Titan Quest II hits Early Access starting right now!

If there's a "dead" franchise that I'm glad to see come back to life with a proper sequel, it's Titan Quest II. It's been since 2006 for the original, and 2007 for the expansion, Immortal Throne (and a quick update in 2016 with the Anniversary Edition), but thanks to the folks at Grimlore Games and Publisher THQ Nordic, we are finally getting our chance to check out the first chapter of it's sequel, Titan Quest II. Let's check out the teaser trailer for the game as it heads into Early Access:

As you can see, the game is taking the same approach that Diablo IV did, making incredibly high-resolution and wildly detailed worlds and characters so the game looks as good up close as it does at the isometric view. There will undoubtedly be a ton of game ahead in the 1.0 release (check out the quick note on pricing for 1.0 at the end of this article), which is expected to arrive "at the end of 2026", but what's in this Early Access build thus far?

Return to the classic mythology-inspired setting of Titan Quest and go toe-to-toe with legendary monsters as you journey across a fantastical reimagining of ancient Greece. Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, is out of control. She is corrupting the Threads of Fate and condemning all those who oppose her to eternal punishment - including you. Take up your weapon, fight alongside gods, and change fate itself in order to stop Nemesis, free those she’s punished, and weave your own epic tale.

Sounds great so far. Obviously, as a sequel, this game will have a lot of DNA from its predecessor. Let's get a bit more, shall we?

A Land of Myths and Monsters
Embark on an adventure worthy of the epics that takes you from picturesque beaches, to serene Greek temples, to ruins haunted by shades of the dead, to places where no mortal has ever ventured, including the mysterious realm of the Moirai themselves and beyond.

Battle classic creatures from Greek myth and the original Titan Quest, including ichthians, centaurs, gryphons, hippokampoi and cyclopes, and prove that the age of heroes is far from over.

An Odysee Through the Unknown

Titan Quest II features a unique handcrafted campaign focused on exploration, and the world is full of mysteries and secrets to discover. Legendary monsters lurk in hidden groves, strange artifacts still carry magic from bygone ages, and you never know when you will end up face-to-face with a god. Every ruin holds a secret, every statue a story. Visit memorable towns full of life and intrigue. The conversations you engage in and the items you find along your journey can lead to surprising discoveries. This is your adventure.

Glory Awaits the Bold
As your journey progresses you will unlock powerful abilities and wield epic weapons, but the enemies you face are far from defenseless - dodge and counter their attacks, then overwhelm them with a well-timed flurry of blows. Rituals allow you to control the game’s difficulty, while deep character customization systems ensure that there’s always a good reason to replay.

From the creators of SpellForce 3 comes a handcrafted action RPG for a new generation of mythical heroes.

Titan Quest II already features a compelling character creator in Early Access (though it's likely to improve over time). Here's a little bit about that:

In the distance, whispers speak of a character creator, where heroes may shape their form as boldly or as subtly as Hephaestus shapes bronze. Ancient forges stir with the promise of crafting and transmogrification, arcane arts that let you wield your chosen armaments while appearing as heroic as a demigod. New masteries await, shrouded in mystery, offering paths of power not yet walked. Realms unseen and foes unknown gather beyond the mists, waiting for champions worthy of their wrath.

They also gave us a rundown of their speculation around what Key Features will be present both now and as the game marches towards that 1.0 goalpost.

Key Features

• Flexible Character System
  In Titan Quest II, you are in control of your own fate. Form your own class by combining two masteries. Build your character around the strengths and weakness of both masteries, exploring different combinations of skill modifiers, attributes, and items to create your own hybrid class and find your favorite playstyle. Grow your powers from those of a young mortal to a hero to rival the gods themselves!
• Meaningful Loot
  Every item serves a function, and every character class has many options when it comes to finding the perfect equipment.
• Challenging Action RPG Combat
  Enemies form factions and work together, combining their unique skills and abilities to keep you on your toes. Use the deep character build system and access every skill at your disposal to vanquish them in this unique action RPG experience.
• A Beautiful, Handcrafted World Rooted in Greek Myth
  Encounter stunning vistas and deep caverns, and traverse the world with your divine mount, Areion. Use the powers of the gods to uncover secret locations and explore lovingly designed levels full of verticality.
• Rich and Immersive Sound
  An atmospheric soundtrack blends traditional Greek music with modern orchestral elements to create epic, memorable themes, drawing you into Titan Quest II's unique world.

So what about 1.0? Well, they were also kind enough to scry the future on pricing for the game. If you pick up the game now, it will run you a little bit less. Oracles, tell us your wisdom:

Titan Quest II has now stepped onto the mortal plane, available for PC in Early Access. The full 1.0 release is fated to arrive at $49.99 / €49.99. But those who embark early on this quest will pay only $29.99 / €29.99 - and for the first seven days, a divine 20% discount will reduce the price even further to $23.99 / €23.99.

Obviously a steal at that price, and even better if you move quickly. You can pick it up on the Epic Store or on Steam right now! Look for our preview in the coming days, and stay tuned for more on this game and everything else gaming right here at GamingTrend.