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PAX 2009: Torchlight release date announced; trailers leave an impression

The recent Diablo III announcements made at BlizzCon got fans riled up, but also reminded them that the game is still a long ways from releasing. Well, hack-and-slash RPG fans may soon find some relief, because Runic Games announced today at PAX 2009 that October 27th will be the official release date for Torchlight. Runic Games is staffed by developers who worked on games like Diablo, Diablo II, the Lord of Destruction expansion and Mythos. The action RPG will feature randomly generated levels, three different classes (Destroyer, Vanquisher and Alchemist) and a "retirement" system where maxed out characters can bestow benefits onto new ones.

The game will be sold for $19.99 via digital download, but specific outlets have yet to be announced. The game will only have single player offline gameplay, but an online multiplayer version is expected to release at a later time, possibly in 2010 or 2011. Continue reading after the jump to view the "Destroyer" gameplay trailer and official press release. Also check back to Big Download for hands-on coverage of Torchlight.

Download HD Torchlight Teaser Trailer (76 MB)
Download HD Torchlight 'Destroyer' Gameplay Trailer (48 MB)

Gallery: Torchlight



Big Download's Penny Arcade Expo 2009 coverage is sponsored by:

RUNIC GAMES UNVEILS OFFICIAL LAUNCH DATE FOR "TORCHLIGHT" AT PAX
Action RPG, Torchlight, Set to "Light Up" the Gaming Industry on October 27

September 4, 2009 – Seattle, WA - Runic Games, Inc. ("Runic Games"), a specialized developer of PC-based entertainment software in the United States, today unveiled at the Penny Arcade Exposition that the highly-anticipated, action RPG, Torchlight, will launch on October 27. Runic Games' development team features the same talent that brought the bar-setting, action RPGs, Diablo, Diablo II and Fate. Torchlight will be available as a fully downloadable game for US$19.99.

Gaming enthusiasts looking for a sneak peak at Torchlight before the official launch date can visit Runic Games at Booth 872 in the Expo Hall during the Penny Arcade Exposition, which runs from September 4-6. On hand will be Runic Games' CEO, Max Schaefer, co-designer of Diablo; and President, Travis Baldree, designer of Fate, to demonstrate the game.

"We have always felt that gaming should first and foremost be about the players and by announcing the launch date of Torchlight to fans at PAX, we're able to give them a sneak peak of the game before its official release" said Max Schaefer, CEO of Runic Games, Inc. "PAX is a unique venue geared towards video game enthusiasts and we are excited to be showcasing Torchlight and look forward to seeing many of our dedicated fans at PAX."

Torchlight sets itself apart from other action RPGs with its intuitive, approachable interface, which enables gamers of all skill levels to quickly immerse themselves into the rich game play and varied world of Torchlight. The level randomizer will ensure that each adventure is unique with different monsters, treasures, puzzles and items for players to find, defeat, and unlock. Through a powerful suite of development tools, Runic Games will empower players and game enthusiasts alike to create and share their own content and levels.

For more information on Torchlight, gamers can visit the official website at http://www.torchlightgame.com/ to view additional game play details, trailers and screenshots.

About Runic Games, Inc.
Runic Games is a developer of PC-based entertainment software, designing games that focus on quality, approachability, and fun. Runic Games is staffed by a team with experienced members, including leads on "Diablo," "Diablo II," "Diablo II: Lord of Destruction," "Fate," "Hellgate: London" and "Mythos." Runic Games is located in Seattle, Washington, United States.

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