Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition, lansat pe 5 octombrie 2024, introduce în generația curentă de console RPG-ul apărut inițial in 2012. Această versiune conține toate DLC-urile, îmbunătățiri grafice, precum și o rebalansare a atributelor caracterului principal. Versiunea originală a fost dezvoltată de Vigil Games, iar versiunea curentă (remastered) a fost dezvoltată de Gunfire Games. Darksiders II rămâne și astăzi un titlu excelent ce aduce o combinație incitantă de elemente RPG, acțiune și puzzle-uri împachetate într-o lume magnific detaliată și extraordinar de stilizată. Continuarea acestei recenzii va fi în limba engleză.

Death Lives!

This edition puts players in the role of Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as he embarks on a complex journey to save his brother War, the protagonist of the first Darksiders game. While War’s campaign focused on a more straightforward tale of revenge and redemption, Death’s journey explores a unique set of stakes — cosmic ones that delve deeper into the lore of the Darksiders universe. Death must find a way to clear War’s name by restoring humanity, balancing his role as an enforcer of order while confronting his own past. In essence, Darksiders II is part adventure game, part dungeon-crawler, and part exploration-driven RPG, making it a unique experience that’s difficult to compare to any one genre.

Death Incarnate

In Darksiders II, Death is the central protagonist, driving the story forward with his actions and motivations. Vigil has crafted a compelling and multifaceted character in Death, blending elements of mythology and modern pop culture. He is both reminiscent of the Grim Reaper, especially in his unleashed form, and yet carries a calm assurance, embodying a force of nature. This version of Death aligns more closely with Thanatos from Greek mythology, as he is not something to be feared but rather an inevitable aspect of life.

Throughout the game, Death’s journey reveals more layers of his character. He shows compassion for the plight of the Makers and the stranded Angelic Host, going out of his way to help those in need, as it is simply not their time yet. Although he is initially feared and shunned by many of the characters he encounters, they gradually warm to him. At one point, Warden Oran remarks, “Death — you are not so cold as you would have us all believe,” to which Death responds, “Well, keep that to yourself, old one,” in a soft tone that betrays a hint of embarrassment. This evolution in Death’s character mirrors the human experience, reflecting the gradual understanding and acceptance of Death itself.

Death is voiced by Michael Wincott, whose gravelly, rough performance perfectly complements the character’s portrayal. His voice lines, both written and delivered, humanize Death, making him a surprisingly relatable and even likable figure.

Visually, Death is beautifully designed with a sleek, thin silhouette, and his gear items — acquired throughout his journey — accentuate this aesthetic, further solidifying his mythical presence. His design helps establish him as both a formidable and enigmatic figure.

The primary antagonist in the game, the Corruption, serves as a stark contrast to Death. It represents stagnation and anti-life, playing off the theme of Death as an active force — one that propels the world forward and brings about change. This dynamic is reflected in Death’s movements and actions throughout the game. Agile and purposeful, he moves with feline grace, emphasizing efficiency in both his combat and story progression.

The gameplay design also reinforces Death’s character. His finishers, in particular, are quick and clean, showcasing his decisive nature. Death does not prolong suffering; he ends things swiftly, reflecting his role as the harbinger of change and inevitable conclusion.

As the Crowfather wisely states: „Thus, from Death came Life…”

Story and World Building

Before anything else can be said, please take a minute and enjoy.

The story of Darksiders II takes place concurrently with the events of the first Darksiders, giving it a unique position in the overall series timeline. However, this isn’t just a rehash or side story — it is a significant expansion of the narrative. In his journey, Death seeks to erase the supposed crimes of his brother War by finding the Tree of Life, which could help him resurrect humanity. Along the way, Death encounters the „Maker” civilization, ancient beings who serve as a sort of guardian race of the universe. This makes for fascinating interactions as these beings, caught between loyalty to creation and mistrust of Death, challenge his worldview.

The setting in Darksiders II is vast, covering different realms that are not only visually distinct but also rich in lore. The main areas include the Forge Lands, an expansive open area filled with quests and secondary objectives; the Kingdom of the Dead, which is atmospheric and filled with Gothic undertones; Lostlight, a bright yet melancholic plane; and Shadow’s Edge, a dark and haunting region. Each environment offers different challenges and hosts a range of characters, from powerful enemies to strange allies. This variety of locations adds depth to the world and makes the game feel much larger and more interconnected than the first Darksiders.

The game’s worldbuilding is intricate, drawing inspiration from various mythologies and blending them into a cohesive, original universe. For players who enjoy exploring lore and piecing together story details, Darksiders II offers a rewarding experience that feels more like a dark fantasy novel than a traditional action game. Every collectible, hidden chest, and character dialogue adds layers to the story, enhancing immersion.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

One of the main distinctions between Darksiders II and other action RPGs lies in the game’s approach to combat and movement. Death’s combat style is vastly different from War’s brute-force approach. Death is nimble, dual-wielding scythes and favoring speed and agility, which results in a fluid, dance-like combat style that’s equal parts satisfying and challenging. Players can mix up combos, dodge enemy attacks, and use a variety of secondary weapons like claws, gauntlets, and hammers, which adds a customizable feel to each fight.

The game also introduces a skill tree that allows players to customize Death’s abilities and cater to different playstyles. There are two main branches — Harbinger, which focuses on melee power and physical damage, and Necromancer, which allows Death to summon allies and wield powerful magic attacks. Players can mix and match abilities from each branch, creating unique builds that suit different strategies. This variety offers great replay value, as trying out different skill combinations can lead to fresh experiences with each playthrough.

In addition to its combat, Darksiders II integrates elements of platforming and exploration reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda and Prince of Persia. Death can wall-run, climb, and leap across chasms, allowing for dynamic dungeon exploration. Each dungeon is designed with a balance of combat, puzzle-solving, and traversal, making progression both mentally engaging and physically rewarding. The puzzles require players to think critically and often involve manipulating the environment, such as triggering switches, moving objects, or using Death’s tools (like the Death Grip) to solve multi-step challenges.

The loot system is another core gameplay feature that distinguishes Darksiders II from similar titles. Randomized loot drops give the game a Diablo-like quality, with weapons and armor boasting different attributes such as damage boosts, elemental effects, and health regeneration. This adds an addictive layer to exploration, as players are constantly searching for rare and powerful gear to optimize their build. Possessed weapons are a unique item type that allows players to “feed” other items to upgrade them, adding a strategic layer to loot management that feels both rewarding and addictive.

RPG and Customization Elements

While the first Darksiders game leaned heavily on hack-and-slash combat, Darksiders II introduces more sophisticated RPG mechanics that enrich the experience. Players gain experience points from defeating enemies and completing quests, leveling up to unlock new abilities. The skill trees offer enough customization to cater to different playstyles, and combined with the wide array of weapons, armor, and accessories, players have substantial freedom to tailor Death’s abilities.

The RPG elements extend beyond combat; interacting with NPCs, completing side quests, and exploring hidden areas all contribute to a sense of progression that feels akin to a full-fledged RPG. Side quests are surprisingly robust, with multi-step objectives that flesh out the world and uncover additional lore. Though they’re optional, these quests reward players with unique loot and experience, making them worth pursuing.

However, a drawback in this area is the inventory management system. While there’s a wide range of items and equipment, switching between gear or comparing stats can feel cumbersome, especially in a game that otherwise flows so well. The constant need to open the menu and review stats disrupts the pacing, and the lack of a more streamlined inventory system feels outdated by current standards.

As an added update, in this version the stats have been overhauled and overall the game is more balanced and difficult thanks to it. In the original game you had the option to create a nearly unstoppable weapon with the helm of possessed gear and the life/wrath drain stats. In this version these stats are much harder to come by and only on relic weapons that do not allow their stats to be transferred to possessed weapons. This is a welcome improvement over previous iterations of this mechanic making both relic weapons more precious and creating a finer balancing act between raw power and utility when gearing up Death for the journey ahead.

Graphics, Visuals, and Performance on PS5

In the Deathinitive Edition, Darksiders II receives a significant visual overhaul. High-resolution textures, improved lighting, and refined shadows make for a game that looks modern despite its age. On the PS5, players benefit from smoother frame rates, generally locked at 60 FPS, which enhances both combat and exploration by making the experience more responsive. The textures are sharp, character models more detailed, and the lighting effects more pronounced, particularly in darker areas like the Kingdom of the Dead.

The PS5’s SSD also helps reduce loading times, though they’re still noticeable during fast travel or when moving between major areas. This is a welcome improvement over older console versions, but it does remind players that they’re playing an enhanced remaster rather than a fully reimagined version of the game.

The game’s art direction deserves special mention. Darksiders II leans heavily into dark fantasy, combining Gothic architecture with mythological and supernatural motifs. The distinctive art style, overseen by comic book artist Joe Madureira, gives the game a timeless look, with exaggerated character designs, vibrant environments, and imaginative creature designs. While the game doesn’t reach the visual fidelity of a PS5-exclusive title, the strong art direction holds up remarkably well and contributes significantly to the game’s atmosphere.

As a minus, we have experienced multiple crashes on the PS5 with this edition so far, and certain areas create some severe frame drops… this is quite unfortunate as it might sour your experience with the game. We hope that these issues will be addressed in a future patch.

Audio and Music

Jesper Kyd’s score is one of Darksiders II’s most defining features, blending haunting melodies with epic orchestral themes that evoke the solemnity of Death’s journey. Kyd’s work, known for its atmospheric quality, is perfectly suited to the game’s tone, with music that dynamically shifts to match the intensity of combat or the eerie calm of exploration. The soundtrack is memorable and stands as one of the game’s most impactful elements.

The voice acting is equally strong. Michael Wincott brings gravitas to Death, portraying him with a weary yet determined persona that complements his character’s morally complex journey. The supporting cast, including NPCs like the Makers, is also well-voiced, adding depth to each interaction. Sound effects are crisp and fitting, from the clang of metal in battle to the unsettling ambiance of dark, unexplored dungeons.

Deathinitive Edition Additions and DLC Content

The Deathinitive Edition brings together all the DLC, adding several hours of content that expands on the core game. The included DLCs, like Argul’s Tomb and The Abyssal Forge, add new dungeons, challenging enemies, and additional lore, offering players even more reasons to explore and experiment with their builds. These expansions feel integral to the main story and give players access to additional unique loot and challenging puzzles.

Final Verdict

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition on PS5 is a remaster that pays homage to the original while offering a more refined experience for new and returning players alike. Although it doesn’t fully leverage the capabilities of the PS5, the improved visuals, smoother frame rates (most of the times), and added content make it the best version available. The blend of combat, RPG mechanics, and platforming feels as compelling today as it did upon release, and the strong narrative, intriguing lore, and stunning art style all contribute to a memorable experience. If you haven’t immersed yourself in the Darksiders universe, this is one of the best times, and titles to dive head in with.

Score: 8.5/10

For fans of action RPGs, dark fantasy, or anyone who missed Darksiders II the first time around, this edition is well worth a playthrough. Despite some minor technical limitations, it remains a standout title that’s aged remarkably well, and we’re waiting to see what THQ Nordiq and Gunfire Games have in store for us in the future, as they have already announced a new Darksiders title in the works. Until then, „…the number of the riders shall ever be four”.