Title: Destiny
Format: PS4(reviewed), Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: September 9th
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Bungie
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: T
Destiny is Bungie's first game outside of the treasured Halo world, and even though it draws a lot of comparison to their previous franchise, Bungie has done a great job of separating the two so that Destiny feels like a new take on the modern day shooter.
Story and Presentation:Destiny's story ended up being the weakest component in the game, but seeing as how the game is pretty light on cutscenes, it wasn't a big deal as move from mission to mission. There are a few cutscenes in the game, but you'll learn most about the world through narration. Your ghost, which is voiced by Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage, guides you through each planet feeding you bits and pieces of backstory behind a particular area. It's a neat story driving mechanic that doesn't quite live up to the potential it could have. Bungie has created some very intriguing races and location, that just need they're own proper fleshing out. Maybe we'll get more story through DLC, but will most likely have to wait for the sequel. The voice acting is well done throughout, you'll hear a lot of familiar voices as you meet new characters, and they all do a superb job at portraying each character. Some of you may have issues with the Ghost, but I didn't have a problem with it at all. The soundtrack is beautiful as well, this is a Bungie game after all, and they always choose the right composer for their game. Marty O'Donnell is back yet again, and instead of the traditional male choir that made the menus of Halo epic, the game features an incredible orchestral sci-fi inspired score. In the visual department is where the game really shines. The hardware advancements present in the Xbox One and PS4 have had an obvious impact on the game's visuals, as it stands as a showpiece for the new consoles. Each planet you play through is extremely detailed and colorful, with some pretty amazing architecture to boot, this is a game that you have to see to believe.
Core Gameplay and Multiplayer:Bungie has found a clever way to cover up the fact that you're playing an MMO, they wrapped fantastic shooter mechanics around a core that's found in a number of various MMO's out there. There isn't a ton of mission variety in the game, most of the game you'll be protecting your ghost while he's opening a door or analyzing a special "object." That doesn't sound all that fun, but the gameplay is so fun and exhilarating that you tend to forget what minuscule task your Ghost is doing in the background. After the opening of the game, the world quickly opens up for you and you can choose different planets to explore and complete missions on. Story missions offer up some of the more chaotic encounters, while Patrol gives you opportunities to level up and collect useful items. The story will only take you about 7 or 8 hours to finish, but there's so much more for you to do outside of it. Most likely, when you finish the campaign, you're going to be either at level 20 or close to it. Once you get past that threshold, the game really begins to open up for you, and so does the hunt for exotic and Legendary gear. You'll be able to go on Strikes and Raids with your friends, which will in time net you some better weapons and armor. The loot system in Destiny can be frustrating at times, as you have to hunt for engrams. Which depending on the color, can be either useful or useless. Outside of the Strikes and Raids, there's also the game's PvP modes. You'll either love it or hate it. I found certain modes fun like Control, but the game's standard Deathmatch mode is pretty stale. Given that this is a Bungie title, the PvP does feel a bit similar to Halo's. It's a lot more constrained than Halo however. The maps aren't as grand this time around, instead it's a bit more focused on infantry based combat rather than vehicular combat. There's so much to do in this game after the main story is finished, and with a bevy of modes, there's something here for everybody.
Final Thoughts:Destiny had to live up to impossible expectations thanks to months of anticipation and hype, and even though it couldn't quite reach those expectations, Destiny is still a must have for the fall.
+Amazing Visuals and Art Style +Endless Replayability +Polished Gameplay +Exhilarating Combat -Lackluster Story -Repetitive Nature
S&S Rating: 8/10 @whatsPlay
