Torchlight II opening cinematic reintroduces Syl and the Destroyer

Torchlight II's continued delays have been offputting, to say the least, but that doesn't mean we aren't waiting with bated breath for every precious, newly revealed detail. It doesn't get much better than this, though. Introducing Torchlight II's opening cinematic, two and a half minutes of tantalizing animation reminding us that Torchlight II's release is still at least a month and a half away.

And what a cinematic it is! Considering this is a sequel to a game where plot and circumstance were of little importance, things have dramatically changed. The final boss from Torchlight, Ordrak, has continued to corrupt the world even in death. A new enemy arises bearing a staff with Ordrak's heart contained within it. We see the return of the sage Syl, and the player-character Destroyer, who have come to face this new armored foe. It does not end well.

The entire cinematic is quite histrionic, which is surprising considering the original game's woeful lack of suspense. Runic Games appears to be stepping up to the plate and delivering a stronger story and narrative straight away. Two and a half minutes into the game and we're struck with questions: who is this armored foe; what has happened to Syl; we've met the Destroyer, where are the Alchemist and the Vanquisher?

It feels remarkably like the evolution from Diablo to Diablo 2. Has one of the Torchlight playable characters fallen to the corruption of Ordrak? Is Ordrak's heart akin to Diablo's soulstone? Will Torchlight 2 see the fall of the town of Torchlight, and take up the hunt of Ordrak's avatar? Oh please, Runic Games, give us a release date already!