Darksiders II is a game like no other. The game plots the player in the shoes of one of the most feared forces of the world, Death. At the mere sight of this legendary horseman the player experiences a sensation that few games have the ability to possess… fear, demise and power; all descriptions that almost never walk hand in hand as well as playing as one of the Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse. Darksiders II provides the player with a perfectly painted vision of a fantasy world, a world that the player can see being where death rides a trusty steed, a world of dust and despair. The game is impressive; a frontrunner when it comes to an ideal mythological feel. Darksiders II is a game that provides the player with the great storyline they yearn for, running along side the first one so it does not matter whether you played the original or not as well as having the dramatic gameplay with perfectly executed combat, along with the customization gamers love. This title is the faultless balance between a player’s need for that gripping story and the hardcore gamers’ need for great gameplay.
One of the most pleasing aspects of Darksiders II is the way it connects to the story of the first installment of the series. Darksiders was THQ’s surprise hit, captivating an audience that was not expected to go to a degree that it did. Players were just taken by the game, they loved the combat, and they were immediately sucked into the plot of War as well as just hoping to get a glimpse or hear word of another horseman. What Darksiders has always done right was taking these forces that players are familiar with like War and making it something that gamers could actually control while giving it a familiar tone of gameplay much like a dark, next generation Zelda game. However its sequel takes it way beyond that with a loot system, combined with a leveling system. When the term War or Death is brought to mind everyone knows what it is but until you get your hands on Darksiders II, you will not know what to expect.
The sequel follows Death, which some may think is the grimmest, most upsetting, distressing force in the universe. Darksiders II has taken the thought on Death, the knowing, the picture and brought that thought to life into a compelling story. This creates an automatic feeling of knowing you serve a purpose aside from the one that takes place in the game. Darksiders II takes what the player knows and puts it in their thought of the dark universe that would go with the character.
Darksiders II is basically a revamped version of the original game. It is exactly what the fans and Vigil Games wanted from Darksiders II; the perfect mix of what made them love the original with new and exciting elements. One of the most surprising aspects of this title is the way it seems to mix favored gaming genres. As the combat presents the fast paced feeling of hack and slash mechanics the actual game play can be considered somewhat of a mythical action-adventure title but can also be compared to games with RPG elements. What Darksiders has done in terms of genre, is nothing short of amazing. It is a game that has taken elements from many different genres to make a title that most gamers could love and relate to despite their game type preferences.
One of the most common reasons why the Darksiders series is admirable, is the fast-paced, gruesome yet primitive combat style. This is a style of combat that is rarely cherished, yet Darksiders has taken something so simple and made it fun for the player. There is no requirement to memorize a tough combo list; it’s the simplicity of attack and defeat that makes the combat in the game so overwhelmingly fun. This is the type of game that any player can pick up and play at any given moment which is a surprise from the style of game it is. The player is not forced to learn the way to play but the controls come as second nature. When there is a game this complex with as many options and abilities as in Darksiders there is always that subconscious fear lurking in the back of the players minds as to if the game is too complicate to enjoy. The statement doesn’t apply to Darksiders II; they keep it simple fun and enjoyable for any player while giving the hardcore players something to delve into. The game even has an online aspect to it.
When second installments to games come out it tends to be sequels to the first game of the series. With the events that took place in the first Darksiders game it seems only logical to place this new story at the same time as the first game. This is a rarity in the gaming industry, something that takes thought and skill to execute. As stated above, the player is pitted as one of the four horsemen in this new installment; Death. Death is in a rage over the accusations over his brother, War, which forces him into his own story about avenging his brother’s name. The story follows a personal mission of Death, in which he travels to the never realm to call upon powerful beings for favors. The way the story of the first and second game of the series is a road less traveled in gaming. This is a game that is treading on new paths, an unknown leader of the industry.
It is clear that the original ideas of the first installment of the game have been taken into consideration when developing Darksiders II. The new installment to the franchise is like the first game… but better. It is a classic example of listening to what the fans of the game want and taking what they had in the first titles to the next level. You have your artistically oversized godly figures with abilities that can only come from ones imagination along with weapons and reason, a perfectly conducted cocktail for the ultimate fantasy world. Darksiders II is as if it leaped straight from the fans imagination; every idea executed to a perfect degree. The strengths of this game are easy to recognize; lying with story, bright visuals in the dark setting and that magnificent gameplay.
There is just a uniqueness that is now signature to the Darksiders series. Its rich environment is meant to be as visually stunning as it is mentally. As soon as the player lays eyes on the creativity put into the game their heart will skip a beat realizing only this amount of perfection can come from a team that dedicated their heart and soul into the development of a game aiming to please every fan. The game will be worth the buy with such passion behind its creating and the over 25 hour long campaign if desired to play the game to the full potential along with more then just the campaign. Darksiders II will be released for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC on August 14th. It is the perfect way to kick of the gaming season and we are most delighted to watch it succeed.
That’s was a great article, Heather! I really need to play this soon!!!