This is not your average hack-and-slash video game; it is so much more (think epic). Mythology and ancient lore have always been perfect backdrops for video games, especially the ones of action/adventure variety. Last week I got the chance to put some real hands-on time with the upcoming action game from mega-publisher THQ titled Darksiders, and what I walked away with was the thought as to why more entertainment sources up to this point have not dealt with the same storyline. The basis of the game revolves around the four horsemen and one of the favorite general plots of all time, the apocalypse. I have always had a mini-obsession with the end of the world and all the stories, books, and movies that feed into that topic. Darksiders focuses on just one of the four horsemen, who goes by the name War and happens to be the most badass of all the riders. Players will take control of War and wield a number of unique weapons/powers, traverse multiple different locations, and attempt to destroy those who have wronged him in the epic battle between heaven and hell. The fact that this war between good and evil is going on around the main character results in some very interesting situations and difficult decisions that must be made as to which side to take-up arms with.
Darksiders, when released in early 2010, will compete with the best hack-and-slash games out there - including God of War 3 and Dante's Inferno. Throughout the gameplay potion I got to experience the great story writing kept it confusing as to which side was actually the “right” side and which one I should be cheering against. Because of this I found myself much more invested in the story then I every thought I would have become in a few hours of playtime. The only thing I knew for sure was that War was the one constant I needed to be supporting; and powering him up so he could defeat the “evil one” was my main goal. Without giving away much more of the story in Darksiders I do want to try and explain just how intricate the gameplay world is. As with other action/adventure games this one features a “hub” location where all other worlds (as well as some central characters) can be accessed. You come to this central locale very quickly and will come back to it many times throughout the journey that is Darksiders. The character development and voice acting coming out of Vigil Studios is top-notch, which helps give Darksiders that cinematic feel that all post-apocalyptic video games need to be successful. There are even a couple celebrity voiceovers in the title; because of the talented voices behind-the-scenes the characters spring to life, each one being more fun than the last.
Check out a bunch of new Darksiders screenshots by clicking here - PlanetXbox360.com
The meat and potatoes of this game are the beat-em up action gameplay elements, which also happens to be the most enjoyable part of the game. Sting-attacks and combos are a very important part of how successful you are in the later levels; using different attacks/weapons for different enemies is a must. Darksiders also features some lite RPG elements, such as upgrading your gear and Zelda-like puzzles throughout the action. The final part of the trifecta is the adventure aspect, exploring the huge universe that the developers created are the only way to truly appreciate the overall experience. War’s main weapon of mass destruction is his sword, which will be by-your side and your best friend from the beginning of the first level to the final battle at the end. This powerhouse sword is controlled with the X button and the Y button controls your secondary weapon (during my playtime it was a scythe) – War will also have the ability to use a standard pistol with the trigger buttons (which is a bit weird for the setting), star-shaped boomerang, power-glove, and more that you will just have to wait to discover.
During my hands-on time with Darksiders one key-point kept coming to fruition, it was downright fun to play. Super difficult action games like Ninja Gaiden have never hit the spot with me, I want over the top action with a couple other side-elements thrown in for good measure and variety. Variety is a key word that the developers wanted the press to notice during the play-through, each couple hours, right when we started to think it was getting repetitive the game would introduce a brand new gameplay mechanic; which would change everything and open up many of the previously locked puzzles. Graphically Darksiders was a treat to look at, with the post-apocalyptic setting shining through with every aspect of the game. At this point I am around halfway through the title and can only tell you how excited I am to get my hands on the final product – it releases in early January 2010 – and I didn’t even tell you how fun riding Ruin the demon horse is. What a great and “fun” way to start the New Year of video gaming, THQ and developer Vigil Games have a true action experience on their hands with Darksiders, make sure not to overlook it.
Features of Darksiders:
- Experience the Godlike Power of WAR – Combining brutal attacks, supernatural abilities and seamless traversal – delivering intense action combat and epic adventure, set in an immersive demon ravaged world.
- Open World Exploration – Discover hidden secrets as you explore the vast terrain of a ruined Overworld, and ward off relentless enemies as you battle through the demonic dungeons of the Underworld
- Extreme Arsenal of Weapons – Unleash WAR’s fury with an expansive arsenal of angelic and demonic weapons, and use virtually anything within your environment as a weapon (lamp posts, cars, buses)
- Choose Your Character’s Progression – Increase or unlock new abilities - customized to your gameplay style. Build up WARs Wrath powers and unleash them in spectacular attacks – or collect Soul Cores to increase or unlock new abilities.
- Horseman of the Apocalypse – Gain the services of RUIN, WAR’s phantom steed – blazing a trail through enemies across devastated environments.
Graphic Novel Art Style – Joe Madureira’s (X-Men, Battle Chasers, The Ultimates) unique visualart style and original storyline
- Cinematic Gameplay Experience – Harnessing the power of next-generation console systems, Darksiders: Wrath of War will immerse players in a rich cinematic experience – featuring beautiful graphics, detailed special effects, cinematic lighting and an epic musical score that compliments the in-game action
