Darksiders 2 Preview: All the Details So Far

Darksiders 2, one of 2012’s most anticipated games, will launch this August, developer Vigil Games has told Eurogamer. This makes one of the most anticipated games of the franchise. It is no surprise because this is expected to be something that could set a new standard for both gamers alike and for THQ also. Darksiders 2 was also largely perceived as the successor franchise for a wounded THQ. The THQ was facing financial distress at the time. Its release is potentially the make or break for the studio. But, it’s also turning into a top drawer game in its own right.

Read on, if you’re interested in what to expect from Darksiders 2. We take a look at some of the key features that separate this game from the last and other games in the crowded action-adventure genre. 

Darksiders 2 Coming Up With Bigger and Better World

One of the most impressive things about Darksiders 2 is just how massive it is. Each of the four main areas is roughly equal to the whole world in Darksiders 1. The game is gigantic ( FEELS LIKE ANOTHER NEW WORLD ). Yet at the same time it offers players more to dip into and it helps make ACTIONS more lived in and vital. At the very least, you can plan to be spending 25 hours just completing the main narrative, but that doesn’t even include all of the side quests and side jobs (of which there are a ton). The developers have clearly put a massive amount of effort into delivering as rich and varied a player experience as possible. 

Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay

Darksiders 2 is not only the equal of its predecessor — it’s better. Even on the PC version, you can switch some upgrade engine settings to give a few more user-configurable options. This engine certainly can render more intricate and broader environments. This makes players tolerate the vastness of the game world, which becomes glorious. It also shows a combat system that looks somewhat faster, with more fluid traversal and no block direction, instead focusing on dodges and quick attacks. The idea here is to allow combat to flow more, and be significantly more responsive than the original. 

Puzzle fans can breathe a sigh of relief as there are still plenty of puzzles in the game to boggle your brain. Involving a heavy emphasis on moments for 20 seconds at both beginning and end results in a mixed experience because combat arenas respectively bookend puzzle-like manipulation of environments. 

Darksiders 2 Expanded Storyline and Character Development

The storyline of Darksiders 2 runs parallel to that of the first game, offering a new perspective on the events of Darksiders. The plot takes place far from Earth, focusing on a character named Death, one of the Four Horsemen, and will expand upon the lore introduced in the original game. Both new and familiar characters will make an appearance, giving longtime fans plenty to look forward to.

Character building has also been greatly enhanced, with more detailed skill trees and customizable gear. You’ll have more freedom to tailor your character’s abilities and equipment, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay that was missing in the first Darksiders.

Exciting Features to Look Forward To

There is a set of exciting things that are available to players. Your horse, for instance, is there right from the get-go, allowing you to move through the massive game world quickly. The loot system is also looming large with a refresh, covering every piece of gear for in-game rendering, adding new animations to all equipment types and certainly bringing more life into the feel of reward behind securing these items.

The new release will also include a fresh Nightmare Mode. This mode allows for some progression, however you lose all of it if your character dies. Which, for the right hardcore crowd ready to tackle that brutal challenge, is a beating you might just get something out of.

They also announced that trading items between players is an option. Giving the single-player experience something of a multiplayer twist. Added to the mix are fast travel so players can move around quicker across this vast world. A revamped combat system was introduced featuring new weapon combos and special attacks. 

What You Won’t Get in Darksiders 2: Multiplayer

Though Darksiders 2 offers a ton of content, there is one thing that it won’t include — multiplayer or co-op modes. To cheer on fans, the game is a single-player experience (much to their dismay). It could be a bummer for some fans who love multiplayer as an option. The goal for developers right now is to make single-player an almost entertaining as possible.

Nightmare Mode and Hardcore Features

If you want a harder challenge, Darksiders 2 includes a Nightmare Mode where death matters. If you die, you lose it all, and have to begin anew. This hellhound mode for the most competitive for gladiators who only want to compete with their own skill and ability.

Furthermore, the possibility of respec in skill trees for your character is very useful, allowing more flexibility as you play. Weapons can be used for magic actions, spells are split into combat and non-combat categories. There’re offensive and defensive spells- like healing. There is no class system. You can decide what ratio of how the game’s elements have an influence on your character. 

Final Thoughts 

 Darksiders 2 is looking to be a grand, epic and wonderful adventure for the action-adventure genre fan. These are signs the developers have been taking a lot of love in ensuring this has become a magnificent sequel for the main game. With more places to explore, prettier graphics and combat polished along with expanded storyline.

Get ready for the ultimate Darksiders experience with a different take on the series that limits expectations enforced by fan preconceptions. Darksiders 2 is gripping fiction, frenetic combat and complex puzzles all bundled into one must-play game.

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