Another day, another remaster of a popular game from the most recent previous generation. This time, Nordic Games has published Gunfire Games’ adaptation of Darksiders 2, which is out now on Xbox One as the ridiculously yet appropriately titled Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition. This remaster features both the base game and all released DLC (ranging from a little bit of worthwhile additional content to a wide range of minor armour and weapon packs) but perhaps more importantly, a wealth of substantial upgrades to lighting systems, textures and more that hint at something deeper than a half-hearted remake.
Although existing fans of the series will benefit from these technical updates, I feel like this particular remaster might be more suitable for people like me who didn’t actually play much of the original game, owing to the fact that it doesn’t introduce anything new to the story, lore or basic gameplay concepts. Darksiders 2 is essentially a Zelda clone insomuch as that progress is made by increasing the skillset and capabilities of the main character, Death, as he navigates through dungeons that are connected by an ever-more-expansive hub world. Combat and light platforming is the main fare on offer, but there are also some light RPG elements that take the form of inventory and skill management.
Here’s what I liked:
Triple A value — Even though Deathinitive launched at a fairly low price point on Xbox One, it’s still worth noting that this is an updated version of a sizeable and well received game from only a few years ago. As such, it benefits from excellent production values and attention to detail that matches the scale that its lengthy (25 hours or so) campaign mode offers. The upgrades may be purely cosmetic, but for those of us who didn’t experience the original, they are just the icing on an already fairly delicious cake, telling the unique tale of Death and his mission to restore the good name of his fellow horseman, War, following the events of the first Darksiders game.
Dungeon fodder — One of the best things about DS2:DE is undoubtedly visiting the Zelda inspired dungeons, overcoming the inhabitants, solving clever puzzles and ultimately defeating a boss of one kind or another. Nothing groundbreaking or original I’ll admit, but nonetheless it’s just good, solid videogaming fun which almost any gamer can relate to.
Doing what Death does best — at the heart of Darksiders 2 is the combat system, which flows smoothly and feels solid and visceral as each blow from Death’s scythes and secondary weapons connects with any of the hundreds of enemies that you’ll chop to bits throughout the game. Combat is less Zelda< and more God of War in style and is arguably all the better for it because of the lean, ferocious combatant that Death is portrayed as in the game.
Here’s what I didn’t like:
The painted veil — Deathinitive is a good game, but that’s only really true because Darksiders 2 was already very good. In reality, the only thing “Deathinitive” means here is actually little more than a cosmetic upgrade. Yes, it’s locked at 1080p, and the textures and lighting are improved. Yet, at the same time, a fixed 30 frames per second means that the experience could be smoother, and considering this is a previous generation title, gamers should probably be expecting more. Personally, I would have also liked to see the original Darksiders lumped into the bundle, especially considering the rumours that Nordic Games is considering the possibility of a third game.
Dull story — Where Deathiintive should be praised for the merits of the original game, it must also be said that it retains the same weaknesses. The story in particular is incredibly boring, and Death himself is perhaps the least interesting video game character I’ve ever come across. Honestly, he moans more about his lot in the first 10 minutes of this game than every Final Fantasy protagonist from the past 25 years combined. Considering the design team involved (Gunfire Games includes a number of Vigil Games, which worked on the original Darksiders 2), I can’t help but think that a bit more content, in the style of a director’s cut or similar, should have been possible in addition to the cosmetic upgrades I’ve already discussed.
Wrap-up
Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition is a good game, but unless you’re a diehard fan, I just can’t imagine why anyone who has already played the original would want to return to this remake. For anyone curious about the series, or for lovers of Zelda-like games that haven’t played Darksiders 2, then fill your boots — you could do a lot worse than this.
Score: Buy It
Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition was developed by Gunfire Games and published by Nordic Games on Xbox One. It was released on October 27, 2016 and costs $29.99. A copy was provided by Nordic Games for review purposes.
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