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
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free.
