Remember those pesky clones we were talking about? Runic Games’ Torchlight Action RPG is one such brazen flavour of the Diablo model, admittedly with a poignant twist. Many of the people who worked on Diablo actually had a hand in Torchlight, like former Blizzard employees (and brothers) Max and Erich Schaefer, designers of the first two Diablo games, and Diablo’s sound designer, Matt Uelmen.
In fact, most reviewers of Torchlight described the game as the best Diablo since, well, Diablo. Never heard of it? Don’t worry as, unlike its prodigious ancestor, Torchlight (the first one) is planned for a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 release before the year is out.
But on to its sequel. Torchlight II will (magically?) appear on PC and OSX early next year. Of course, considering what we just said about the inaugural title making an appearance on consoles, don’t be surprised if the dungeon-crawler also graces Sony’s and Microsoft’s platforms sometime later in the year. We suppose a lot will depend on the first game’s reception and sales.
The follow-up will continue on the first game’s random dungeon generating process, with two new classes (Railman and Outlander) announced so far. The first game’s pet system is also due to return.
Our interest in Torchlight II obviously stems from our love for Diablo, the fact that the apprentice has surpassed the master a fact we’ve noted but deem almost irrelevant. After all, the difference in scores each title garndered was marginal. We’re just eager to strap on some weapons and crack open the sepulchres, whether it’s in Sanctuary or in Torchlight, we’re easy.
Erroneus
So I take it the number a game has on this list, doesn’t mean anything to how much you are looking forward to it :)
Kovacs
Me personally? The number is the collective, aggregrate amount we’re looking forward to it. Some people are really looking forward to it. Others not so much. Hence, it appears where it does.
No game got top (or even close to top) marks from everyone. The titles closer to the top do, obviously, have more mass appeal, however.
Erroneus
So people would really put this one over Diablo 3? :)
I find that … weird.
Gamoc
I find it a bit silly, to be honest.
Kovacs
The reasons have been discussed. We’ve not seen any Diablo in ten years, Torchlight is coming to consoles, and the scores were practically the same anyway.
Erroneus
I played both (Diablo 3 and Torchlight II) and while Torchlight II will be a fine game, Diablo 3 is going to be effing amazing.
Kennykazey
the first one was good, but started feeling old too soon as you’d just be doing the same stuff over and over again. Hopefully this one will be better.
Charmed_Fanatic
will have to check out the first one when it comes out :)
Kovacs
Might work well with the Move.
DrNate86
This hadn’t occurrd
DrNate86
Sorry! Stupid touch screen. It hadn’t occurred to me that Move could be applied to things like this, but you’re right, has it got confirmed support or was that just a thought? I’m quite excited about this, I missed out on all these games not having a decent PC, but I loved what little I played of Diablo!