Destiny 2
" Engaging action MMO with smooth combat, vast content, and free-to-play base but costly DLCs "
Destiny 2 Review
Destiny 2, released in 2017, remains a visually vibrant and aurally impressive looter-shooter with highly praised gunplay and deep build customization, offering a wealth of PvE and PvP content. Players laud its engaging raids, dungeons, and the satisfying moment-to-moment combat mechanics. However, the game is currently in a contentious state, with many veterans expressing disappointment over the removal or "vaulting" of earlier campaigns and content, which complicates the new player experience and frustrates returning players.
Monetization practices, including pricey DLCs, seasonal paywalls, and aggressive microtransactions, have alienated much of the community. Time-gated activities and repetitive seasonal content contribute to a sense of grind and stagnation. Additionally, the game's UI/UX is criticized as confusing, and PvP is marred by cheating and balance issues. Despite these flaws, the loyal fanbase continues to find enjoyment in the core gameplay loop, though many question the game's future viability without significant changes.
Highlights
Players consistently praise Destiny 2's exceptional gunplay and fluid movement mechanics, which provide a highly satisfying combat experience. The game's graphics remain beautiful and vibrant years after release, complemented by a compelling musical score that enhances immersion. The lore and storytelling, especially in earlier expansions, have been highly regarded, creating memorable narrative moments. The variety of activities, including raids, dungeons, and PvP modes, offers diverse gameplay options. Crossplay and cross-progression features are welcomed additions that improve accessibility across platforms.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the removal of paid content through "vaulting," making the game confusing and inaccessible for new and returning players. The monetization model, including expensive DLCs, battle passes, and locked content, is widely viewed as exploitative. The seasonal grind is seen as tedious and repetitive, with time-gated events frustrating players. The UI/UX is described as convoluted and difficult to navigate. PvP suffers from rampant cheating and imbalance, diminishing its appeal. Additionally, the story progression feels stalled with underwhelming expansions and poor writing in recent seasons.
Pros
- • Gunplay and combat mechanics are smooth, responsive, and highly satisfying.
- • Graphics remain vibrant and visually impressive years after release.
- • Expansive PvE and PvP content with diverse activities and modes.
- • Deep build customization allows tailored playstyles and strategies.
- • Raids and dungeons provide challenging and rewarding group content.
- • Crossplay and cross-progression enhance accessibility across platforms.
- • Engaging musical score effectively sets the mood and atmosphere.
Cons
- • Removal of paid content (vaulting) alienates new and returning players.
- • Expensive DLCs and aggressive monetization frustrate the player base.
- • Seasonal grind is repetitive and offers little meaningful incentive.
- • UI and UX are confusing and difficult to navigate effectively.
- • PvP plagued by cheaters and suffers from balance issues.
- • Time-gated activities limit access and frustrate players.
- • Story progression feels stalled with underwhelming recent expansions.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
A New Saga Begins With Destiny 2: Year of Prophecy
A new saga begins as Guardians venture into the unknown, where mystery – and The Nine – await, in Destiny 2: Year of Prophecy, featuring two expansions – Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate (launching July 15) and Destiny 2: Renegades (coming later this year).
Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate
Guardians will venture to the far reaches of the solar system to uncover a truth that redefines their future and their relationship with the mysterious entities known as The Nine.
A new destination awaits as the Guardians respond to a signal emanating from Kepler, a planetoid shrouded by dark matter. Explore a lost human settlement and forgotten Fallen houses, and encounter new characters, all affected by a singularity with an ominous origin.
Destiny 2: Year of Prophecy Ultimate Edition
About the Game
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.
An Immersive Story
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.
Guardian Classes
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
Titan
Disciplined and proud, Titans are capable of both aggressive assaults and stalwart defenses. Set your hammer ablaze, crack the sky with lightning, and go toe-to-toe with any opponent. Your team will stand tall behind the strength of your shield.
Warlock
Warlocks weaponize the mysteries of the universe to sustain themselves and destroy their foes. Rain devastation on the battlefield and clear hordes of enemies in the blink of an eye. Those who stand with you will know the true power of the Light.
Hunter
Agile and daring, Hunters are quick on their feet and quicker on the draw. Fan the hammer of your golden gun, flow through enemies like the wind, or strike from the darkness. Find the enemy, take aim, and end the fight before it starts.
Cooperative and Competitive Multiplayer
Play with or against your friends and other Guardians in various PvE and PvP game modes.
Cooperative Multiplayer
Exciting co-op adventures teeming await with rare and powerful rewards. Dive into the story with missions, quests, and patrols. Put together a small fireteam and secure the chest at the end of a quick Strike. Or test your team's skill with countless hours of raid progression – the ultimate challenge for any fireteam. You decide where your legend begins.
Competitive Multiplayer
Face off against other players in fast-paced free-for-all skirmishes, team arenas, and PvE/PvP hybrid competitions. Mark special competitions like Iron Banner on your calendar and collect limited-time rewards before they're gone.
Exotic Weapons and Armor
Thousands of weapons, millions of options. Discover new gear combinations and define your own personal style. The hunt for the perfect arsenal begins.
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free.
