Grinding Gear Games is looking to put the dark back into "Dark Fantasy" with their upcoming online action RPG, Path of Exile. The developer recently announced the game will launch in early 2011 and will offer players six classes to choose from. Players will find themselves banished for past deeds to the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast, where they will encounter a number of dark creatures filled with loot as they work alone or with other exiles to survive the post-apocalyptic dark fantasy world.

An item store will make perks available to players that include: victory animations, clothing and special effects. But no stat or ability altering items will be sold to protect the integrity of the game.

“We listened to the fan communities of several popular online action RPGs as we designed Path of Exile and are focused on replayability, depth and accessibility,” said Chris Wilson, Grinding Gear Games’ Founder. “We’ve designed the game that we would want to play ourselves, and we know hardcore Diablo, Titan Quest and Dungeon Siege players will find the style familiar and addictive.”

Check out the full press release for all the details.