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Destiny 2

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Destiny 2
File:Destiny 2 cover.webp
Destiny 2's cover art, depicting the game's three character classes, Hunter (left), Titan (center), and Warlock (right), with the Traveler floating in the background.
Developer(s)Bungie[a]
Publisher(s)Activision
Director(s)Luke Smith
Designer(s)
  • Lars Bakken
  • M.E Chung
Writer(s)Christine Thompson
Composer(s)Michael C. Salvatori
Platform(s)
ReleasePlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • WW: September 6, 2017
Microsoft Windows
  • WW: October 24, 2017
Genre(s)Action role-playing
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Destiny 2 is an upcoming online-only multiplayer first-person shooter video game in development by Bungie and will be published by Activision. It is set to be released on September 6, 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a Microsoft Windows version scheduled for release on October 24.[1][2] It will be the sequel to 2014's Destiny and its subsequent expansions.

Gameplay

See also: Destiny (video game) § Gameplay

Gameplay will be similar to that of the original Destiny, which was described as a first-person shooter that incorporates role-playing and massively multiplayer online game (MMO) elements.[3] The original Destiny included on-the-fly matchmaking that allowed players to communicate only with other players with whom they were "matched" by the game. To communicate with other players in the game world, players had to use their respective console's messaging system.[3] Destiny 2 will feature a more optimal way of matchmaking called "Guided Games", which will allow players to search for clans who may need additional players for activities, such as strikes or raids. Like the original, activities in Destiny 2 will be divided among player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) game types.[4]

Character progression and classes

Further information: Destiny (video game) § Character progression and classes

As in the original game, players will be able to improve their characters, referred to as Guardians, by gaining experience points (EXP) — when a set number of experience points are accumulated, the player's character will "level up" and gain improved statistics which further enhance performance in battle. Quests, including the "main scenario" quest line, are specific tasks given to the player by non-player characters (NPCs) which reward items and EXP. Completing main scenario quests progresses the overarching plot of the game.

Destiny 2 will feature the same three character classes of the original Destiny; no new classes will be added. Each class has their own specific upgrades, perks, special abilities, and two sub-classes that allow players to finely tune their individual characters to provide a different play style. After choosing a class, players select one of three species for their character: Human, Awoken (bluish-gray-skinned descendants of Humans), or Exo (humanoid machines). They can then customize their character, such as changing its gender or skin color. A character's species is only cosmetic and does not affect gameplay. Players can create two more characters to have a character of each class.[4][5]

  • Hunters will continue to have access to the Solar-based "Gunslinger" sub-class of the original, along with its "Golden Gun" super, with some subtle changes. The Hunter's new sub-class for Destiny 2 is the Arc-based "Arcstrider", replacing the "Bladedancer" sub-class of the original. Arcstrider will have a super that focuses on an electrified staff and a large amount of rapid mobility.[5]
  • Warlocks will continue to have access to the Void-based "Voidwalker" sub-class from the original, along with its "Nova Bomb" super, with several changes. The Warlock's new sub-class for Destiny 2 is the Solar-based "Dawnblade" with a super called "Daybreak", replacing the "Sunsinger" sub-class of the original. The Daybreak super allows the player to make Solar Light blades to strike enemies from mid-air, similar to the Titan's "Sunbreaker" sub-class of the original with its "Hammer of Sol" super.[5]
  • Titans will continue to have access to the Arc-based "Striker" sub-class and its "Fists of Havoc" super of the original, with some noticeable gameplay changes. The Titan's new sub-class for Destiny 2 is the Void-based "Sentinel", replacing the "Defender" sub-class of the original. Sentinel's super will allow the player to summon a shield that can block enemy fire and be used offensively, similar to Captain America's shield.[5]

Weapons and armor will be reorganized in Destiny 2. In the original game, weapons were divided as Primary, Special, and Heavy weapons. In Destiny 2, the weapons will be categorized as Kinetic, Energy, and Power weapons. Weapons classified as Primary and some Special weapons in the original - such as hand cannons and sidearms - will be classified as Kinetic and Energy weapons. Those without an elemental damage type go in the Kinetic weapons slot while those with an elemental damage type (Arc, Solar, or Void) go in the Energy weapons slot. Power weapons include the Heavy weapons and Special weapons from the first game, such as shotguns, as well as new weapon types, such as the grenade launcher. With armor, the name of the stats have been changed. Instead of Strength, Intellect, and Discipline, there will be stats for Armor, Recovery, and Agility.[6]

Player versus environment (PvE)

Like the original, player versus environment game types will make up the majority of the game. New areas to explore will be added, including Saturn's moon Titan, Jupiter's moon Io, the planet Nessus, and Earth's European Dead Zone (which was only a PvP map in the original). There will also be a new social space in the European Dead Zone, called 'The Farm', as the Tower of the original has been destroyed. Like the original, there will be Patrol missions, but emphasis has been placed more on exploration of the worlds, including towns that players can visit and friendly NPCs who can be found in-game and will give side-quest-like missions, called 'Adventures', where the player can explore the area and go on a treasure hunt-like journey to dungeon-like Lost Sectors, which are somewhat hidden areas in worlds that will lead players to a boss, in which they will be able to kill and take the boss's loot. A map will also be added to the game, which will show the locations of some NPCs, Patrol beacons, and Lost Sectors. The maps of these new areas are much larger than those in the original Destiny, with one being described as twice as large as any area of the original. Players will no longer have to leave a planet and go to orbit to travel to another location; they can now do so immediately from their current in-game location.[4][6]

Player versus player (PvP)

Like the original, player versus player combat will exist in what is called the Crucible. The original Destiny's Crucible featured six-versus-six and three-versus-three game modes, as well as a limited time two-versus-two mode. In Destiny 2, all game modes will be four-versus-four as Bungie has shifted their focus to smaller teams for competitive multiplayer and better map design. Game modes of the original Destiny will either be modified to the new player count or not return at all. The in-game HUD will also be updated so that players can see if an enemy has their super charged or has heavy ammo. One new mode has been announced for Crucible called "Countdown".[4][7] Countdown was described as "an asymmetric objective mode where [players] have to plant a bomb in the enemy base and then defend it until it explodes." One team attempts to plant bombs at designated locations, while the other team defends those locations to prevent bombs from being planted. If the opposing team plants a bomb, they must defend it until it explodes, while the other team attempts to defuse it. If the original defending team kills all players on the offensive team, the round is over, similar to the 'Search and Destroy' game modes from other first-person shooters.[8]

Plot

Further information: Destiny (video game) § Setting

One year after the events of Destiny: Rise of Iron, the Red Legion faction of the Cabal, a military-industrial empire of massive turtle like aliens, attack The Last City with overwhelming forces, led by their emperor, Dominus Ghaul.[9] Ghaul, believing the Traveler erred in giving humanity the Light, succeeds in stripping the Guardians of their powers and forcing them to flee the Tower. Scattered and powerless, the Guardians must acquire new powers to face Ghaul and the Red Legion, and venture to new worlds in the Destiny universe.

Development

A sequel to Destiny was first mentioned in November 2014, two months after the original released, by Activision chief executive officer Eric Hirshberg, where he said "Work has also begun on future expansion packs as well as on our next full game release".[10] Based on documents of the original release schedule for Destiny, Bungie and Activision intended to release new, disc-based sequels every other year until 2019, with large downloadable expansions in between.[11] Originally planned for a September 2016 release (based on the original documents),[11] Bungie confirmed on February 11, 2016 that a full sequel would release in 2017.[12][13] That same month, video game writer Christopher Schlerf, who was the lead writer for Halo 4 and worked on Mass Effect: Andromeda, joined Bungie.[14] In December 2016, Bungie announced that Vicarious Visions would be joining the development team along with Activision.[15] Unlike the original, it was rumored that Destiny 2 would also release on Microsoft Windows,[16] which was confirmed on March 30, 2017.[17]

In Activision's earnings report for 2016, Hirshberg said that Destiny's sequel was still "on track for release this fall [2017]." Activision said the sequel will "broaden the franchise's global reach." Hirshberg elaborated that players who have spent hours in the original will "love" the sequel, and for those who have not played Destiny, or have not played in a while,

...we think we've made a sequel that's going to have a lot for them to love, too. The cornerstone of that is a great cinematic story that's been a real focus with a great cast of memorable, relatable characters, coupled with some very nice ways to make the game more accessible to a casual player. Without losing anything that our core players love, we've made it more accessible to someone who just wants to have a great, more casual first-person action experience.[16]

Bungie had said that players' characters and progression would carry over into future releases.[18] However, this turned out to only be half true. Characters and progression did carry over into Destiny's expansions, but for the sequel, only players' characters physical appearance will carry over if they have reached level 20 and completed the Black Garden quest in the original. In regards to why progression and items will not carry over, Bungie said "We believe this is the best path forward. It allows us to introduce the major advancements and improvements that all of us expect from a sequel, ensuring it will be the best game we can create, unencumbered by the past." Bungie does plan to award veteran players with something special in Destiny 2 to acknowledge their accomplishments in the original Destiny. Players' characters, progression, and items will still be accessible in the original Destiny, which will remain online after the release of Destiny 2.[19]

Destiny 2 presentation on May 18 at Jet Center in Hawthorne, California

On March 23, 2017, a promotional poster for the sequel was leaked by Lega Network, revealing the game's name as Destiny 2 and a release date of September 8, 2017, with the mention of a public beta for the game. The poster showed that just like the original, Destiny 2 will have PlayStation exclusive content.[20] On March 27, 2017, although not directly responding to the leaked information, Bungie tweeted an image of Destiny 2. The image showed The Last City in smoke and flames with "Destiny" and a large "2" over the Traveler.[21] This was followed up with a teaser trailer narrated by character Cayde-6. The teaser showed the Tower under attack by the Cabal, one of the enemy races from the original game. PlayStation's YouTube channel showed a slightly extended teaser, officially confirming that there will be timed exclusive content for PlayStation 4, and it will last until at least fall 2018.[22] A full reveal trailer released on March 30, showing the three class Vanguards, Commander Zavala (Titan), Cayde-6 (Hunter), and Ikora Rey (Warlock), rallying Guardians in the war-torn Tower. The Cabal are being lead by Ghaul, the commander of the Red Legion. The trailers confirmed that Lance Reddick, Nathan Fillion, and Gina Torres will be reprising their roles as the class Vanguards, respectively.[17] Nolan North also confirmed that he would be reprising Ghost, the Guardian's AI companion.[23] Bungie had a live stream of Destiny 2's gameplay on May 18.[24] On May 19, 2017, Destiny 2 project lead Mark Noseworthy told IGN that there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch version of the game. Noseworthy went on to say, "I think it's pretty unrealistic given we're an online-only game, right? The Switch, because it's a portable - and I love my Switch, I've got Breath of the Wild here, I've got it with me. It's incredible, I love the console, but in terms of where it's at, I don't want to leave anyone with the possibility of like, 'it's a thing we'll consider, maybe next year.' There's no plans right now for Switch."[25]

The Microsoft Windows version of Destiny 2 will support 4K resolution and uncapped frame rate, full mouse and keyboard support, text chat, adjustable field of view, and 21:9 monitor support, as well as being exclusive to Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net service. Destiny 2 will also have an improvement with its servers, which will be a combination of dedicated servers and peer-to-peer networking. Lead engineer Matt Segur explained, "Every activity in Destiny 2 is hosted by one of our servers. ... That means [players] will never again suffer a host migration during [a] Raid attempt or Trials match. This differs from Destiny 1, where these hosting duties were performed by player consoles and only script and mission logic ran in the data center."[6] Grimoire cards that were found in the original game, which detailed the lore of the Destiny universe and could only be accessed from Bungie's website and the Destiny app, will not be returning for the sequel. For Destiny 2, Bungie has shifted their focus to in-game storytelling, which was something the original was criticized for lacking.[6]

At the 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a new cinematic trailer was shown, narrated by the main antagonist, Emperor Ghaul. It shows that Bungie has focused more on the story for the sequel than the original, as Bungie is "attempting to go in-depth into the universe and the motivations of the characters."[26] E3 2017 also revealed that Destiny 2's release date was moved up to September 6, 2017, and the Windows version was confirmed for an October 24 release.[27] The dates for the beta on the console versions were also confirmed at E3 2017. Early access for pre-order customers began on PS4 on July 18 followed by Xbox One on July 19; non-pre-order customers received access beginning July 21. The console beta concluded on July 25, after a 2-day extension. The beta for the PC will start August 29.[28]

Release

Destiny 2 is scheduled to be released worldwide on September 6, 2017, for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, while the Microsoft Windows version is scheduled to be released worldwide the following month on October 24.[27] There will be several editions of the game, including a Collector's Edition, a Limited Edition, a Digital Deluxe Edition, and the standard base game. Like the original, there will be an Expansion Pass, which will grant access to the first two expansions of Destiny 2.[29] One expansion will focus on Osiris, a character from the lore of the original Destiny and for whom the Trials of Osiris PvP mode was named.The other expansion will focus on the Warmind Rasputin from the original game.[6] Also like the original Destiny, pre-orders for the game received early access to the game's beta.[17] Pre-orders from GameStop also received a Cayde-6 collectible figure.[30] Other figures and toys, such as Lord Saladin, will be available for purchase after the release of Destiny 2 on September 6. [31] The Windows version will be distributed exclusively through the Blizzard App, marking the first non-Blizzard Entertainment title to be distributed via the platform.[32] The PlayStation 4 version of Destiny 2 will feature timed-exclusive content until at least fall 2018. The content includes the "Lake of Shadows" strike, the ship "City Apex", the exotic weapon "Borealis", and the "Retribution" Crucible map, as well as an exclusive Legendary gear set for each class.[33]

The Collector's Edition of Destiny 2 will include the base game in a Steelbook case, the Expansion Pass, a Destiny 2 Frontier Bag (a messenger bag/backpack combo), a Frontier Kit (featuring a solar panel USB charger with built-in light, a paracord, and a solar blanket), a 15" Laptop/Tablet Sleeve with protective pocket slip, a Cabal-themed Collector's Box (including a booklet about the Cabal Empire, a Cabal Schematic, collectible postcards, and Cabal Military Pawns), and premium digital content (a Legendary sword, a Legendary player emote, and a Cabal Empire-themed emblem). The Limited Edition, distributed exclusively from GameStop, includes all of the same physical and digital items of the Collector's Edition minus the Frontier Bag, the Frontier Kit, and the Laptop/Tablet Sleeve. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes all of the digital content.[34]

References

Note

  1. ^ Additional development by Vicarious Visions and High Moon Studios.

Footnote

  1. ^ Weber, Rachel (May 18, 2017). "Bungie Embraces PC With 'Destiny 2'". Glixel. Retrieved May 19, 2017. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  2. ^ Schreier, Jason (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Officially Revealed, Confirmed For PC". Kotaku. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Good, Owen. "Bungie Reveals its Destiny in This Documentary". Kotaku. Kotaku. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d Espineli, Matt; Plagge, Kallie (May 17, 2017). "Destiny 2: Everything We Know So Far". GameSpot. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d Tapsell, Chris (May 26, 2017). "Destiny 2 classes and subclasses - all new Titan, Hunter, and Warlock skills and supers explained". Eurogamer. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e Reynolds, Matthew (June 9, 2017). "Destiny 2 gameplay changes, beta, release date and everything else we know so far". Eurogamer. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  7. ^ Newhouse, Alex (May 18, 2017). "Destiny 2 Limits Competitive Multiplayer To 4v4". GameSpot. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  8. ^ Ibañez, Gregory (May 19, 2017). "Destiny 2's New PVP Mode Countdown is Basically Counter-Strike with Revives". PVP Live. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  9. ^ "Destiny 2". Game Informer. June 11, 2017. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  10. ^ Thier, Dave (November 4, 2014). "'Destiny' Sequel Already In The Works". Forbes. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  11. ^ a b Hussain, Tamoor (January 22, 2016). "Destiny 2 Not Launching September 2016, Report Says". Forbes. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  12. ^ DeeJ (February 11, 2016). "This Week At Bungie – 02/11/2016". Bungie. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  13. ^ Dyer, Mitch (February 11, 2016). "Destiny 2 in 2017, 'Large New Expansion' Coming to Destiny 2016". IGN. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  14. ^ Skrebels, Joe (February 16, 2016). "Destiny's new writer proves Bungie is finally taking its story seriously". GamesRadar. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  15. ^ McWertor, Michael (December 8, 2016). "Destiny development team expands with Vicarious Visions". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  16. ^ a b Makuch, Eddie (February 9, 2017). "Destiny 2 Still Coming In 2017; New Call Of Duty Goes "Back To Its Roots"; Infinite Warfare Underperforms". GameSpot. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  17. ^ a b c Sarkar, Samit (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 launching Sept. 8, watch the reveal trailer". Polygon. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  18. ^ Kuchera, Ben (December 9, 2014). "Destiny players: Keep grinding, your progress will carry into sequel". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  19. ^ Destiny Dev Team (March 3, 2017). "The Road Ahead". Bungie. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  20. ^ Jason Schreier (March 23, 2017). "Leaked Image Gives A First Look At Destiny 2, Out This September". Kotaku. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  21. ^ Destiny The Game (March 27, 2017). "Destiny 2". Twitter. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  22. ^ Pereira, Chris (March 28, 2017). "Destiny 2 Will Have PS4-Exclusive Content For A Limited Time". GameSpot. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  23. ^ Harradence, Michael (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 confirms return of Nolan North as teaser trailer debuts". PlayStation Universe. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  24. ^ DeeJ (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Coming to PS4 September 8, Watch the Reveal Trailer". PlayStation.Blog. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  25. ^ Skrebels, Joe (May 19, 2017). "'No Plans' for Destiny 2 on Nintendo Switch". IGN. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  26. ^ Newhouse, Alex; Fillari, Alessandro (June 12, 2017). "E3 2017: New Destiny 2 Cinematic Trailer Shows Strong Story Focus". GameSpot. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  27. ^ a b Dayus, Oscar (June 12, 2017). "E3 2017: Destiny 2's Release Date Moved Forward (A Bit)". GameSpot. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  28. ^ Dayus, Oscar (June 14, 2017). "E3 2017: Destiny 2 Beta Date Confirmed, PC Version Coming Later". GameSpot. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  29. ^ Makuch, Eddie (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Cayde-6 Figure Available At GameStop With Preorders". GameSpot. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  30. ^ Makuch, Eddie (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Cayde-6 Figure Available At GameStop With Preorders". GameSpot. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  31. ^ Makuch, Eddie (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Lord Saladin And His Wolves Figure Revealed". GameSpot. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  32. ^ "Destiny 2 is coming to Blizzard's Battle.net". Polygon. Vox Medi. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  33. ^ Krupa, Daniel (June 12, 2017). "E3 2017: Destiny 2 PS4-Exclusive Content Detailed". IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  34. ^ Pereira, Chris (March 30, 2017). "Destiny 2 Release Date, PC Version, And Collector's Edition Announced". GameSpot. Retrieved March 30, 2017.

Official website

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