Darksiders Review

Darksiders, developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ, arrived on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2010, offering a compelling blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Drawing inspiration from various acclaimed titles, it forged its own identity within an epic apocalyptic setting. This Darksiders PS3 review delves into how it carved out its place as a classic PS3 game.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Borrowed Brilliance

Darksiders masterfully combines elements from several beloved franchises. The hack-and-slash combat, featuring brutal finishers and satisfying weapon impacts, clearly takes cues from the God of War series. Players control War, the first Horseman of the Apocalypse, wielding his massive sword, Chaoseater, alongside an expanding arsenal of secondary weapons and powerful abilities.

Beyond the combat, the game incorporates extensive exploration and puzzles reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda. War traverses a ruined Earth, navigating intricate dungeons filled with environmental challenges, switch puzzles, and unique tools that unlock new areas. This blend of visceral action and thoughtful exploration provides a well-rounded and engaging gameplay loop that keeps things fresh throughout the adventure. The PS3 version generally runs smoothly, delivering the intense action without significant hitches.

• Brutal hack-and-slash combat inspired by God of War
• Intricate dungeon design and environmental puzzles (Zelda-like)
• Progression with new weapons and abilities
• Fluid movement and satisfying finishers
• Balanced mix of action and exploration

Story and Setting: The End Has Come

The narrative of Darksiders begins with the premature arrival of the Apocalypse, with War being blamed for inciting the final conflict between Heaven and Hell. Stripped of his powers, he returns to a ravaged Earth to uncover the truth behind the betrayal and clear his name. The story is rich with biblical lore, demonic entities, and angelic forces, all presented with a unique, stylized flair.

The world itself is a desolate yet visually striking post-apocalyptic landscape, filled with crumbling skyscrapers, demonic strongholds, and eerie ruins. This setting, combined with the compelling plot, creates a strong sense of urgency and atmosphere.

Graphics and Sound: Joe Mad’s Vision

Darksiders boasts a distinctive art style heavily influenced by comic book artist Joe Madureira (who served as Creative Director). Characters are exaggerated and powerful, environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the overall aesthetic is gritty yet vibrant. On the PlayStation 3, the game looks impressive, with strong character models and environmental effects.

The sound design is equally impactful. The clash of steel, the roars of demons, and the powerful voice acting (featuring talents like Mark Hamill as The Watcher) bring the world to life. The orchestral score perfectly complements the epic scale of the conflict.

Legacy: A Strong Debut

Darksiders was a critical and commercial success, praised for its engaging gameplay mix and unique art direction. It successfully launched a new franchise, proving that a game could borrow elements from established titles while still feeling fresh and original. It remains a highlight in the PS3’s library for action-adventure fans.

Is Darksiders on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Darksiders on PS3 is still a highly enjoyable experience. Its blend of satisfying combat, clever puzzles, and compelling narrative holds up remarkably well. For fans of action-adventure games, especially those who appreciate a unique art style and a strong sense of progression, Darksiders is a must-play classic that offers a substantial and rewarding journey as War.