Torchlight II Preview

Runic Games' Torchlight sequel has once again been treated to a GamesCom-based preview, and this time it's GameSpot providing the words.
Fans who got tired of the spiral staircase feel of the level design in Torchlight will be pleased to hear that the game will now expand out of the catacombs, offering a central quest hub, a starting zone, and four new areas in a mixture of indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoors players can expect a day and night cycle as well as dynamic weather effects, which we experienced as rain while playing, Instances will be available in all the zones.

Itemisation has also received some work, and while you will still face the potential of receiving loot outside of your class type when killing a boss, the team hopes that some tightening of which loot drops and when--combined with the ability to trade items with friends--will help alleviate the issue of building up giant cash reserves when selling off all the epic and legendary gear that don't fit your class. Loot should never be a scramble online though, with all of the items appearing on screen being solely for you. Each player will only be able to view their own lootable items, so there shouldn't be any issues with thievery or complex loot rules to cause squabbles.