When was the last time you bought a game you didn’t plan on purchasing? For me, that game was the original Darksiders. It wasn’t a long awaited sequel, it wasn’t a production 10 years in the making, it was simply a new game. There’s something alluring about all new IP – it’s like a fresh start, a clean slate, a game that carries no “sequel baggage”. However, part of what drew me into Darksiders are the elements it borrows from other titles. When it launched, many claimed the game was The Legend of Zelda meets God of War, and I can thankfully agree. Darksiders brings together tried and true game components, while managing to create a compelling universe of its own.
Its been more than two years since Darksiders launched, and THQ has called the game a success, at least successful enough to warrant a sequel, which is set to launch in August in North America. The game launched at full price, only to gradually reduce as sales failed to materialize. This turned out to be a winning strategy, once the game hit $20.00 USD, players seemed to take notice, and the title has now sold millions of copies. Clearly, Vigil games has a winning formula on their hands.
At its core, Darksiders is an Action/Adventure title that also manages to blend several RPG elements – the end result is a game that is rewarding to play, even if it doesn’t get everything quite perfect. For example, Darksiders features huge dungeons to explore, yet it isn’t always perfectly clear where your next objective is. Additionally, combat is over the top and satisfying, but executing certain attacks requires button memorization, which can lead to frustration. However, these grievances are few and far between, as I played through the vast majority of this title without any issues.
One of the high points of Darksiders is its fantastic art direction. The game takes place in a city that somewhat resembles New York, several hundred years after an apocalyptic event. The buildings have become ruins, the streets over run with demonic life, and whole areas of the city have become wild deserts or forrests. Put simply, the game has a great sense of atmosphere, and more than makes up for the lack of graphical polish. To be fair, Darksiders came out in early 2010, and the textures certainly show their age, but the this doesn’t hurt the overall experience, as I came away impressed with the world that surrounded me.
When Darksiders is at its best, you’ll be exploring fantastic dungeons that will give seasoned Legend of Zelda fans an experience not felt since the N64, at its worst, you’ll find yourself wandering about, wondering where the room with the next key is. Despite its flaws, Darksiders is an easy recommendation, there’s something to be said about all new game that manages to impress enough people to get a sequel from a publisher on the brink of bankruptcy.
The original Darksiders was an unplanned purchase, and I’ve had such a good time with it, ill be there on launch day for the sequel.
Forza Horizon is a fantastic game with an identity crisis. To racing enthusiasts who love the traditional Forza titles, this game may seem far too casual. Likewise, those who prefer arcade racing experiences may be scared off by the Forza title on the box. However, the triumph of Forza Horizon is that it successfully manages to blur the line between simulation and arcade, making for an experience that just about anyone will enjoy. Continue reading 
