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Destiny (Playstation 4 & Xbox One) Review
Its the beginning of September and after one month of nothing really to eye grabbing being released. Then the clouds parted and on the fabled 9.9 date (To all you History Buff out there, same date the Sega Dreamcast was released back in 1999) and we were treated with one of the more anticipated titles and franchises of the year, I am talking about non other then Destiny . Crossing multiple platforms, this particular review covers the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions. The definitive version is supposedly on the PlayStation 4, I have yet to really be able to get the differential between the two yet. However, I play it mostly on the Xbox One.
Destiny is Bungie’s first multiple platform game after splitting away from the firm grip of Microsoft Studios, now parterning with the original 3rd part developer Activision to bring us an amazing game. Destiny a mix of multiple genres, it main influence is the first person shooter (This being a Bungie this comes to no surprise.) However it mixes in various RPG elements and MMO elements. You take on one of 3 different classes The Hunter, Warlock, and Titan with all different skills and abilities such can sprint, such as Double Jump for Hunters, and short Range Teleportation for Warlocks. You are awaken on Earth by a AI known as a Ghost (Played by non other then Tyrion Lannister himself Peter Dinklage), and you become what’s called a Guardian a being who keep order for Humanity, defend from alien threats and guide humanity towards rebuilding itself into the great power that it once was.
The enemies will try to out flank you and even just come right out and ambush you at times
The first person shooter element is well defined and has evolved since Halo. The feel is fluid but with some tweaks that make is faster and more dynamic. With each class having not only it own mobility skills combine that with use of powerful melee attack and different modifications that you can acquire throughout the game allows you to engage enemies in more ways then one. However it still keeps it tactical feel and you can approach in these scenarios however you seeks fit. The enemies you encounter have different patterns some that make use of cover and some that just flat out ambush you or try to just out flank you. The AI in this game are diverse, interesting, and overall impressive. The boss fights are usually just overpowered versions of the same enemies just more HP. One thing though which I will get into later is that some enemies do require that you have multiple friends able to take them down, needles to say combat is always exciting. Then you round out a bit with various RPG elements to its already robust combat system. You can upgrade skills, weapons, and even armor. Then you have a leveling system which in the first few level up to about 14 are quite easy to get through. After that it is just a non stop grind. Further delve into the RPG system you can acquire loot that can range from Weapons to Armor and even materials to further customize your weapons.
The main attraction of this game is the constant state of “online” feature which means that its constantly running on servers and you will always see players online whether your completing missions or just doing what called “Patrol” missions where you can revisit most areas throughout the game with absolutely no objective in mind. You can join whats called a “Fireteam” and take on various missions, raids, and even as of while I write this review farming for weapons, armor, and loot. Couple all of this along with a multiplayer aspect called Crucible that is pretty standard yet unforgiving. You have the basic free for all kill, team kills, capture the bases, etc. When I say it is unforgiving that if you are new to this game you will get your ass handed to you…constantly. If you are not a higher level prepare to get frustrated and fast.
Your Loot is in another Cave…
Destiny is a beautiful game. The attention to detail is astonishing. The Landscapes, Outpost, characters are all beautifully designed crafted in masterful detail. Even the load screens are eye catching and beautiful and you will see quite a few of them. Paired with magnificent musical score that only enhances the game driving the action and excitement. All and all the main systems of the game are rendered beautifully and are top notched to be envied over.
The RPG aspects allow you to customize your character and pick your skills, classes, and as you progress in level weapons and armor stats
The only downside to Destiny at this time is its lack of story that is quite short, however this is apparently going rectified with upcoming DLC to keep the game relevant throughout the season. Congratulations Bungie you have another amazing franchise on your hands and I am excited to see what content you will be coming throughout the upcoming months.