DEVELOPER: Vigil
Played on: PS3
Initial impression: Non-linear God of War clone.
Liked:
- Graphics
- Story
- Extra game play elements
Disliked:
- Ambiguity of game path
- Scattered collectibles
On The Fence:
- Replayability
"I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come and see!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest."
— Revelation 6:1-2
[Preface]
I'm not a religious person. I was raised Catholic and consider myself Atheist. I am rather familiar with the tale told in the Book of Revelation and can point out a few things that Vigil got wrong, but this is a damned video game. Even direct remakes have a hint of difference from the source material. I'm not going to argue the finer points of the tale behind the game's concept.
The only thing I will point out is that the First Horseman of the Apocalypse differs. Originally it was The Conqueror symbolizing conquest, while the Second is obviously War/Violence, followed by Famine/Pestilence and finally Death. Creative license was taken using the roster, and so you get War, Famine, Pestilence and Death.
And So It Begins...
The game starts off with an epic war between angels and demons. War, the First Horseman of the Apocalypse is summoned to restore order. After a large demon kills the angel's general, it is revealed that the Seals were never broken - that War was out of line for being there. He is brought before the Charred Council, a sort of purgatory court that regulates Heaven and Hell. Accused of trying to kick-start the end of days, War is stripped of his powers and sentenced to death. He pleads his innocence and pledges to find those responsible. The Council agrees, and War gets assigned to a demonic guard known as The Watcher.
This is really where the game starts. Sure, you interact with junk before this point, but this is where it drops you to head up the path of revenge.
The game elements were rather unique. Settings varied from an arid desert, an abandoned, cobweb covered structure, a ruined city street and a murky graveyard - for starters. Each of these locations were diverse and unique enough to not make you bored with the game's visual style. Enemies varied based on location as well - spiders and other bugs inhabit the obvious locale.
The story was an interesting tale of betrayal, where you, as the Bringer of War, take the fall for someone's grab for power. You have some unlikely allies - and enemies - along the way. Angels hate you as much as the demons for most of the game.
There are other things they throw in, like the upgradable weapons and unlock-able powers. You gain the use of the Reaper's Scythe and the ability to glide with spectral wings among other things. Your horse even comes back to you, which helps when you hit the long, expansive desert areas. There is also a Rage Mode, where War transforms into an unstoppable hulking demon with extraordinary power, allowing you to take down difficult or swarms of enemies with ease.
Dislikes
Among the only things I didn't like was the sudden ambiguity that comes up about midway through the game. I stalled out and ended up running back and forth trying to figure out where I was supposed to go. Eventually I figured it out but I felt like the game left me hanging - up to this point it seemed to nearly hold up a sign with an arrow on it showing me what I was supposed to do.
Another gripe I had was the collectible junk. There are items you can find that, when all completely assembled, give you the best armor. I thought I was doing OK with those for a while, but the task of hunting them down became tedious.
Fence/Overall
Replayability is questionable at best. There were some sections that were really cool and a lot of fun, but there were also areas I'd be just as happy to never play again. Then again, the completionist in me notes that there are some trophies I did not get in areas where I didn't realize there were goals...
I'd totally recommend Darksiders. It was a fun game that kind of plays like God Of War, but I feel is different enough to merit it's own place on the shelf.
The game elements were rather unique. Settings varied from an arid desert, an abandoned, cobweb covered structure, a ruined city street and a murky graveyard - for starters. Each of these locations were diverse and unique enough to not make you bored with the game's visual style. Enemies varied based on location as well - spiders and other bugs inhabit the obvious locale.
The story was an interesting tale of betrayal, where you, as the Bringer of War, take the fall for someone's grab for power. You have some unlikely allies - and enemies - along the way. Angels hate you as much as the demons for most of the game.
There are other things they throw in, like the upgradable weapons and unlock-able powers. You gain the use of the Reaper's Scythe and the ability to glide with spectral wings among other things. Your horse even comes back to you, which helps when you hit the long, expansive desert areas. There is also a Rage Mode, where War transforms into an unstoppable hulking demon with extraordinary power, allowing you to take down difficult or swarms of enemies with ease.
Dislikes
Among the only things I didn't like was the sudden ambiguity that comes up about midway through the game. I stalled out and ended up running back and forth trying to figure out where I was supposed to go. Eventually I figured it out but I felt like the game left me hanging - up to this point it seemed to nearly hold up a sign with an arrow on it showing me what I was supposed to do.
Another gripe I had was the collectible junk. There are items you can find that, when all completely assembled, give you the best armor. I thought I was doing OK with those for a while, but the task of hunting them down became tedious.
Fence/Overall
Replayability is questionable at best. There were some sections that were really cool and a lot of fun, but there were also areas I'd be just as happy to never play again. Then again, the completionist in me notes that there are some trophies I did not get in areas where I didn't realize there were goals...
I'd totally recommend Darksiders. It was a fun game that kind of plays like God Of War, but I feel is different enough to merit it's own place on the shelf.
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