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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 unleashes Torchlight 2 monsters
Runic has finally dropped a new morsel of Torchlight 2 information, specifically a small sampling of the game's new monsters. There are a few RPG standards in there, namely the manticore, dwarven automata, gargoyles and witches. The not so standard fare includes the spectral dragon and, our favorite, the Yakotaur (pictured), which is described as "part mountain yak, part yeti" and is obviously not something to be trifled with. Check them all out in the gallery below, and head over to the official Torchlight 2 page for more detailed descriptions of each.%Gallery-120717%
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 2 'probably' delayed to July, Runic says
Speaking to Digital Spy, Runic CEO Max Schaefer revealed that Torchlight 2 will likely miss its original May–June release window. According to Schaefer, the game will now "probably" be released this July. Apparently the time Runic had to spend on the extra interface design for the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade version of Torchlight is to blame for the sequel's delay, though Schaefer noted that development is "going great" otherwise. Schaefer added that Torchlight 2 should receive some "optimizations and technical improvements," originally created for the XBLA Torchlight. Notably, the sequel should now benefit from reduced load times and improved animation. The XBLA version of Torchlight will be released on March 9.
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.
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%
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 2 will offer free mod tools, full mod support in multiplayer
A lot of people have been making a big deal out of multiplayer in Torchlight 2 -- and rightfully so -- but not so much talk has been about modding. The first game had a substantial mod community, thanks in part to Runic Games offering mod tools for free to all players. And during my demo of the game at PAX, a Runic rep confirmed that the company will once again freely distribute mod tools to the public. But because of the addition of multiplayer, I was concerned about how mods will be shared now. The rep confirmed to me that players will be able to use the new multiplayer framework to find games incorporating mods but, better yet, all XP earned in these games will stay with your character. I was promised persistence across all games, be they mods or standard games. One final interesting tidbit: all loot dropped in multiplayer games will be client specific. This means that the items you see in your game are only in your game. No need for mad dashes to grab all the high-level loot drops! %Gallery-99869%
Torchlight 3 out before Diablo 3, Runic CEO hypothesizes
Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer respectfully believes that a third Torchlight game could be out before Blizzard's Diablo 3 -- a joke we'd made when the second Torchlight was recently announced. The executive tells us that the efficient size of the Runic team, which has a corporate goal to never grow above 40, would have the ability to get out another significantly upgraded sequel before Blizzard's behemoth arrived. Torchlight and its sequel have both had brisk development cycles lasting less than a year. Schaefer told us, "[Blizzard has] an impossible task. Blizzard can not get away with doing a Torchlight 1. If they put out a single player game, an RPG that's kinda stripped down for $20, people would say, 'What the hell happened to Blizzard?' They don't have that luxury. Everything has to be super epic. More epic than anything that's come before, more epic than World of Warcraft. They have to do that. It puts them in a really tough spot, I don't envy them. It has to be perfect." Given his deadpan delivery on the subject, we wanted to make sure he was serious about Torchlight's third installment beating the Blizzard behemoth to market, "I really think we will, I'm not joking about it. I'll be the first to buy Diablo 3, I'm a huge fan. I just know what it's like over there."
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%
Torchlight 2 announced for Spring 2011 [update]
Sleeper hit Torchlight is set to receive its first sequel next spring. At this rate, the dungeon-crawling digital distribution darling may release its third entry before Diablo 3 even begins to stir from its long development slumber. The big change this time out for the dungeon crawler will be online co-op. Runic Games notes that the game will feature a free peer-to-peer matchmaking service to "meet new players of a similar level and interest." And this time around, the world will include "expansive" randomized outdoor environments -- don't worry, the dungeons are still there -- along with "random instanced and persistent dungeons." Expect new monsters, weather effects, a new story and LOOT! Torchlight 2 will be playable at GamesCom later this month in Germany and at PAX Prime (Seattle) in September. The game will "initially" launch as a downloadable title in Spring 2011. Update: Torchlight 2's initial launch will be on PC, with the Mac version rolling in at a "TBD" date. As for consoles, a Runic representative tells Joystiq, "We would love to bring both games to console, but we have no plans for it at this time."
New Torchlight MMO details come to light
Finally, some news on the MMO offshoot of Runic Games' exceptional (and popular) dungeon-crawler, Torchlight. Speaking with PC Gamer UK for its upcoming cover story on the game, Runic boss Travis Baldree confirmed that this free-to-play, massively-multiplayer apple won't fall far from its single-player tree. Saying that the game's creators are out to make "an MMO that plays as close to single player as we can get it," Baldree expounded by adding, "It will have the same focus on relatively fast action: carving your way through hordes of monsters with a large number of hugely devastating skills." Skills that "make [players] useful in a party and make them work together" when not going it solo. Baldree also flat-out stated that he "will never, ever buy a microtransaction item" -- the game's revenue system, by the way -- indicating that Runic has something unique up its sleeve when adding, "We don't want our monetisation stuff to offer ways to skip the game because the game is boring." We take it that means no paying to unlock everything in the game.
