# **Titan Quest II Playtest Impressions: A Promising Comeback to a Classic ARPG**

For aficionados of *Titan Quest*, the announcement of the eagerly awaited sequel *Titan Quest II* last year was a noteworthy moment. The original title, which pioneered innovative features like the dual-class system within the ARPG genre, has long been revered as a cornerstone of the category. While we still have a bit of time before fully immersing ourselves back into the realm of *Titan Quest*, I recently had the chance to participate in a closed playtest for *Titan Quest II*.

The playtest presented only a brief glimpse of the first chapter of the forthcoming ARPG, but it was a splendid opportunity to sample the game’s universe and systems. As a devoted enthusiast of the original, I was keen to see how Grimlore Games would evolve this cherished franchise. It is essential to mention that the playtest does not reflect the final version, and we were granted only a limited preview of what *Titan Quest II* entails.

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## **A Stunningly Designed World**

Upon starting the playtest, I was welcomed by a cinematic cutscene that laid the groundwork for the game’s storyline. The visuals were immediately captivating, and after the initial sequence, I was directed to the title screen and character selection menu. At this point, the character creator functions more as a character selector, providing an array of pre-built male and female characters to pick from. Although there were no customization sliders, the available models offered sufficient diversity to present some choice. After naming my character, I was plunged right into the action.

What immediately captured my attention was the level of detail in the game world. Grimlore Games has achieved a fantastic balance of preserving the aesthetic of the original *Titan Quest* while infusing their own artistic touch. The environments are lavishly detailed, and the lighting and textures breathe life into the world of Ancient Greece in a manner that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The UI manages to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, providing a seamless experience that will resonate with fans of the original.

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## **Fluid Navigation and Exploration**

Traversing *Titan Quest II* adheres to the standard mouse-and-keyboard controls typical of modern ARPGs. Currently, there is no controller support in the playtest, but according to the game’s Steam page, this feature will be included in the final release. One minor peculiarity I noticed was that the left mouse button is defaulted for movement and interaction, meaning it cannot be assigned to an ability. However, there is an option in the control settings that allows the left mouse button to manage all three functions. Once activated, the game’s movement and navigation felt quite reminiscent of *Diablo 4*.

One of the more thrilling updates in *Titan Quest II* is the introduction of verticality and traversal mechanics. Players can now ascend cliffs, scale ladders, and jump across small gaps, adding a sense of dynamism and exploration to the world. Grimlore has also integrated numerous hidden pathways and treasures, prompting players to explore off the beaten path in pursuit of secrets.

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## **Combat: A Blend of Satisfaction and Frustration**

Combat in *Titan Quest II* is shaping up to be an enjoyable experience, although it still exhibits some rough edges. Melee combat, for instance, is both gratifying and somewhat frustrating. The gratification stems from the fluid hit animations and the ability to chain attacks with dodges, making melee combat feel like a seamless interplay of strikes and repositioning. However, enemy AI currently leans heavily on swarming tactics, which can render encounters repetitive over time.

Conversely, spellcasting in *Titan Quest II* is a genuine highlight. Spells feel potent and visually striking, making magic-based combat exceedingly gratifying. While I generally prefer melee combat in ARPGs, I found myself leaning towards spellcasting simply because of how enjoyable and rewarding it felt.

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## **Masteries and Character Customization**

One of the hallmark features of *Titan Quest* was its dual-mastery system, and I’m pleased to share that it returns in *Titan Quest II*. During the playtest, we had access to three masteries: Warfare, Earth, and Storm. Players can mix and match masteries to forge unique character builds, allowing for a significant degree of customization.

The skill system is managed through the Masteries tab, where players can allocate points into abilities and enhance them with supplementary effects. While this type of system isn’t novel to ARPGs, Grimlore’s execution is intuitive and enjoyable to navigate. For my initial playthrough, I crafted a battlemage that merged melee combat with formidable fire spells, resulting in an axe-wielding fire caster that was both effective and delightful to experience.

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## **Difficulty Balancing Requires Refinement**

One element of the playtest that was prominent was the inconsistent difficulty. Some encounters felt overly easy,

# Top Smartphone Accessories to Enhance Your Content Creation Skills

With the newest smartphones expanding the possibilities for image and video production, there has been a remarkable transformation in how individuals generate content in recent years. Whereas creators once depended on DSLRs attached to monopods, now many find themselves documenting every moment using their smartphones. Whether you are team Apple or Android, the demand for accessories to assist this fresh wave of content creators is on the rise. Ranging from microphones to external storage, an array of tools can enrich the experience, elevate quality, and provide convenience to your digital pursuits.

At *CGMag*, we dedicate significant time to evaluating phones, cameras, and their assorted accessories, continuously seeking innovative technology that makes content creation more straightforward. Bearing that in mind, this compilation of smartphone camera accessories aims to supplement and improve the overall journey of creators. Although not comprehensive, this guide emphasizes some of the finest accessories we have found to be beneficial.

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## **ULANZI CG02 Shutter Handle Grip**

– **Brand:** ULANZI
– **Price:** $24.95
– **Store Link:** [Amazon.com](https://amzn.to/3Cyu6H0)

The **ULANZI CG02 Shutter Grip** is a compact tool that provides your smartphone with a more conventional camera sensation. It features a detachable wireless shooting button, a fill light, and a cold shoe mount, making this grip a fantastic addition to any mobile photography setup.

No extra app installation is needed, and the Bluetooth connection is a breeze to establish. Thus, the **Shutter Grip** is a plug-and-play option for photography. The **¼-inch female thread** located at the bottom facilitates easy attachment to tripods, and when utilized with the detachable shutter button, it serves as a comprehensive solution for capturing fantastic family or group pictures.

Constructed from **robust ABS and silicone**, the CG02 is both resilient and lightweight, weighing only **118 grams**. Each of the fill light and detachable shutter button features independent, rechargeable batteries, offering a genuine wireless experience. This budget-friendly tool greatly enhances the smartphone photography experience.

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## **Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B, PIXI Mini Tripod**

– **Brand:** Manfrotto
– **Price:** $32.88
– **Store Link:** [Amazon.com](https://amzn.to/3ZeMq0t)

For anyone seeking a **small yet reliable tripod**, the **Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B PIXI Mini** stands out as a superb option. This diminutive but well-crafted tripod boasts a **ball head for flexible positioning**, making it appropriate for both smartphones and DSLR/mirrorless cameras.

Constructed from **aluminum and plastic**, the PIXI Mini is light yet sturdy. At **5.31 inches tall**, it can easily fit into any camera bag while providing a dependable tripod solution. The **¼-inch male thread** ensures compatibility with a variety of shoe mounts, built-in camera mount threads, and mobile camera grips.

When folded, the **PIXI Mini can also function as a handgrip**, making it perfect for filming and content creation. Its **compact format** allows it to be a preferred accessory for **time-lapse or long-exposure photography**, accommodating placement in areas where larger tripods cannot go.

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## **ULANZI ST-03 Metal Smartphone Tripod Mount with Cold Shoe Mount**

– **Brand:** ULANZI
– **Price:** $15.96
– **Store Link:** [Amazon.com](https://amzn.to/3CGqXFa)

The **ULANZI ST-03** is a **sleek and well-crafted** smartphone tripod mount, ideal for those who often attach their phone to a tripod. Made from **aerospace aluminum**, it is both **lightweight and robust**, which is excellent for travel.

Its **space-efficient design** allows it to fold into an extraordinarily compact form, making it easily portable in a pocket. The **turn-screw thread lock** guarantees a secure fit for a broad assortment of phones. Moreover, the **cold shoe mount** at the top enables effortless connection of **lighting setups or microphones**, rendering it a multifaceted accessory.

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## **Saramonic BLINK500B2+ Wireless Lavalier Microphone System**

– **Brand:** Saramonic
– **Price:** $129.99
– **Store Link:** [Amazon.com](https://amzn.to/4fxHCZS)

While viewers might excuse **subpar video quality**, **poor audio is unacceptable**. The **Saramonic BLINK500B2+** is a **wireless lavalier microphone system** that delivers **exceptional audio capture** for smartphone video production.

This **two-person recording kit** comes with **two transmitters, a receiver, a charging case, and both clip and magnetic mounting options**. With a maximum of **16 hours

# **Atom Egoyan’s *Seven Veils*: A Captivating Blend of Opera and Film**

Renowned Canadian director Atom Egoyan makes his return with *Seven Veils*, a captivating cinematic venture that merges the realms of opera and cinema. Debuting at the **Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023**, the film embodies a profoundly personal exploration for Egoyan, revisiting his 1996 production of Richard Strauss’s opera *Salome* while inventing a fresh narrative.

Featuring **Emmy awardee Amanda Seyfried** as Janine, the film delves into trauma and creative expression through a surreal visual style that reflects the expressionist qualities of its operatic roots. Egoyan, whose pioneering films like *Exotica* and *The Sweet Hereafter* significantly enhanced the stature of Canadian cinema on a global scale during the 1990s, encountered unique challenges in the making of *Seven Veils*, but the final outcome is a testament to their efforts.

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## **An Intimate and Difficult Endeavor**

In a conversation with *CGMagazine*, Egoyan disclosed the intricate beginnings of *Seven Veils*, touching on his reunion with Seyfried 15 years post-*Chloe*, the film’s unique visual strategy, and its unexpectedly somber personal themes. He also expressed his views on the shifting dynamics of Canadian cinema and the remarkable talents emerging from it.

Egoyan first directed *Salome* in 1996, with multiple renditions following. Upon learning that the **Canadian Opera Company** was reviving it in 2023, he seized the chance to investigate its relevance in contemporary society. However, instead of merely restaging the opera, he aimed to produce a film that would examine its themes more profoundly.

*”That’s when I started contemplating this film, about the character Janine and how she became a sort of avatar for me,”* Egoyan shared. *”Then she evolved into a distinct character, a compelling one, particularly when I pictured Amanda in that part.”*

The film was shot in tandem with the opera’s production, resulting in a distinct yet highly demanding filmmaking process. The set was dynamic, rotating with other productions and necessitating meticulous coordination. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional challenges. Despite these obstacles, Egoyan and his crew successfully realized the project.

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## **Amanda Seyfried’s Contribution and the Film’s Distinct Visual Aesthetic**

Amanda Seyfried’s participation in *Seven Veils* was another fortunate turn of events. Recently acclaimed for her Emmy win for *The Dropout*, Seyfried had numerous options but felt compelled by Egoyan’s vision. The constrained timeline allowed little flexibility, yet everything fell into place serendipitously.

*”Somehow, it worked out,”* Egoyan remarked. *”She was keen to collaborate again—it had been 15 years since *Chloe*, and this felt like the perfect part.”*

Aesthetically, *Seven Veils* possesses a **dreamlike, surreal aspect**, drawing inspiration from the theatrical nature of opera. The film employs profound shadows, striking lighting choices, and expressionist techniques seldom seen in cinema. Egoyan also extensively utilized Richard Strauss’s compositions, occasionally omitting the vocals to allow the orchestral arrangement to convey the emotional weight.

*”It evokes this feverish sensation, akin to being in a dream—or more accurately, a fever dream,”* Egoyan reflected. *”That mirrors her experience as she navigates past traumas through the play, through the opera.”*

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## **A Gloomy and Personal Examination of Trauma**

While *Seven Veils* delivers a visually stunning experience, it also serves as a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative. Egoyan recognized that his own experiences from 1996, when he first presented *Salome*, shaped the film’s more somber themes.

*”There’s a significant interpretive dimension where we delve into her background, and that was connected to certain elements I observed in my life—things I’ve examined in other films too,”* he revealed.

The film’s intensity has taken some viewers by surprise, but Egoyan holds that its **immersive quality** is vital to its effectiveness. *”Opera achieves that. And for a film set in the opera world to resonate, it must convey that same intensity. It’s certainly a peculiar space to inhabit.”*

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## **The Landscape of Canadian Cinema and Egoyan’s Influence**

As one of the directors instrumental in placing **Canadian cinema** on the international stage during the 1990s and early 2000s, Egoyan possesses a distinct perspective on its transformation. He remains hopeful about the new wave of Canadian filmmakers, yet he acknowledges the hurdles they encounter in securing recognition.

*”We have remarkable filmmakers, outstanding young filmmakers. I’m continuously impressed by the debut features I watch—it’s simply a matter of helping them find distribution. The market is extremely saturated, with so much