Destiny got its first “big” expansion, The Dark Below, this week.
Does it deliver on its promise (and price)?
Find out in our review!
I dont tend to buy most DLC.
Because Im usually of the opinion that a game should be self-contained at its core.
You should be able to feel that you spent 8-12 hours on a story campaign full of meaty gameplay.
At a hefty $20,The Dark Belowis the first expansion of the game.
The word expansion isnt usually used in regards to console games.
Oh, andthe reviews were fantastic.
On the other hand, this bigDestinyexpansion adds just enough to the game to earn the DLC designation.
Bungie seems to have adopted the MMO terminology on a whim.
There is not enough new content or expansion of the core experience to refer to it otherwise.
The art design and graphical ingenuity are still dazzling.
And the PvP experience is very satisfying.
Theres still enough there for me to stand bymy okay review of the game.
In terms of design, each level is basically a rehash of something youve played before.
Youll seldom do anything new.
There are exciting setpieces every once in a while, though.
But that pretty much is the standout moment in terms of surprises.
The Crucible is still the place where the game shines best.
Ive enjoyed countless hours in PvP.
And its a real treat to get three new maps.
I dont like all three, though.
It reminds me so much of the great Flood missions from BungiesHalodays.
Its fun, but unmistakably a rehash of the Black Garden mission.
Same goes for Skywatch, which I didnt enjoy at all.
Skywatch is sniper heaven, and therefore, very slow-paced.
You kind of just have to hang back and wait for people to show up on your scope.
Otherwise, you die A LOT.
But Cauldron and Pantheon are enough to keep the PvP fresh.
PerhapsThe Dark Belowcould have been a $10 map pack instead?
The Will of Crota, the expansions main Strike, is a bit disappointing.
Want to play The Will of Crota without buying the expansion?
Go on Patrol in the Cosmodrome.
The setup is perhaps what makes it so.
Youve completed all of these seemingly connected objectives, and now youre ready to face off against a god.
And the design and challenges deliver.
Im looking forward to finishing it.
Otherwise, spend the $20 on a loved one this Christmas.
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Rating:
2 out of 5
