hack-and-slash posts

Magicians are usually, within canon, the strongest of any character. After all, channeling the powers of the elements is a bit god-like. This trailer for Dungeon Siege 3 unveils the mage character, Reinhart, and he seems suitably powerful. Teleportation, blasting enemies with entropy, and creating natural elements seem to be his particular fortes. Much like the previous character trailers, this one gives a good look at the character from outside the player's perspective. Don't expect to see much more than some slick monster murder.

Download the Dungeon Siege 3 'Reinhart' trailer
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Divinity 2 was released for the first time approximately one year ago, and already the developers are on the ball with an enhanced edition. Subtitled Dragon Knight Saga, this new edition features revamped quests, graphics, and gameplay, as well as the expansion Flames of Vengeance. For those interested in some high-fidelity hack-and-slash action, this trailer will certainly quench your taste for destruction. It features environments, characters, and moves from the re-release, and while it never really goes in-depth into the gameplay, it's not really surprising. This is a launch trailer designed to pump up players, not give them insight into the inner workings of the game.

Download HD Divinity 2: The Dragon Knight Saga Trailer
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Darkspore may be a big departure from the formula laid out in Spore, but that doesn't mean it has to be bad. This latest gameplay trailer of the hack-and-slash RPG shows off some of the gameplay mechanics, and it certainly looks fancy. Flashy gibs, cool monster designs, and the touting of different game modes (single-player, co-op, and competitive) all lead to a fairly exciting trailer. While it does mention the different abilities of your squad, it doesn't actually show anything involving it in detail, so we're a little disappointed there. Either way, if you want to slaughter Spore creations, Darkspore looks to satisfy your bloodlust.

DeathSpank is still waiting on PC release, but it's almost definite that it will be released for our favorite platform. Hothead has forged forward, however, and released the second title as we patiently sit and wait on the action-adventure hybrid's PC port. Thongs of Virtue is available on the consoles, and as this trailer shows, have new quests, new weapons, and a new story. It also looks to be more absurd and funny than its predecessor, which is perfectly fine by us.

This Dungeon Siege III trailer is interesting. On one hand, it's delightfully minimalistic, showing off only gameplay and keeping all potential chatter to a minimum. On the other hand, the slow-down bits are extremely choppy and concerning, only two classes are shown, and the art design is rather generic. Despite this, it looks like loads of fun and full of that good ol' monster hacking we know and love. It's just a shame that the original developer, Gas Powered Games, couldn't return for the third game in this beloved franchise.

Download HD Dungeon Siege 3 Gameplay Trailer
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Most role-playing games have shopkeepers scattered around the world. They are instantly willing to trade with the player, buying and selling whatever the adventurer desires. With Diablo 3, Blizzard's tradition of improving on classic design elements is continued with the addition of artisans. Unique shopkeepers with storylines, quests, and even individual levels, it looks like Blizzard is aiming to personalize the Diablo experience even more.

Some of the important bits about artisans in this trailer include the concept of crafting, leveling up your artisan, gaining their trust, creating sockets on items, and scavenging. We are especially interested in the concept of alternative resources to gold, and how this relates to crafting and leveling up. It's not a particularly exciting trailer, unless you are into the minutiae of the average action RPG.

Download HD Diablo 3 'Crafting and Caravan' Video (156 MB)
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Torchlight was one of our favorite games of 2009, and a contender for game of the year as well. An independent title made by refugees from the Diablo development team, it blew us away with its visual charm and gameplay depth. However, it lacked multiplayer, which was the only crippling omission in such a brilliant hack'n'slash title. Developer Runic Games is correcting that with Torchlight 2, as this trailer shows so plainly.

There are two really interesting bits in this Gamescom trailer. First is that Runic Games actually read the criticism directed at the original game, both from fans and professionals. It's always good to know your opinions are getting heard. While this part of the trailer is hardly flashy, it's still satisfying. The other important part is the display of all the new features they've packed into Torchlight 2, such as outdoor environments, multiplayer co-op, and all those flashy graphics you know and love.

Download HD Torchlight 2 Gamescom Trailer (25 MB)
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A little over a week ago, the Torchlight Destroyer melee class was shown at PAX 2009, but now it's time for the ranged Vanquisher class to get some spotlight time. The Destroyer and Vanquisher make up two of the three base classes that will be included in the game, with the Alchemist expected to be featured next. Torchlight is an action role-playing game being developed by Runic Games (made up of former Diablo developers). The full single player game is scheduled to release on October 27th and will sell via digital download for $19.99. An online multiplayer version of Torchlight will launch later on currently unannounced date. Continue reading after the jump to watch the Destroyer gameplay video.

"Part of an ancient order dedicated to justice and bringing balance to the world, the Vanquisher was sent out to Torchlight to investigate the mysterious slayings and missing town folks. Unknown to her, the darkness below the small town of Torchlight runs far deeper than the mines beneath. As an expert marksman, the Vanquisher is able to take enemies from afar as well as use traps to confuse and deliberate her foes from all directions."

Download HD Torchlight 'Vanquisher' Gameplay Trailer (54 MB)
Download HD Torchlight 'Destroyer' Gameplay Trailer (48 MB)
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Grinding hack'n'slash games appeal to some base instinct inherent in every gamer. The instinct to grow more powerful through repeated actions. Games like Diablo, Dungeon Siege, and Titan Quest have built massive reputations based on this simple grind and level formula. However, they have two things that Ginormo Sword doesn't: gussied up mechanics, and a sense of balance. Ginormo Sword throws both of these out the window and boils the hack'n'slash genre to the basics. And it's strangely addicting.

Ginormo Sword has no story. All the locations are randomly named, and we do mean random. There is only one way to attack, and moving around is done entirely with the mouse. However, add no limit to the size of your sword (hence the title) and the ability to upgrade almost any aspect of your character to god-like levels through grind, and you have a game that is relentlessly addicting despite its faults.

[Via Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

Welcome to Freeware Friday, a weekly column showcasing excellent games that you can play free of charge!

We do love rogue-likes. They've been featured a few times here on Freeware Friday, and they definitely inspired the hack-'n-slash games we know and love like Diablo. What happens, though, when you mix the in-depth sensibilities of a rogue-like with the fast-paced action of an arena shooter? Well, you get Triangle Wizard, a trippy and excellent freeware game that straddles the line between simulation and action. If you are the sort to get caught up in things like spell levels and resistances, then this is the game for you. If not? Well, give it a try anyway. It certainly wouldn't hurt, and it's quite newbie friendly!