The upcoming action MMORPG Torchlight: Frontiers is often referred to as the “Diablo-MMO”. But what exactly are the major differences and unique features compared to Blizzard’s action RPG? We personally asked boss Max Schaefer at Gamescom 2018.
What is Torchlight: Frontiers? Behind this name lies the latest game in the Torchlight series. Since 2009, it has been known for presenting colorful monster-slaying orgies akin to Diablo.
The latest installment, Torchlight: Frontiers, aims to realize the franchise as an MMO.
Three major features of Torchlight: Frontiers
How does Torchlight: Frontiers differ from Diablo 3? The Diablo series has always been the main competitor of Torchlight. The similarities are evident.
Both games focus on the hunt for monsters and loot, are controlled from an isometric perspective, and take place in a fantasy world.
However, there are differences, and we have summarized the three biggest ones here in conversation with studio head and former Blizzard developer Max Schaefer.
Shared World MMO: Unlike Diablo 3, which according to Schaefer is merely an improved version of Diablo 2, the goal with Torchlight: Frontiers is to enter “real” MMO territory.
However, the game is not meant to be a classic MMORPG like World of Warcraft. Instead, it aims to take inspiration from Marvel Heroes and develop a “Shared World MMO”. This means that you primarily form your group in quest hubs and the open world.
Dungeons and other instances are completed alone or with previously invited players.
Better Random Levels and Events: Additionally, Schaefer states that the procedural level generation is much better than in Diablo 3. Therefore, they can make the areas more exciting and dynamically integrate events and daily occurrences into the game.
Much of the game’s dynamics will be driven by such random events in the release version later on.
Difference 2 – Colorful World and Humor vs. Darkness and Horror
The Anti-Diablo Setting: Unlike Diablo, which takes place in a dark horror world filled with darkness and demons, Torchlight has always thrown you into a vibrant fantasy world. But why is that the case? Max Schaefer had the following statement:
All MMOs want you to come and spend your evenings in them. There should be an attractive place where people want to spend time. If a world is too grim and dark, I wonder why anyone would want to live there?
Difference 3 – Housing and Pets
Cute pets have also been known in Torchlight for a long time. This will be continued in Frontiers. Already in the demo at Gamescom 2018, there was from the beginning a creature that could be a dog, an owl, or even a colorful llama.
The Pet as Support: The animals are not just a decoration; they assist you in the game by attacking enemies or drawing aggro. Like in Torchlight 2, they will later be able to learn skills and can even resurrect the undead!
A Pet You Can Relate To: You will also have a stable full of animals that you can collect and upgrade, in true Pokémon style. This way, you can create a strong emotional bond with the pets, similar to what one has with a real pet.
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The Fort as a Comprehensive Housing: Another top feature of Torchlight: Frontiers will be housing. You can build forts and also house your pets there. The fort is accessible to all heroes on your account, allowing you to optimally store and exchange items.
Additionally, there will be interaction opportunities with other players who can visit your fort.
Torchlight 3 was originally supposed to be released as Torchlight Frontiers and feature more MMO elements. There were to be public towns and hubs where players ...
