http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/09/torchlight-frontiers-to-double-down-on-pets-co-op-play
I’m just reposting the link since it really needs to just be read since this is coming from someone who understands what makes an ARPG tick. Not all of his ideas have been perfect but the general nuances of the classic ARPG elements are things he is very aware of. And that is what I find intriguing about Torchlight Frontiers because most every single MMO-ARPG that has come out to date, has come from Asia (specifically majority from Korea) where you have only a visual facade and some combat mechanics of an ARPG, but none of the loot specific aspects that are part of the entire monster slaying and reward loop.
The entire timing of Torchlight Frontier is very much going to intersect with that of “Diablo 4” as well. I’ve written many times how I felt that Blizzard would not take the MMO-ARPG route with the next version BUT this really does change everything. I’m just not sure if Blizzard will actually hire seasoned ARPG veterans (that Schaefer had not already snatched up for this game).
The only thing is I have real concerns with is the publisher; like what kind of insane monetization systems that will need to be included for Perfect World (which doesn’t have a great track record with turning games into pure crap because of that aspect). I hope it is just buy2play and cosmetics for recurring revenue.
P.S. For those folks who keep asking me about Devilian, I’ve always mentioned in the past that the success of Project TL and LOST ARK would probably be the only thing to compel Bluehole (knee jerk reaction wise) to do something with the IP. A successful non-Korean designed MMO-ARPG like Torchlight Frontier would also be a motivational factor.
