Torchlight
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Behind the Mask: Perfect World and the future
If I were to describe the emotions of the Champions Online playerbase regarding the Perfect World buyout, I would have to say "mixed." Some players are happy that the days of Atari are behind them, and some are really skeptical about the future of the C-Store. CO is a fairly "pay-to-win" game in that Gold members have a lot of gameplay advantages over their non-subscribing counterparts. A lot of players are suggesting that the C-Store might become inundated with paid features and that we might possibly see the removal of certain free features (like global-purchased respecs). I am cautiously optimistic about the whole thing. Perfect World Entertainment holds controlling shares in Runic Games, and if the recent Mac and console ports of Torchlight are any indication of PWE's approach to management, I'd be more than happy to welcome our new alien overlords.
Torchlight marked down to $3.75 on Direct2Drive [update: deal's done, BioShock 2 on sale]
Update: the deal has expired, replaced by a new super-discounted game: BioShock 2 for $4.95.
Runic: No subscription for Torchlight MMO
It seems the MMO-ified version of Runic Games' mine-dwelling RPG Torchlight will attempt to avoid one of the genre's biggest pitfalls: trying to go head-to-head with Blizzard's gigantic, millions-of-players-strong monster. In a recent interview with Charge Shot, Runic CEO Max Schaefer explained, "I don't think really anyone can do [subscriptions] anymore because pretty much everyone that does subscriptions has one for World of Warcraft." Subsequently, the company will not pursue a subscription model for the Torchlight MMO. We appreciate the sentiment, but we think Schaefer's underestimating how many of us MMO players are just fabulously wealthy. We can afford to subscribe to more than one thing, you know? As of right now, we're subscribed to WoW, EQ2, EVE Online, DC Universe Online, Final Fantasy XIV, Warhammer Online and the Potpourri of the Month Club. ... Let's just pretend that we didn't say that last one, okay?
Torchlight's Schaefer: MMO subscriptions aren't the way to go
Runic Games CEO and Torchlight developer Max Schaefer knows a thing or two about addictive, loot-driven dungeon crawlers. After all, he was a founding member of Blizzard North and instrumental in the development of Diablo and Diablo II. So, when Schaefer talks about game design, people generally listen. Whether Schaefer's expertise extends to MMO business models is up for debate, though, which makes a recent interview at Charge-Shot.com an interesting read. "I don't think really anyone can do [subscriptions] anymore because pretty much everyone that does subscriptions has one for World of Warcraft," Schaefer posits, while speaking of his plans for the upcoming Torchlight MMO. While the majority of the interview focuses on the new Xbox Live incarnation of the original Torchlight -- as well as the forthcoming Torchlight II -- it's also a window into Schaefer's design sensibilities and therefore a possible barometer for the type of gameplay that fans might expect from a Torchlight MMO. "[Torchlight] is the kind of game you can play for 20 minutes before you got to go out to dinner, but it's also one that you can geek out on all night. It's just a very accessible format that gives people a chance to enjoy a game rather than work at a game," Schaefer explains. [Thanks to Craig for the tip!]
Torchlight XBLA launch provided Runic its best sales day ever
Runic Games announced today that last week's launch day of Torchlight's solid, gamepad-friendly Xbox Live Arcade port, was the company's "best sale day in its history." "We're very excited to bring Torchlight to the 360, and have been really gratified by the positive reaction," said President Travis Baldree. "It's affirming to know that console players love this genre as much as we do. We think the experience translates pretty well to the couch." Runic is currently working on Torchlight 2 for PC, which will "probably" launch in July. We're sure Blizzard is taking note of Torchlight's console success for its upcoming Diablo 3. %Gallery-112898%
Torchlight XBLA cancelled in Japan due to text bug [update: It actually never existed]
Torchlight was set to launch on Xbox Live Arcade in Japan today, but it won't make its appointed release date, or any release date. In a brief statement on Xbox.com, Microsoft announced that the Japanese release of the dungeon crawler has been canned as a result of a bug in the Japanese language text display. due to difficulty of localization (see below for statements from Runic and Microsoft about exactly what happened). Either that's one serious bug, or Microsoft decided the cost of the QA wouldn't be worth it for a game that already faced two strikes -- being a downloadable game in Japan, and being an Xbox 360 game in Japan. The Torchlight avatar cap and other accessories are still available. Update: Runic president Travis Baldree sent the following statement over to Joystiq: "We're not privy to the decision making process in providing the game in Japan - but it was not due to bugs in the translation because the game has never been translated to Japanese. Since there was no existing Japanese version of the game, the complexity of a new translation combined with the randomly generated naming scheme for Torchlight made it beyond the scope of the project." In other words, this is much weirder than just a bug that killed the whole project -- the Japanese version never existed, and the "cancellation" announcement came on the projected release date. Update 2: And Microsoft has sent along the following: " "We made the decision to not launch "Torchlight" on Xbox LIVE Arcade in Japan due to localization complexities; not due to bugs. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Torchlight XBLA review: All the loot, half the noise
There's a large room up ahead. It's an uncharted space on the dungeon map and thus assuredly filled with very large, very nasty monsters. The room, unfortunately, is the only way forward. Physically weak and wielding only a bow, I'll need distraction and distance to survive. First things first, I lob a couple of shock traps through the door to deal some consistent damage. Then I summon up a pack of skeletons to keep the heat off of me. I rush in, use my Hamstring ability to weaken enemies, unleash a few exploding arrows for crowd control, swallow a health potion, fling some needles into the closest group of baddies and, finally, rush back out. What monsters remain are left to either be electrocuted or bleed to death. As cool as all that sounds, the most amazing part is that I did it all without a keyboard and mouse.
Torchlight XBLA video to warm up your screen
With the XBLA debut of Torchlight now set for March 9, the first gameplay footage has been released. Apart from some necessary HUD changes, the game seems identical to its computer counterparts. Hit the break to watch the video, after which you can continue intensely staring at the nearest calendar.
Xbox Live House Party titles (Beyond Good & Evil HD, Torchlight) dated, priced
Just in the nick of time, Microsoft has announced dates and prices for its month-long Xbox Live Arcade House Party promotion. Things kick off on February 16 with Arc System Works' not-Contra side-scroller, Hard Corps: Uprising, priced at 1200 points ($15), followed by PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz on February 23, for 800 points ($10). Things really get moving on March 2, when Beyond Good & Evil HD is released for the eminently reasonable price of 800 points. The last two releases will undoubtedly gather the most attention: the excellent, heretofore computer-bound, dungeon crawler Torchlight will be released on March 9 for 1200 points, while Microsoft's Live-enabled Full House Poker makes its debut on March 16 for a surprisingly low 800 points.
Runic talks Torchlight's future, not afraid of Diablo 3
Speaking to Gamasutra, Runic's Max Schaefer shared some insight on the Xbox Live Arcade version of Torchlight, as well as the PC version's impending sequel and the eventual Torchlight MMO. He noted that the most difficult part of adapting Torchlight for XBLA was redesigning the interface."You don't realize how much interface is in your game until you have to go and reinvent it," said Schaefer, noting that the team was taken "a little bit by surprise" at how much work was required. The team is "nervous" to see how players react to the game's transformation, though Schaefer said that the game "feels right," adding that many Runic staffers now prefer the Xbox version. He also discussed Torchlight's comparisons to Diablo -- something he must be getting used to by now. Schaefer isn't worried about the upcoming arrival of Diablo 3. In fact, he embraces it, saying, "I only see it as a good thing." In fact, it sounds like Diablo 3 will give Runic some extra time to work, with Schaefer stating "it'll delay whatever we're working on for at least a month." Regarding the Torchlight MMO, Runic is currently focusing on Torchlight 2, though the MMO is definitely still in the pipeline. According to Schaefer, the success of Torchlight has afforded Runic the ability to make "the right strategic move and not make any moves out of desperation."
Torchlight (XBLA) preview: Cure for the common controller
Runic Games' Torchlight has received lots of well-deserved acclaim since its release back in October of 2009. It took Diablo's well-traveled hack, slash, and loot action-RPG formula, and updated it with both some solid innovation and a lot of excellent polish. Now, after a lot of promises, Runic is bringing the game to XBLA, and the question is how such a PC-centric title will work on a console. Microsoft let us have some hands-on time this week at CES, and after playing the game for hours on the PC and the better part of an hour on console, I can say the answer is: Pretty well. At this point, I wouldn't call the console version definitive at all -- there are a few quirks in the system like monsters getting caught in corners and some complicated menus (probably a given anyway, as Runic has revamped everything from the original with a brand new interface). But combat works great, the new menu systems are carefully considered and designed, and a vast majority of the PC version's polish shines right through like a Perfect-level gem. %Gallery-112898%
Runic hopeful Torchlight 2 will come to consoles
Runic Games' long-sought goal to port Torchlight to consoles will come to fruition when the game is released on Xbox Live Arcade as part of Microsoft's "House Party" promotion, beginning in mid-February. Depending on its success on the platform, Runic could look to quickly port the sequel to consoles, too, following its launch on PC this spring. "That will hopefully get to the consoles, as well," Runic CEO Max Schaefer told MTV Multiplayer. "Depending on how [Torchlight on XBLA] does ... we're excited to get Torchlight 2 onto consoles. Hopefully sooner than how long [Torchlight on XBLA] took. We've gone through the exercise, we know what it takes." Additionally, Schaefer priced Torchlight on XBLA at 1200 Microsoft Points ($15), though a representative for the studio later said that that price was not official. "It will be set by Microsoft, not Runic Games," said the representative, "and we cannot confirm it."
Runic details how Torchlight will be different on XBLA
With the announcement that Torchlight will hit Xbox Live Arcade within two months, we're sure many players are curious as to what changes have been made during the transition from Mac and PC. Thankfully, the wait is over, as Runic has already detailed many of the changes on its website. First, the developer notes that the user interface has seen more than just a few tweeks: It's been redesigned from the ground up. Furthermore, the inventory grid has been abandoned in favor of a hard item limit. Players will be able to carry 50 items at a time, regardless of their size. Certain items, like potions and scrolls, can still be stacked in a single slot. Speaking of potions, the game will automatically pick the best potion to use in a given situation, so there's no need to worry about using a strong potion when you only need a little bit of health or mana. Eight skills can be mapped at once, with Runic noting that many of its staffers "actually find it easier to use a variety of skills on the console vs. PC." Finally, player control is done directly and there are "no virtual cursors ever." With no specific target control, melee combat has been tweaked, while ranged combat now uses an auto targeting system. Meanwhile, the distance of "lobbed skills" can be "finessed" using the analog triggers. Runic states that other console dungeon crawlers like Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Champions of Norrath offer a "general idea" of what to expect. In other words, expect to start playing the game and discover that several hours have passed the next time you look at the clock.
Torchlight coming to Xbox Live Arcade with new content for House Party series
Runic Games has announced that the Diablo-esque RPG Torchlight is coming to Xbox Live Arcade for the upcoming House Party series of releases. The game has apparently been remade to use the Xbox controller (with dual sticks for moving and attacking, bumpers for potions, and hotkeys assigned to triggers and buttons), and given a new interface for the console release. There will also be "new quests, armor sets, weapons, and a new pet" to play with as well. Consider us surprised -- it'll be interesting to see how a very PC title (that's found a lot of success on Steam) fits into Microsoft's arcade lineup. The House Party will start on February 16, and will also include a release of the Beyond Good and Evil HD remake, Hard Corps Uprising, PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz Live, and Full House Poker. That's a quality lineup right there! %Gallery-112898%
Steam offering Machinarium, Torchlight and Indie pack for $5 each
Steam's "Give and Get" sale continues today, with yesterday's tempting one-day discounts giving way to an even better batch. You'll be able to buy the gorgeous Machinarium or Runic's dungeon jaunt, Torchlight, for $5 each. And if you're smart, you'll consider spending that same amount on the "Indie Clever Pack," which comprises World of Goo, VVVVVV, Eufloria, Doc Clock: The Toasted Sandwich of Time and Iron Grip: Warlord. At the time of publishing (3PM EST), you have 22 hours left on the following options: Machinarium -- $5 Torchlight -- $5 Indie Clever Pack -- $4.99 Blur -- $14.99 Tropico 3: Gold Edition -- $7.50 Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box -- $14.99 Empire: Total War -- $14.99 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 Gold Edition -- $13.60 ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead -- $19.99 Steam's gift packs for today include a Portal six-pack for $14.99 and ten copies of Irrational's Freedom Force for a patently silly $7.49.
Torchlight PC discounted to $10 during 1-year anniversary sale [update 2: How to get the Mac version]
Runic Games' first release, Torchlight, came out on PC a year ago today, and the company is celebrating the anniversary with a sale. Starting today, and ending October 29 at 8AM PT, the PC version of Torchlight will be offered for half off on the official game site. That's $10 for all the dungeon crawling you can stand -- or mod, using the game's included editing tools. Unfortunately, the Mac version remains $20, as Runic doesn't sell that version directly. The Mac version is only offered via Steam, and Runic informs Joystiq that Steam isn't participating in this particular sale. But don't lose heart, would-be Mac players, as Runic assures that a cross-platform sale will be held later this year (in case you missed the discounted Mac version the first time around). And don't forget: Torchlight will hopefully be out on consoles, too, before the year is out. Update: Shacknews has discovered that the PC activation code for Torchlight can be registered on Steam, which unlocks the Mac version for play as well. Cheap Torchlight for everyone! Update 2: Some users are reporting that the activation code is invalid on Steam, meaning neither the Mac or PC versions can be unlocked on the service. Shacknews reports that it used an older code obtained from Runic to confirm that it can be redeemed, however newly obtained codes may be invalid on Steam.
Torchlight 'hopefully' out on XBLA and PSN by holidays, has sold 750,000 units
Runic Games had dreams of putting Torchlight on Xbox Live Arcade, then it put "serious effort" into a console version, and now the studio is hoping to have the game out by this holiday for PSN and XBLA. Runic CEO Max Schaefer told Joystiq at Gamescom today, "We're trying, we're talking [to Sony and Microsoft] and we hope to get that done quickly." Although there's no release window, he told us it'll "hopefully" be available "by the holidays." Schaefer also told us the game has now sold over 750,000 units and is en route to a million. The RPG reached the half-million milestone back in May after launching in October, following a tiny development time of 10 months. If the sales figure seems a bit low, the executive mentioned that piracy has been an issue, but they have no way of tracking how many illegal copies were made. As for Torchlight 2 on consoles, Schaefer told us Runic will "try" to get the multiplayer sequel to consoles sometime after the PC and Mac release. %Gallery-72098%
Still clicking: Our exclusive interview with the Mythos dev team
Considering Mythos' stormy post-Flagship past and its relatively low profile over the past half year, we were pleased to see the team at Redbana unveil a website revamp last month, complete with a slew of vibrant new screenshots to tease the upcoming closed beta. The infrastructure revealed in the images suggests that the game has come a long way since we last checked in with the team; although many players might once have pigeon-holed Mythos as "just another Diablo clone," it's now maturing into a hybrid MMORPG that seems to have as much in common with Blizzard's other fantasy game as with the click-fests of yesteryear. Curious, we commandeered the team at Redbana in order to ask about the progress of the game. Meet up with us after the break as we discuss the transition to Redbana, overcoming the Diablo stigma, camera perspectives, map travel, character customization, and the likelihood that Mythos will be free-to-play. Oh, and did I mention you can play satyrs and cyclopes?!
Moonbase Alpha takes one small step, goes live
Ready for the federal government's first MMORPG? We're not either, but we're getting a taste of one possible future with today's release of Moonbase Alpha, a multiplayer simulation co-developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Virtual Heroes. While the game is not technically an MMO as of yet, it will eventually feature a massively multiplayer version, in much the same way that the forthcoming Torchlight MMO started life as a smaller dungeon-crawler. Moonbase Alpha looks to immerse players in a "futuristic 3D lunar settlement. Their mission is to restore critical systems and oxygen flow after a nearby meteor strike cripples a solar array and life support equipment. Available resources include an interactive command center, a lunar rover, mobile robotic repair units and a fully stocked equipment shed," according to the game's website. The title currently features both single-player and two-, four-, or six-slot multiplayer gameplay. You can download it free of charge at the NASA website or on Steam. Don't forget to check out the gameplay trailer after the cut.
Impulse drops prices for the Fourth of July
Not to be outdone by Steam and its dangerously generous sale this week (you do own Torchlight by now, right?), Impluse is running its own 4th of July sale, with 68 different downloadable PC games given prices set to move, some even better than Steam. If you want some quality RTS action, the Company of Heroes pack is a great deal at $29.99, Command and Conquer 4 is $24.99 and the Sins of a Solar Empire expansions are $5 off. Not quite as much variety as the Steam sale, but what's there is well-priced. PC gamers, you have no excuse to bother with any of the "going outside" or fireworks this July 4th weekend -- not when there are all these great cheap games to play!
