Runic's Torchlight Getting Steam Release at Launch

Too bad it's singleplayer only. No thx.

What we heard: Hardware rumor-mongers got a twofer this week involving the next generation of Microsoft's Xbox console and Nintendo's DS handheld. The latter came courtesy of a report on hardware blog Bright Side News (BSN), which reported that Nvidia has landed the contract to provide the chipsets for the DS and DSi's as-yet unannounced successor.

"According to our confidential sources, Nintendo is going to use Tegra System-on-Chip processor for the successor of DS/DSi handheld console," reported the site. Currently, the Tegra line powers a series of small computer and multimedia devices, including the just-released Zune HD, which will be getting 3D games later this year.

Reportedly, the graphics chip-maker offered the least complicated option for the next-gen DS. "Unlike the current design, Nvidia offered a single-chip proposal to Nintendo, a company famous for keeping the hardware platform absolutely simple." The current generation of DS Lites and DSis use two ARM-architecture chips to handle both graphics and processing.

BSN expects the new DS to be unveiled at the 2010 Tokyo Game Show next fall, around the same time Microsoft is expected to launch the Xbox 360's motion-sensing system, Project Natal. However, it was the 360's successor which was the subject of another report involving Nvidia's archrival, AMD-owned ATI.

Tech blog Fudzilla is citing unnamed "industry sources" as confirming Microsoft has struck a deal with ATI to provide graphics processors (GPUs) for the next generation of Xboxes. The Canadian chip firm currently supplies the GPUs for both the Wii and Xbox 360, with Nvidia supplying Sony with the PlayStation 3's RSX graphics processor.

Fudzilla's sources also echo analysts, executives, and developers as saying the next generation of hardware won't arrive anytime soon. "The consoles refresh (sic) was supposed to happen in 2010 but due to the recession both Microsoft and Sony have decided to push its plans for 2012 (sic) and keep the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 alive for more than it was originally planned."

The official stories: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--Microsoft rep.

"We don't comment on rumor or speculation." -- Nintendo spokesperson.

Bogus or not bogus?: Both sound plausible. Nintendo will be looking for higher-fidelity graphics for the next DS, and anyone who's seen a Zune HD knows the Tegra can provide them. As for the Xbox rumor, no-one has blamed the 360's woes on ATI's GPU, instead pointing the finger at Microsoft's design choices. So having the software giant reenlist the hardware provider seems completely reasonable.

this looks like an advanced version of gauntlet legions, or a cartoon version of diablo.

What's funny is this is listed as a game at MMORPG.com and I was never able to get an answer from any mod as to why they are pimping a game that doesn't even have multiplayer, much less being a MMO.

Day 1 purchase

Only 300MB in size for the download according to their FAQ!

Typo or well packed?

Wow, I didn't hear about the 30-day wait for steam. I would have been really dissapointed and by then between Borderlands and Dragon Age would have sucked up all my RPG time, so I probably would have waited. But not now!! WOOHOOO! Bring on the mouse clicking!!

Looks very 90 or 45 degrees layout to me, from thiose fwe screenshots, would like to see some outdoorsy type shot to see if the right-angle obsession continues outside too.
Reminds me more of Dungeon Siege then Diablo
...Ahhh Dungeon Siege, who needs co-op when you can field a team of players solo!
...oh wait, I do...

FUCK DOT YES NOW GIVE IT TO ME

I think it would be cool if developers released how much they made on things like steam. I'm sure it's in their contract that they're not allowed to, but still.... It'd make gamers far more likely to try to help out the developer, by buying directly, as opposed to the buying on something like steam.

Good news. A must buy if you ask me.

Soooo tempted to get this, but it'll probably just cut into my Borderlands time :(

And there was much rejoicing.

Awesome!