later because you’re chasing that next unlock or experimenting with a new build. For Game Pass subscribers, it’s a no-brainer to at least give it a try, but even as a standalone purchase (at the low price of £7.99), the sheer replayability makes it worth the investment.

Pros

• Addictive roguelite loop with satisfying progression

• Dark, Diablo-inspired atmosphere that sets it apart from other auto-shooters

• Unique characters and hub upgrades add depth beyond individual runs

• Perfect balance of quick sessions and long-term grinding

• Retro visuals that feel nostalgic yet polished

Cons

• Early runs can feel slow until you unlock more characters and upgrades

• The darker tone may not appeal to players who prefer the colorful chaos of Vampire Survivors

• Some repetition sets in if you’re not hooked by the grind-heavy progression

Halls of Torment doesn’t just copy the Vampire Survivors formula, it refines it with a darker aesthetic, deeper progression, and a nostalgic nod to classic dungeon crawlers. For fans of Survivors, it feels like stepping into a parallel universe where the same addictive loop exists, but wrapped in a gothic RPG shell. It’s not perfect, and it can feel grindy at times, but the payoff is worth it. If you’ve ever thought, “What if Vampire Survivors had Diablo’s atmosphere and RPG mechanics?” then Halls of Torment is the answer.

XPN Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (GOLD)

Halls of Torment is AVAILABLE NOW!