Runic Games' unapologetic Diablo-clone Torchlight, recently released on various digital distribution channels, is getting a richly-deserved retail release next year, courtesy of Encore Software.
Torchlight is a quick and dirty Diablo clone, and there's no two ways about it. You've got three classes, a base city, point and click movement and attacking - hell, you've even got scrolls of identify and town portal. With Blizzard North co-founders Max and Erich Schaefer key members of Runic Game's leadership, we can't really complain. If you're going to copy Diablo, you might as well do it with the folks who made Diablo.
We'll have a full review of Torchlight next week, but for now we bring you news that the game is getting a retail release in January of next year. Encore Software is packaging the game up and shipping it off to retail stores on January 5th, with a modest price tag of only $19.99. Max Schaefer approves.
"We are very happy to partner with Encore in bringing Torchlight to retail locations. Torchlight is a AAA title for an affordable price, and in concert with the experienced Encore team, we look forward to bringing this game to all fans of the Action RPG genre."
Look for a MAC version of Torchlight in 2010 as well.