Torchlight II Preview

Video shows off new multiplayer co-op mode

Runic Games’ dungeon crawler Torchlight is officially getting a sequel, and one of its most exciting new features is that there will be a multiplayer co-op mode so friends can adventure together. That co-op mode was revealed for the first time in a trailer released at the Gamescom 2010 conference.

Players can connect with friends over a local area network or over the Internet, and the game will also offer a free matchmaking peer-to-peer service that matches players up based on level and interests.

“Together players will discover expansive randomized outdoor areas and deep ominous caverns; random instanced and persistent dungeons, a huge variety of all new monsters and villains, endless variations of loot to find, and quests to complete,” added the developer. “Players journey through the perilous Overworld, enjoying all new weather features, time of day events, and a rich and cunning story to drive gameplay.”

Other key features of Torchlight II will include:

• Customizable Characters – Players create and customize a character from one of four classes available and choose an animal companion. Through cosmetic, class, and gender choices, skill path decisions, and the treasures they acquire, each character can be custom-tailored to each player’s needs.
• Moddability – Torchlight II will release with an updated version of TorchEd, the Torchlight editor. Players have the option to create their own mods, adding even more content to the world. You and your friends can download the same mod and play together!
• Overworld Areas – Torchlight II has large randomized overworld areas to explore with weather, time of day cycles, and random events that provide players with even more content to experience.
• Random Dungeons – Delve into randomly generated dungeons within the game at any time for extra experience and rare loot. Dungeons in Torchlight II have even more branching paths to explore with friends filled with random events, rewards and dangers.
• Retirement System – Once characters are sufficiently leveled up, they can “retire” and bestow specific benefits and perks onto new characters.
• Pets – Players choose a pet to accompany them. Pets level up along with the player, and help in battle, learn spells, carry items, and perform a variety of support services.
• Fishing – Fishing returns in the sequel! Players can take a break from the high-energy pace of adventuring to relax by one of the many fishing holes and see what they can catch. Fish have unique benefits for the player and pet, while a number of other rewards can also be discovered.

Torchlight II will be launching as a digital download in 2011. Head over to PC Gamer for a look at some of the in-game artwork and an interview with Runic Games.

Erin Bell