Darksiders II Review

Darksiders II, developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ, arrived on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2012. As the sequel to the cult hit *Darksiders*, this action RPG shifted focus from War to his brother, Death, the most feared of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Blending fluid hack-and-slash combat with extensive RPG elements, vast exploration, and intricate puzzles, Darksiders II PS3 delivered an ambitious and engaging adventure. This Darksiders II PS3 review explores its unique blend of genres and its compelling protagonist.

Gameplay: Agile Combat, Loot, and Labyrinthine Dungeons

The core gameplay of Darksiders II is a dynamic mix of elements inspired by *God of War*, *Prince of Persia*, and *Diablo*. Death is a far more agile protagonist than War, wielding his iconic twin scythes with incredible speed and grace. Combat is fluid and satisfying, allowing for spectacular combos, dodges, and the use of secondary weapons like hammers and gauntlets.

The RPG elements are significantly expanded. Death earns experience points, levels up, and can customize his abilities through two distinct skill trees (Harbinger for combat, Necromancer for summoning). A constant stream of loot drops, offering various weapons and armor pieces with different stats, encouraging frequent customization and experimentation with builds. The game features a large open world connecting sprawling, multi-layered dungeons. These dungeons are filled with clever puzzles that often involve environmental manipulation and precise platforming, providing a refreshing break from combat. The PS3 version generally maintains a stable performance, allowing the fast-paced action to shine.

• Fluid and agile hack-and-slash combat with twin scythes
• Extensive RPG elements: loot, skill trees, customization
• Intricate and challenging puzzle-solving
• Vast open world connecting large, multi-layered dungeons
• Dynamic platforming segments

Story and Setting: A Horseman’s Burden

The narrative of Darksiders II runs parallel to the first game. Accused of prematurely starting the Apocalypse, War is imprisoned. Death, believing his brother to be innocent, embarks on a personal quest to clear War’s name by seeking to undo the destruction of humanity. His journey takes him across various mythical realms, including the Forge Lands (home of the Makers), the Kingdom of the Dead, and the treacherous Shadow’s Edge.

The story-driven plot is rich with lore, exploring the complex relationships between the Horsemen, the Creator beings, and the forces of corruption. Death’s stoic yet determined personality makes him a compelling protagonist, and his interactions with the diverse cast of characters add depth to the unfolding saga.

Graphics and Sound: Joe Mad’s Distinctive Art

Visually, Darksiders II on the PS3 is a feast for the eyes, thanks to the distinctive art style of Joe Madureira (co-creator of the Darksiders universe). The character designs are bold and exaggerated, and the environments are vibrant and imaginative, blending gothic horror with fantastical elements. While a cross-gen title, the game looked impressive on the PS3, with detailed models and expressive animations.

The soundtrack, composed by Jesper Kyd, is exceptional, featuring atmospheric and epic scores that perfectly complement the game’s various realms and intense battles. The voice acting, particularly Michael Wincott as Death, is superb, adding gravitas and personality to the characters.

Legacy: A Unique Action RPG

Darksiders II was praised for its ambitious scope, engaging gameplay, and unique blend of genres. While it faced some criticism for its loot system and occasional technical hiccups at launch, it remains a beloved entry in the series and a standout action RPG. It successfully expanded the Darksiders universe and solidified its place as a distinct and compelling franchise.

Is Darksiders II on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For fans of action RPGs, hack-and-slash games, and those who enjoy a strong emphasis on exploration and puzzles, Darksiders II on PS3 is still a highly recommended play. Its fluid combat, deep customization, and compelling narrative make it an incredibly immersive and rewarding experience. It’s a true classic PS3 game that offers a unique adventure with the Horseman of Death.