1. Darksiders II
Using the very framework that Darksiders built, Darksiders II used those foundations to create something truly special. While Darksiders was a marriage of many other properties, it was Darksiders II that really used that winning formula to create not only the best in the franchise, but possibly one of the best action-adventure games of the last decade.
Set parallel to the events of the original Darksiders, here you play as Death who aims to clear the name of his brother from the events taking place on Earth. Here, Darksiders II provides further insight into its lore and makes the world that these characters originate from the centre piece of exploration.
It truly is a lush and vibrant world with such varied biomes and incredible world design. If one complaint from Darksiders was how similar the world remained beginning to end, then Darksiders II takes that complaint and crushes it with Death’s mighty grip. There’s more open-ended exploration, a grander scope and a truly impressive visual art style that still holds up a whole console generation later.
Loot was also a major drawing point for Darksiders, using the idea of Diablo’s loot system to constantly reward the player for exploiting each environment. Chests would provide new armor and weapons to upgrade your character and side quests would reward handsomely to give you the chance to purchase new abilities.
The dungeons were also the strongest they’ve ever been in the series, with lengthy ventures into Gothic ruins ending with spectacular boss battles that utilized all of Death’s devastating abilities. New items are also distilled to the player at a faster rate so that the pacing starts off strong and never lets go.
Darksiders II takes every component the series is loved for, puts it in a cooker and cranks the dial up to eleven. What you’re left with is the tastiest treat ever to come out of the franchise and a perfect serving of everything that makes Darksiders loved. It starts with one of the best boss battles in the series and fires off like a rocket from there. In a world where Breath of the Wild has pushed past Zelda’s conventions, Darksiders II embraces the past and uses that beloved gameplay loop to create something truly special.
What’s your favorite Darksiders entry? Will you be picking up Darksiders Genesis? Let us know in the comments below!
