“A great dungeon crawl … fast-paced combat and cartoonish graphics that will keep you clicking until the wee hours.” http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/torchlight/review.html
Torchlight featured on the PC Gamer podcast http://www.pcgamerpodcast.com/?p=276
“After 15.5 hours of play I am hooked on it like a crackhead with a bag full of rocks and a blowtorch. It’s the best action-RPG I’ve played since Titan Quest, it may even be better.” http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98793
“Torchlight is, in a word, impressive.” http://www.gx.com.sg/Blog/Blog.aspx?id=c1a29be3-2d9b-47b7-b51c-5d9d940f89f9
8/10 rating http://totalgamingnetwork.com/main/showthread.php?p=2603617
Seattle Geekly podcast: http://www.seattle-geekly.com/podcast/episode_38.mp3
“I am awash in unanticipated gaming joy.” http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/47644
“A deep, engrossing action/RPG” http://gameinformer.com/games/torchlight/b/pc/archive/2009/10/29/torchlight-review.aspx
http://www.weritsblog.com/2009/10/torchlight-video-review.html (Video review)
“Dare I say: it’s quite possibly more Diablo than Diablo 3 will be.” http://www.kiasa.org/2009/10/28/previewlet-torchlight/
http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/10/28/torchlight-launch-trailer-goes-dungeon-crawling/ (launch trailer on Big Download)
“All the non-stop hack ‘n slash action your heart desires” http://pressstart.co.za/Article/304/ULTRALoRD-gets-Torchlight
“So I fired up Torchlight last night for a quick run around to see how it lives up to the Diablo comparisons. The gameplay mechanics are almost identical, and the differences are usually improvements. I ran around and killed stuff, performed some quests, and had lots of fun. Then I looked up and it was 2:00 am, the perfect proof that the game lives up to the comparison.” (Bluesnews)
Rating 9/10 “Not only is this game a technical masterpiece, but it comes in a small package (both in memory and hard drive footprint), is reminiscent of the best that its genre has to offer, and retails for less than 20.00.” http://bitemyreview.com/2009/10/dont-wait-for-diablo-3-buy-torchlight-now/
Negative Gamer podcast http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/29/ngcst-special-torchlight/ and review http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/29/negative-gamer-review-torchlight/ (scored a -1 out of 0 to -10, their highest rating) “A fantastic example of the action RPG genre”
Runic Devs to the rescue with a level bug: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95783-Runic-Devs-Lend-Stuck-Players-A-Hand
“Torchlight nails the formula with flying colors” http://gameaxis.com/torchlight-a-great-loot-hoarding-trip-underground/
http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=13235 and http://www.immortalmachines.com/public/podcast/Torchlight.mp3 (Immortal Machines podcast)
http://gameaxis.com/torchlight-a-great-loot-hoarding-trip-underground/
http://www.crispygamer.com/comics/backward/backward-2009-10-28.aspx (comic)
http://www.crispygamer.com/comics/experiencepoints/experiencepoints-2009-10-28.aspx (My Extra Life comic)
“I don’t even know where to begin lavishing praise on it.” http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2009/10/sg-review-torchlight-pc.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDXENq_Tpw (Youtube review)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/torchlight/players.html?tag=scoresummary;user-score
http://www.pcworld.com/article/174548/10_reasons_you_must_play_torchlight.html From PC World
“Torchlight is great, visceral fun; it is everything I could have hoped for … this is a 100% must-buy game.” http://gamersroute.com/2009/10/review-torchlight-pc/
“It’s pure, unadulterated, 100% raw cane fun … Combat is fast, violent, bloody and pyrotechnic. What’s not to like?” http://www.killtenrats.com/2009/10/28/first/
“Torchlight is now released and you all know the game is lovely because you have all bought and played it, yes? Yes.” (Morning Discussion) http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61034
“Torchlight has launched, presumably out of a cannon of some sort.” http://www.destructoid.com/torchlight-available-now-here-s-a-launch-trailer-153359.phtml
http://forthelore.com/?p=650 (podcast)
“4.4/5 …the combat is so visceral and intense.” http://www.cheatcc.com/pc/rev/torchlightreview.html
“Torchlight is one of the best Action-RPGs we saw in the last years! The guys at Runic still know how to make good games” http://torchlight.gamersunity.de/bestes-action-rpg-der-letzten-jahre.t3242.html
http://cdn.shacknews.com/public/podcast/idlethumbs/news/idlenews_091027.mp3 (Max on Idle Thumbs)
http://www.pcgames.de/aid,698267/Torchlight-im-Test-Pflichtprogramm-fuer-Diablo-Fans/PC/Test/ (German PC Games – in German)
http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20307
http://juliasherred.com/2009/10/torchlight-is-simplistic-beauty/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ActionRPG-Torchlight-by-Runic-bw-4240549506.html?x=0&.v=1 (Launch news – Press release)
http://www.massively.com/2009/10/27/the-daily-grind-getting-torchlight/ (Launch news)
http://deconlabel.com/2009/10/27/torchlight-launches-today/ (Launch news)
http://www.nwinnovation.com/runic_launches_rpg_game/s-0024828.html (Launch news)
“I think we’re witnessing the beginning of what could become another great F2P MMO” http://www.rainbowmmo.com/2009/10/what-torchlight-could-do-for-its-mmo.html (Launch news)
http://venturebeat.com/2009/10/27/runic-games-launches-fantasy-role-playing-game-torchlight/
8/10 – “Torchlight showcases the decade and a half of experience making Action RPGs on offer at Runic Games effortlessly.” http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2009/10/26/torchlight-review/
http://www.curse.com/articles/torchlight/596692.aspx
“Brilliance.” http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/torchlight/reviews/torchlightstrev1.html
“Torchlight (PC) revives action/RPG fun … Torchlight is a no-brainer for any action/rpg fan. Buy this puppy. Now.” http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-892-PC-Game-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Review-Torchlight-PC-brings-back-old-school-ActionRPG-fun
“$20 is a steal for this game. Get it.” http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/6697-Review-Torchlight
http://www.framerated.com/gameplay.aspx?vid=258 (gameplay)
http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-torchlight/17-1551/ (First look at gameplay with Giant Bomb)
“Played a ton of Torchlight over the weekend. It’s excellent. They really did a great job of touching all the action-RPG bases. And for $20, you can’t go wrong.” http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=61016 (Evening Reading)
“Torchlight Soundtrack: A Shining Light in a Sea of Darkness” http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=5364
“Torchlight was masterfully created.” http://diygamer.com/2009/10/into-the-goblin-hole-torchlight-review/
“…anyone who ever enjoyed an action RPG should buy it” http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?id=21240823 (Morning Discussion)
“I’ve been playing Torchlight, and I think I might be in love.” http://www.myextralife.com/sitenews/ive-been-playing-torchlight-and-i-think-i-might-be-in-love/
“This is not a day one purchase– this is a minute one purchase.” http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/
“My early review? ‘Divine!’” http://www.gamebunny.com/
“Hacking and slashing Found loot, urge to gather more Addiction is great” http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/25/haiku-preview-torchlight/
“this is the most fun I have had with a game in a long time” http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/26/hands-on-preview-torchlight/
“Torchlight shouldn’t just be a blip on your radar, it should be a massive unidentified mass that will grab hold of you and never let go. I realize those unidentified radar targets are usually Godzilla, or a Russian submarine. In this case, it’s Torchlight.” http://www.backhandofjustice.com/games-i-want-torchlight/
“The combat is some of the best I’ve seen in an action RPG.” http://www.erraticgamer.com/
Hellforge Impressions: http://hellforge.gameriot.com/blogs/Hellforge/Into-the-Depths-of-Torchlight
“Torchlight is a surefire winner in its niche” http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/reviews/6696-Torchlight-Putting-Action-and-RPG-Back-Together
“I think the devs need to provide a disclaimer for just how addicting the game is.” http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/2009/10/sp3tsnazs-torchlight-impressions/#more-1428
“I get the sense Torchlight will be Diablo I to Diablo III’s Diablo II” http://www.idlethumbs.net/blog/a-brief-dialogue-on-itorchlighti
“The game is the most involving, immersive Action/RPG of its kind that I’ve played, and I HIGHLY recommend you at least pick it up.” http://www.torchlightinsider.com/?p=397 (Tiberius Audley from TorchlightInsider)
http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewstory&threadid=103529 (repost of Gamasutra PAX interview)
http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1212 (interview with Matt Uelmen)
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4173/working_by_torchlight.php (PAX interview)
http://www.recomic.net/2009/10/22/torchlight/
“Peter Hu shows us the light.” http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1210
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Interview-Torchlight-20516.html
http://www.crispygamer.com/news/index.php/2009-10-19/runic-games-dungeon-masters-the-torchlight-interview-part-ii/ (Part 2 of 2 from Crispy Gamer)
“If you’re the kind that enjoys some fast paced, highly destructive fun, Torchlight may be very much to your liking.” http://www.wanderinggoblin.com/2009/10/16/this-is-how-customer-service-in-the-video-games-industry-should-be-done/
Fair and Balanced Gameplay: Max on FoxBox http://bit.ly/EXHVi (Fox News – FoxBox)
Max is put On The Spot! http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/torchlight/video/6233249
“I can tell you without a doubt that it’s my most-anticipated game this year.” http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/10/14/first-impressions-torchlight/
“Torchlight is a definite title to be on any PC gamers’ radar.” http://game-central.org/2009/editorials/torchlight-preview-with-travis-baldree/
“Seattle-based Runic Games has produced one of the most fun and polished titles showcased at PAX ‘09. … I felt Torchlight oozed quality from hidden pores and crevices that seeped through the computer monitor to fill me with a sense of sheer giddiness.” http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=19615
“My one sentence impression of Torchlight? Here ya go: “Torchlight is the best iteration of the action RPG I have seen.” http://gamersroute.com/torchlight-preview
Torchlight interview with Critical Gamer http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2009/09/09/runic-games-torchlight-interview/
“With the little time I had with Torchlight on the floor I really was impressed. Gameplay was smooth, fast and fun. It looked gorgeous, and at $19.99 seems like a steal.” http://www.co-optimus.com/article/2538/Torchlight_Hands_on_Preview.html
Pixar + Diablo = Torchlight http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-pixar-diablo-torchlight/
“Torchlight really blew me away” http://gamersroute.com/pax-2009-day-one-impressions
“We kept playing the game long after we’d pretty gotten all the info we needed to write this article. It’s familiar, it’s fast, and it’s fun.” http://www.examiner.com/x-892-PC-Game-Examiner~y2009m9d7-PAX-2009-Handson-with-Torchlight
“In fact among all of the other AAA games at PAX, I was intrigued more by Torchlight than any other game.” http://www.1337life.com/?p=2465
“It’s a ton of fun to play.” http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/50113/Torchlight-Rose-From-The-Ashes-Of-Mythos
“Torchlight is a little game with huge potential.” http://www.thunderboltgames.com/previews/article/pax-09-torchlight-preview-for-pc.html
“If you’re a fan of action RPGs, you can’t go wrong with Torchlight.” http://www.gamingtrend.com/Articles/articles.php?artID=472
“Torchlight has plenty of potential to be an incredibly absorbing game … do yourself a favor and give Torchlight a look.” http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/74108
“Torchlight surprised me and will now get my $20” http://negativegamer.com/2009/09/06/ngcast-special-pax-09-saturday/
“One of the bigger stories to come out of (almost) nowhere and bowl people over at PAX was Runic Games, which not only showcased an impressive Torchlight to adoring crowds, but who announced that we’d be able to get our grubby hands on this title in less than two months.” http://biobreak.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pax-surprise-torchlight/
Massively podcast about Torchlight with Kyle Horner (minute 4) http://www.massively.com/tag/pax-2009/
“Going to expos is fun and any veteran of such events will tell you, the best part about them is discovering something you’d never heard of yet turns out to be something special. Torchlight is very much such a game.” [Note: SHFTS has included Torchlight in their Top 5 Games of PAX09!] http://shfts.com/?p=1201
“Torchlight came out of nowhere. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to play it.” http://www.co-optimus.com/review/274/page/1/Gearing_Down__The_Post-PAX_Swag_Round-Up.html
http://www.stevestreeting.com/2009/09/12/torchlight-at-pax/
1up Podcast with Garnett Lee & Christian Nutt (Gamasutra) http://www.castmedium.com/2009/09/12/listen-up-09112009/ and http://podcast.the1upnetwork.com/flat/1UPYours/LUP091109.mp3
“Torchlight is beautiful to watch” http://www.eurogamer.net/
“An utterly charming game that I found myself very excited about.” http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=361230#post361230
“one of the hidden gems at PAX” http://gamingnexus.com/FullNews/PAX-2009—Torchlight-Hands-On/Item14055.aspx
http://talkingaboutgames.com/previews/impression/5042-from-the-pax-floor-torchlight
http://www.gamebunny.com/?p=5587
“If I had to make a list of games you should be checking out that aren’t on your radar, Torchlight would be number one on my list.” http://www.kingquagmire.com/3773/runic-games-looks-to-light-your-torch/Joystiq picks up Max Schaefer’s interview with German PC Games: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/torchlight-dev-speaks-about-blizzard-competition-mmo-plans/
SpawnKill: 9/10 http://spawnkill.com/review-torchlight/
Kotaku on Torchlight retail release with Encore: http://kotaku.com/5403143/diabloriffic-torchlight-coming-to-retail
Curse interview post-launch with Max, Travis, and Beck: http://www.curse.com/articles/torchlight/607113.aspx
GameOn! For Columbus Alive: “..a shining jewel of a game.” Rating, “A.” http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2009/11/12/ca_g_torchlight.html?sid=108
GameOn! Podcast: http://audio.dispatch.com/podcasts/GameOn/gameon202.mp3
BigDownload on TorchED (and hosting the file) http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/11/11/download-torchlight-editor-torched-v1-0/
AggroGamer on TorchED: http://aggrogamer.com/article/1566/Runic-Games-Releases-Highly-Anticipated-Torchlight-Editor
8.3/10 (in German) http://www.exp.de/product_review.php?pid=4908&aid=pc
Dutch Gaming Society interview, post-launch (in Dutch) http://www.dgs-online.nl/nl/industrie/interview/interview__runic__torchlight_
“This game truly is one of the greatest of its kind” 9.8/10 http://pcgamingcorner.com/wordpress/?p=1825
“I’ve just reviewed Torchlight and I’m glad to say it is one of the best products I’ve come across lately and definitely the best of this genre.” (reviewer, Games32.com) http://www.games32.com/Torchlight-%28PC%29-Reviews/p2000_articleid/1212
GamingNexus interview: http://gamingnexus.com/Article/Torchlight-Interview/Item2452.aspx
ResumePlay review: “you can have an adventure in every level” 4 star rating http://resumeplay.net/reviews/torchlight-review-pc/
GameInformer covers TorchED: Torchlight Gets Powerful Modding Tool http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/11/11/news-torchlight-editor-released.aspx
Penny Arcade: Gabe’s “My Playlist” News Posting for November 11: “Holy fuck I love this game” https://www.penny-arcade.com/news/post/2009/11/11/my-playlist
Life Inside the Box review: 9/10 rating. http://www.lifeinsidethebox.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-the-best-thing-you-get-in-exchange-for-a-single-jackson-in-a-long-time/
GameTrailers video review of Torchlight: 8.3/10 “Torchlight applies a smooth and modern design to a time tested concept: the result is a successfully crafted and eminently playable dungeon crawler.” http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-torchlight/58891
Gamers With Jobs interview with Runic Games, post-launch: http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/47810
Gamespy interview: 4/5 rating “Torchlight is a remarkable value” http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/torchlight/1044195p1.html?RSSwhen2009-11-10_164400&RSSid=1044195
Runic Games podcast interview with Steve Machuga (Shanghai 6) of Sarcastic Gamer http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2009/11/sg-interview-torchlight-runic-games-pc.html
“One of the smoothest and tightest Action RPGs this reviewer has ever played.” http://www.mediawhorenetwork.com/2009/11/review-torchlight/
“Torchlight unearths venerable gameplay concepts from the Diablo dynasty and sockets in features that give it a +2 to modern design sensibilities.” http://www.pixelsocks.com/2009/11/09/review-torchlight/
Torchlight in Electronic House Holiday Gift Guide: http://www.electronichouse.com/slideshow/products/7242/1079
TenTonHammer interview post-launch: http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/76260
Multiplaying.net podcast: http://www.multiplaying.net/2009/11/08/multiplaying-014-11-06-09/
Verdict: Buy It! Rating: 91% http://www.techulous.com/reviews/torchlight-pc-review.html
“Torchlight, the time-devouring new roguelike action RPG from Runic Games, is good. Like, really, really good.” http://jayisgames.com/archives/2009/11/torchlight.php
Editor’s score: 81 “Torchlight is pretty much a necessity at the extremely attractive price point.” http://gamenorth.ca/2009/11/08/review-torch-pc/
“Valve’s latest obsession is Torchlight” (via SteamPowered) http://cdn.store.steampowered.com/message/18174460884687710/?l=english&cc=US
“This is the way PC Gaming should be done, developed and executed.” http://www.nidzumi.com/2009/11/flat-fact-11-torchlight-finally-someone-got-it-right/
Evil Avatar podcast: http://evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1809739
SHFTS podcast: Interview with Max, Travis, Jason, and John. http://shfts.com/?p=1840
“A satisfying spectacle” : one reviewer’s memoirs of playing on Very Hard http://bitmob.com/index.php/mobfeed/memoirs-from-torchlight-a-satisfying-spectacle.html
Crispy Gamer review: “Anyone with even an iota of common sense should just go out and buy Torchlight. … Torchlight is a wonderfully charming game that is highly polished and easy to pick up and play, and offers some great depth hidden beneath a veneer of accessibility.” http://www.crispygamer.com/gamereviews/2009-11-06/torchlight-pc.aspx
Interview post-launch with iGameradio: http://www.igameradio.com/2009/10/31/podcast-ep-85-runic-games-redux-atlantis-sky-patrol-for-iphone/
Eurogramer Italy review (in Italian): http://www.eurogamer.it/articles/torchlight-recensione
Finding their way by Torchlight: by GameNerd (local publication) http://publicola.net/?p=18122
Interview with Warcry: Travis, Max, Beck, Dunbar, post-luanch: http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/6740-The-Path-Marked-by-Torchlight
Mention in Gamasutra for new game criticism roundup: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25893
Joystiq announces that Torchlight will be available for retail: http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/torchlight-to-explore-retail-shelves-in-january/
Big Download review: “Final Verdict: Must Own.” http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/11/06/review-torchlight/
Max Schaefer post-launch interview with Seattle Geekly (first half hour of podcast) http://www.seattle-geekly.com/podcast/episode_39.mp3
“7.5/10” http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Games/Reviews/torchlight
“Torchlight is a beautifully crafted, polished game with solid controls and addictive gameplay. It is also damn fun to play.” http://aggrogamer.com/article/1551/Review-Torchlight
Eurogamer review: 8/10 http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/torchlight-review
Aggrogamer gives us love on their podcast: “That game is so fricking awesome.” http://aggrogamer.com/article/1545/Aggrocast-Episode-Forty-Eight-Rumors-and-Rants
“The game itself is a visual feast. 5/5 stars.” http://www.arcadehorror.com/torchlight.php
“Why it’s good to think small.” “…the folks over at Runic know how to make a damn good game.” http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95934-Torchlight-Shows-Why-its-Good-to-Think-Small
“it aces the dungeon crawler, and does it in an ultra-bright, cheerful way.” http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/10/30/wot-i-think-torchlight/
“The essence of adventure is exemplified by Torchlight’s cascading waterfalls, foreboding crypts, and tropical utopias untouched for centuries.”
“Dungeon-crawling has never felt this captivating.” http://gamersnexus.net/gamerev/25-pcg/234-torchlight-review
“Runic’s Diablo-like debut drills straight down to the core of what makes a great dungeon-crawling loot grind. 4/5.” http://www.giantbomb.com/torchlight/61-25983/reviews/
“Runic Games is doing the Lord’s work, in an robust and unambiguous fashion.” -Tycho, Penny-Arcade.com
GamerswithJobs podcast: (within the first segment) http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/47742
General Gamers.ca review: “Torchlight is one of those rare indie titles that riffs off an established game really closely but somehow manages to make is feel even more put together and polished than the original.” http://www.generalgames.ca/?p=1532
Singapore GX review: Editor’s score 9/10 http://www.gx.com.sg/Blog/Blog.aspx?id=d558ef0f-dca3-4e87-a85c-c018243ed461
Carolyn Koh chats with Travis Baldree, Jason Beck, and John Dunbar on planning the MMORPG of Torchlight, Nov 4 09 http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/432/feature/3692/page/1
Penny Arcade Comic – The Price of Loyalty http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/11/4/
“Could we have found the new king of the dungeon crawlers?” – 4.5/5 http://www.thehachiko.com/node/3237
“This is a stand-out action RPG that’s both addictive and hell of a lot of fun to play, even if it’s only single player. Runic Games, we salute you and we’re looking forward to what’s in store further down the line with Torchlight.” – Editor’s score: 9 http://www.incgamers.com/Reviews/999/torchlight-review-pc/1
DubiousQuality: “Playing Torchlight is like drinking candy.” http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2009/11/clean-well-lighted-dungeon-torchlight.html
Wired review: “Addictive” http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/11/hands-on-torchlight/
E-Gamer’s review: “Loot, loot and more loot. Don’t we all just love loot?” http://egamer.co.za/2009/11/first-look-torchlight-the-cartoon-diablo/
“70 Tips for Torchlight Newbies” from MMOsite.com: Part I: http://news.mmosite.com/content/2009-10-31/20091031011817127,1.shtml Part II: http://news.mmosite.com/content/2009-11-02/20091102050846580,1.shtml
Review from the Dutch Gaming Society: 8/10 http://www.dgs-online.nl/nl/pc/pc/review/torchlight_
Something Awful’s one line review of Torchlight: “If you skip this just because it’s a single player game, you will effectively be kicking yourself in the balls with Berserker’s Boots Of Strength (+10 Resistance To Experience Outside Of Comfort Zone). 10/10” http://www.somethingawful.com/d/video-game-article/borderlands-port-torchlight.php
“Torchlight is proof positive that it’s often the simplest games that can be the most addictive.” http://www.game-over.com/reviews/pc/Torchlight.html
Ars Technica “Runic Games has created a high-quality title that’s worth the buzz. This is a keeper.” http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/11/diablo-for-loners-the-story-behind-indie-hit-torchlight.ars
“Torchlight vs. $20” on Colony of Gamers. “Winner: Everyone. Great game, great price.” http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=403486&posted=1#post403486
“Torchlight is really damn fun.” – Above 49 http://www.above49.ca/2009/11/simple-things.html
The Escapist: “a wonderful little game” http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/view-from-the-road/6723-A-View-From-the-Road-The-Torchbearers
“One of the best RPGs to hit the PC in many years” http://www.thegamedruid.com/2009/11/torchlight-review/
Gamebunny: “Torchlight is the best action RPG I have played in…well…ever.” http://www.gamebunny.com/?page_id=5895
85% rating (in German) http://www.onlinewelten.com/games/articles/reviews/4825-torchlight-mythos-lebt/4/
9/10 “Torchlight stands out as something fresh and inviting.” http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2009/10/31/torchlight-review/1
“If you have not checked out Torchlight yet, I think you should. I’ve been playing it nightly and finding it very hard to stop, even though it’s one in the morning.” –Gabe, Penny-Arcade.com
“One of the most compulsive RPGs the PC has seen in years … there’s no escaping just how addictive Torchlight is” http://www.hellbored.com/games/review/11171
“8.3” http://www.hookedgamers.com/pc/torchlight/review/article-462.html
Torchlight featured on Electric Playground (interview from E3) http://www.elecplay.com/watch/19/298/2/187
Colony of Gamers: “Simple addictive gameplay in a gorgeous world … a fantastic hack and slash romp … “Torchlight is pure gaming joy always inviting you back for more. Fast, addictive and able to run on pretty much any rig. At $20 it’s a steal, everyone should own this.” http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=13327
Torchlight featured on the PC Gamer podcast http://www.pcgamerpodcast.com/?p=276
“After 15.5 hours of play I am hooked on it like a crackhead with a bag full of rocks and a blowtorch. It’s the best action-RPG I’ve played since Titan Quest, it may even be better.” http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98793
“Torchlight is, in a word, impressive.” http://www.gx.com.sg/Blog/Blog.aspx?id=c1a29be3-2d9b-47b7-b51c-5d9d940f89f9
8/10 rating http://totalgamingnetwork.com/main/showthread.php?p=2603617
Seattle Geekly podcast: http://www.seattle-geekly.com/podcast/episode_38.mp3
“I am awash in unanticipated gaming joy.” http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/47644
“A deep, engrossing action/RPG” http://gameinformer.com/games/torchlight/b/pc/archive/2009/10/29/torchlight-review.aspx
http://www.weritsblog.com/2009/10/torchlight-video-review.html (Video review)
“Dare I say: it’s quite possibly more Diablo than Diablo 3 will be.” http://www.kiasa.org/2009/10/28/previewlet-torchlight/
http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/10/28/torchlight-launch-trailer-goes-dungeon-crawling/ (launch trailer on Big Download)
“All the non-stop hack ‘n slash action your heart desires” http://pressstart.co.za/Article/304/ULTRALoRD-gets-Torchlight
“So I fired up Torchlight last night for a quick run around to see how it lives up to the Diablo comparisons. The gameplay mechanics are almost identical, and the differences are usually improvements. I ran around and killed stuff, performed some quests, and had lots of fun. Then I looked up and it was 2:00 am, the perfect proof that the game lives up to the comparison.” (Bluesnews)
Rating 9/10 “Not only is this game a technical masterpiece, but it comes in a small package (both in memory and hard drive footprint), is reminiscent of the best that its genre has to offer, and retails for less than 20.00.” http://bitemyreview.com/2009/10/dont-wait-for-diablo-3-buy-torchlight-now/
Negative Gamer podcast http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/29/ngcst-special-torchlight/ and review http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/29/negative-gamer-review-torchlight/ (scored a -1 out of 0 to -10, their highest rating) “A fantastic example of the action RPG genre”
Runic Devs to the rescue with a level bug: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95783-Runic-Devs-Lend-Stuck-Players-A-Hand
“Torchlight nails the formula with flying colors” http://gameaxis.com/torchlight-a-great-loot-hoarding-trip-underground/
http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=13235 and http://www.immortalmachines.com/public/podcast/Torchlight.mp3 (Immortal Machines podcast)
http://gameaxis.com/torchlight-a-great-loot-hoarding-trip-underground/
http://www.crispygamer.com/comics/backward/backward-2009-10-28.aspx (comic)
http://www.crispygamer.com/comics/experiencepoints/experiencepoints-2009-10-28.aspx (My Extra Life comic)
“I don’t even know where to begin lavishing praise on it.” http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2009/10/sg-review-torchlight-pc.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDXENq_Tpw (Youtube review)
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/torchlight/players.html?tag=scoresummary;user-score
http://www.pcworld.com/article/174548/10_reasons_you_must_play_torchlight.html From PC World
“Torchlight is great, visceral fun; it is everything I could have hoped for … this is a 100% must-buy game.” http://gamersroute.com/2009/10/review-torchlight-pc/
“It’s pure, unadulterated, 100% raw cane fun … Combat is fast, violent, bloody and pyrotechnic. What’s not to like?” http://www.killtenrats.com/2009/10/28/first/
“Torchlight is now released and you all know the game is lovely because you have all bought and played it, yes? Yes.” (Morning Discussion) http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61034
“Torchlight has launched, presumably out of a cannon of some sort.” http://www.destructoid.com/torchlight-available-now-here-s-a-launch-trailer-153359.phtml
http://forthelore.com/?p=650 (podcast)
“4.4/5 …the combat is so visceral and intense.” http://www.cheatcc.com/pc/rev/torchlightreview.html
“Torchlight is one of the best Action-RPGs we saw in the last years! The guys at Runic still know how to make good games” http://torchlight.gamersunity.de/bestes-action-rpg-der-letzten-jahre.t3242.html
http://cdn.shacknews.com/public/podcast/idlethumbs/news/idlenews_091027.mp3 (Max on Idle Thumbs)
http://www.pcgames.de/aid,698267/Torchlight-im-Test-Pflichtprogramm-fuer-Diablo-Fans/PC/Test/ (German PC Games – in German)
http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20307
http://juliasherred.com/2009/10/torchlight-is-simplistic-beauty/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ActionRPG-Torchlight-by-Runic-bw-4240549506.html?x=0&.v=1 (Launch news – Press release)
http://www.massively.com/2009/10/27/the-daily-grind-getting-torchlight/ (Launch news)
http://deconlabel.com/2009/10/27/torchlight-launches-today/ (Launch news)
http://www.nwinnovation.com/runic_launches_rpg_game/s-0024828.html (Launch news)
“I think we’re witnessing the beginning of what could become another great F2P MMO” http://www.rainbowmmo.com/2009/10/what-torchlight-could-do-for-its-mmo.html (Launch news)
http://venturebeat.com/2009/10/27/runic-games-launches-fantasy-role-playing-game-torchlight/
8/10 – “Torchlight showcases the decade and a half of experience making Action RPGs on offer at Runic Games effortlessly.” http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2009/10/26/torchlight-review/
http://www.curse.com/articles/torchlight/596692.aspx
“Brilliance.” http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/torchlight/reviews/torchlightstrev1.html
“Torchlight (PC) revives action/RPG fun … Torchlight is a no-brainer for any action/rpg fan. Buy this puppy. Now.” http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-892-PC-Game-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Review-Torchlight-PC-brings-back-old-school-ActionRPG-fun
“$20 is a steal for this game. Get it.” http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/6697-Review-Torchlight
http://www.framerated.com/gameplay.aspx?vid=258 (gameplay)
http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-torchlight/17-1551/ (First look at gameplay with Giant Bomb)
“Played a ton of Torchlight over the weekend. It’s excellent. They really did a great job of touching all the action-RPG bases. And for $20, you can’t go wrong.” http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=61016 (Evening Reading)
“Torchlight Soundtrack: A Shining Light in a Sea of Darkness” http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=5364
“Torchlight was masterfully created.” http://diygamer.com/2009/10/into-the-goblin-hole-torchlight-review/
“…anyone who ever enjoyed an action RPG should buy it” http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?id=21240823 (Morning Discussion)
“I’ve been playing Torchlight, and I think I might be in love.” http://www.myextralife.com/sitenews/ive-been-playing-torchlight-and-i-think-i-might-be-in-love/
“This is not a day one purchase– this is a minute one purchase.” http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/
“My early review? ‘Divine!’” http://www.gamebunny.com/
“Hacking and slashing Found loot, urge to gather more Addiction is great” http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/25/haiku-preview-torchlight/
“this is the most fun I have had with a game in a long time” http://negativegamer.com/2009/10/26/hands-on-preview-torchlight/
“Torchlight shouldn’t just be a blip on your radar, it should be a massive unidentified mass that will grab hold of you and never let go. I realize those unidentified radar targets are usually Godzilla, or a Russian submarine. In this case, it’s Torchlight.” http://www.backhandofjustice.com/games-i-want-torchlight/
“The combat is some of the best I’ve seen in an action RPG.” http://www.erraticgamer.com/
Hellforge Impressions: http://hellforge.gameriot.com/blogs/Hellforge/Into-the-Depths-of-Torchlight
“Torchlight is a surefire winner in its niche” http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/reviews/6696-Torchlight-Putting-Action-and-RPG-Back-Together
“I think the devs need to provide a disclaimer for just how addicting the game is.” http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/2009/10/sp3tsnazs-torchlight-impressions/#more-1428
“I get the sense Torchlight will be Diablo I to Diablo III’s Diablo II” http://www.idlethumbs.net/blog/a-brief-dialogue-on-itorchlighti
“The game is the most involving, immersive Action/RPG of its kind that I’ve played, and I HIGHLY recommend you at least pick it up.” http://www.torchlightinsider.com/?p=397 (Tiberius Audley from TorchlightInsider)
http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewstory&threadid=103529 (repost of Gamasutra PAX interview)
http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1212 (interview with Matt Uelmen)
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4173/working_by_torchlight.php (PAX interview)
http://www.recomic.net/2009/10/22/torchlight/
“Peter Hu shows us the light.” http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1210
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Interview-Torchlight-20516.html
http://www.crispygamer.com/news/index.php/2009-10-19/runic-games-dungeon-masters-the-torchlight-interview-part-ii/ (Part 2 of 2 from Crispy Gamer)
“If you’re the kind that enjoys some fast paced, highly destructive fun, Torchlight may be very much to your liking.” http://www.wanderinggoblin.com/2009/10/16/this-is-how-customer-service-in-the-video-games-industry-should-be-done/
Fair and Balanced Gameplay: Max on FoxBox http://bit.ly/EXHVi (Fox News – FoxBox)
Max is put On The Spot! http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/torchlight/video/6233249
“I can tell you without a doubt that it’s my most-anticipated game this year.” http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/10/14/first-impressions-torchlight/
“Torchlight is a definite title to be on any PC gamers’ radar.” http://game-central.org/2009/editorials/torchlight-preview-with-travis-baldree/
“Seattle-based Runic Games has produced one of the most fun and polished titles showcased at PAX ‘09. … I felt Torchlight oozed quality from hidden pores and crevices that seeped through the computer monitor to fill me with a sense of sheer giddiness.” http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=19615
“My one sentence impression of Torchlight? Here ya go: “Torchlight is the best iteration of the action RPG I have seen.” http://gamersroute.com/torchlight-preview
Torchlight interview with Critical Gamer http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2009/09/09/runic-games-torchlight-interview/
“With the little time I had with Torchlight on the floor I really was impressed. Gameplay was smooth, fast and fun. It looked gorgeous, and at $19.99 seems like a steal.” http://www.co-optimus.com/article/2538/Torchlight_Hands_on_Preview.html
Pixar + Diablo = Torchlight http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-pixar-diablo-torchlight/
“Torchlight really blew me away” http://gamersroute.com/pax-2009-day-one-impressions
“We kept playing the game long after we’d pretty gotten all the info we needed to write this article. It’s familiar, it’s fast, and it’s fun.” http://www.examiner.com/x-892-PC-Game-Examiner~y2009m9d7-PAX-2009-Handson-with-Torchlight
“In fact among all of the other AAA games at PAX, I was intrigued more by Torchlight than any other game.” http://www.1337life.com/?p=2465
“It’s a ton of fun to play.” http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/50113/Torchlight-Rose-From-The-Ashes-Of-Mythos
“Torchlight is a little game with huge potential.” http://www.thunderboltgames.com/previews/article/pax-09-torchlight-preview-for-pc.html
“If you’re a fan of action RPGs, you can’t go wrong with Torchlight.” http://www.gamingtrend.com/Articles/articles.php?artID=472
“Torchlight has plenty of potential to be an incredibly absorbing game … do yourself a favor and give Torchlight a look.” http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/74108
“Torchlight surprised me and will now get my $20” http://negativegamer.com/2009/09/06/ngcast-special-pax-09-saturday/
“One of the bigger stories to come out of (almost) nowhere and bowl people over at PAX was Runic Games, which not only showcased an impressive Torchlight to adoring crowds, but who announced that we’d be able to get our grubby hands on this title in less than two months.” http://biobreak.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/pax-surprise-torchlight/
Massively podcast about Torchlight with Kyle Horner (minute 4) http://www.massively.com/tag/pax-2009/
“Going to expos is fun and any veteran of such events will tell you, the best part about them is discovering something you’d never heard of yet turns out to be something special. Torchlight is very much such a game.” [Note: SHFTS has included Torchlight in their Top 5 Games of PAX09!] http://shfts.com/?p=1201
“Torchlight came out of nowhere. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to play it.” http://www.co-optimus.com/review/274/page/1/Gearing_Down__The_Post-PAX_Swag_Round-Up.html
http://www.stevestreeting.com/2009/09/12/torchlight-at-pax/
1up Podcast with Garnett Lee & Christian Nutt (Gamasutra) http://www.castmedium.com/2009/09/12/listen-up-09112009/ and http://podcast.the1upnetwork.com/flat/1UPYours/LUP091109.mp3
“Torchlight is beautiful to watch” http://www.eurogamer.net/
“An utterly charming game that I found myself very excited about.” http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=361230#post361230
“one of the hidden gems at PAX” http://gamingnexus.com/FullNews/PAX-2009—Torchlight-Hands-On/Item14055.aspx
http://talkingaboutgames.com/previews/impression/5042-from-the-pax-floor-torchlight
http://www.gamebunny.com/?p=5587
“If I had to make a list of games you should be checking out that aren’t on your radar, Torchlight would be number one on my list.” http://www.kingquagmire.com/3773/runic-games-looks-to-light-your-torch/
