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==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
Darksiders is a single-player [[action adventure]] in which the player takes control of the protagonist, "War." In [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective, the player engages in combat, puzzles and exploration.<ref name="Darksiders: Wrath of War preview">{{cite web|publisher=GameInformer|author=Meagan VanBurkleo | date=4 April 2008| url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/A78F154A-2362-4FFA-BD04-D1C0F1BD8759.htm | title=Darksiders: Wrath of War Preview Storms In}}</ref> The world is divided into separate locations with many areas at first initially inaccessible until War regains many of his lost weapons and abilities. The center of the world, the Crossroads, acts as a hub where War is given new objectives and paths to further unlock new areas. Each contains a series of linear and non-linear paths, many of which require large sections of platforming, climbing and swimming along environment-based puzzles that impair progress that require the use of newly-gained abilities and weapons.
Darksiders (AKA:BEST GAME EVER) is a single-player [[action adventure]] in which the player takes control of the protagonist, "War." In [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective, the player engages in combat, puzzles and exploration.<ref name="Darksiders: Wrath of War preview">{{cite web|publisher=GameInformer|author=Meagan VanBurkleo | date=4 April 2008| url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/A78F154A-2362-4FFA-BD04-D1C0F1BD8759.htm | title=Darksiders: Wrath of War Preview Storms In}}</ref> The world is divided into separate locations with many areas at first initially inaccessible until War regains many of his lost weapons and abilities. The center of the world, the Crossroads, acts as a hub where War is given new objectives and paths to further unlock new areas. Each contains a series of linear and non-linear paths, many of which require large sections of platforming, climbing and swimming along environment-based puzzles that impair progress that require the use of newly-gained abilities and weapons.
[[Image:Darksiders Screen.jpg|thumb|left|War, riding his steed, Ruin.]]
[[Image:Darksiders Screen.jpg|thumb|left|War, riding his steed, Ruin.]]
Although War is initially limited to the use of War's two-handed sword, Chaoseater, he will obtain other weapons through the course of gameplay. Also, each weapon has different combinations of attack that can be obtained throughout the game. Along with combos, players are also encouraged to use countering moves, blocks and swift dodging that help against different enemies. Projectile weapons such as a revolver and a [[boomerang]]-style throwing blade can also be used in both combat and puzzles. A number of objects littered throughout the environment can also be used as weapons and projectiles. At a later point in the game, War gains the ability to summon a fiery horse that provides faster movement and much more powerful attacks in open areas. Along with weapon-based attacks, War can use an array of magic-based attacks, known as Wrath, that are both offensive and defensive in nature, with the amount of Wrath available determined through a separate meter below the health bar. Another special attack is the ability to temporarily transform into War's Chaos Form: which makes him large and invulnerable and can cause heavy damage. This form is unlocked after sufficient progress in the game is made, and can be activated once War's Chaos meter is completely filled via combat with enemies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890662p1.html | title=E3 2008: Darksiders: Wrath of War Hands-on |author=Ryan Geddes| date=July 16, 2008|publisher=IGN}}</ref>
Although War is initially limited to the use of War's two-handed sword, Chaoseater, he will obtain other weapons through the course of gameplay. Also, each weapon has different combinations of attack that can be obtained throughout the game. Along with combos, players are also encouraged to use countering moves, blocks and swift dodging that help against different enemies. Projectile weapons such as a revolver and a [[boomerang]]-style throwing blade can also be used in both combat and puzzles. A number of objects littered throughout the environment can also be used as weapons and projectiles. At a later point in the game, War gains the ability to summon a fiery horse that provides faster movement and much more powerful attacks in open areas. Along with weapon-based attacks, War can use an array of magic-based attacks, known as Wrath, that are both offensive and defensive in nature, with the amount of Wrath available determined through a separate meter below the health bar. Another special attack is the ability to temporarily transform into War's Chaos Form: which makes him large and invulnerable and can cause heavy damage. This form is unlocked after sufficient progress in the game is made, and can be activated once War's Chaos meter is completely filled via combat with enemies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890662p1.html | title=E3 2008: Darksiders: Wrath of War Hands-on |author=Ryan Geddes| date=July 16, 2008|publisher=IGN}}</ref>

Revision as of 16:57, 9 March 2010

Darksiders
Developer(s)Vigil Games
Designer(s)Haydn Dalton (lead designer)
Joe Madureira (creative director)
Composer(s)Cris Velasco
Mike Reagan
Scott Morton
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre(s)Hack and slash, action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Darksiders is an action adventure video game developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ. The game takes its inspiration from the apocalypse, with the player taking the role of War. The game was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on January 5, 2010 in North America and January 8 in Europe.

Gameplay

Darksiders (AKA:BEST GAME EVER) is a single-player action adventure in which the player takes control of the protagonist, "War." In third-person perspective, the player engages in combat, puzzles and exploration.[2] The world is divided into separate locations with many areas at first initially inaccessible until War regains many of his lost weapons and abilities. The center of the world, the Crossroads, acts as a hub where War is given new objectives and paths to further unlock new areas. Each contains a series of linear and non-linear paths, many of which require large sections of platforming, climbing and swimming along environment-based puzzles that impair progress that require the use of newly-gained abilities and weapons.

War, riding his steed, Ruin.

Although War is initially limited to the use of War's two-handed sword, Chaoseater, he will obtain other weapons through the course of gameplay. Also, each weapon has different combinations of attack that can be obtained throughout the game. Along with combos, players are also encouraged to use countering moves, blocks and swift dodging that help against different enemies. Projectile weapons such as a revolver and a boomerang-style throwing blade can also be used in both combat and puzzles. A number of objects littered throughout the environment can also be used as weapons and projectiles. At a later point in the game, War gains the ability to summon a fiery horse that provides faster movement and much more powerful attacks in open areas. Along with weapon-based attacks, War can use an array of magic-based attacks, known as Wrath, that are both offensive and defensive in nature, with the amount of Wrath available determined through a separate meter below the health bar. Another special attack is the ability to temporarily transform into War's Chaos Form: which makes him large and invulnerable and can cause heavy damage. This form is unlocked after sufficient progress in the game is made, and can be activated once War's Chaos meter is completely filled via combat with enemies.[3]

When enemies are close to defeat, War can perform an elaborate and violent finishing move at the press of the indicated button on screen, instantly killing the foe. Some of the larger foes can be briefly ridden and steered into other enemies before being finished off themselves. War eventually encounters large boss opponents that are both giant in size and deal heavy damage, and are themselves puzzle-based battles requiring certain methods and weapons to defeat, and in some cases quick time button events to dodge or deal attacks.

Upon defeat, different enemies expel souls that provide different benefits. There are three types of souls throughout the world of Darksiders: green souls that fill the health bar, yellow souls that fill the Wrath meter, and blue souls that are the game’s form of currency. These can be spent at "Vulgrim Locations" on things such as new combo attacks, wrath abilities, power-ups, and potions. There are also artifacts scattered throughout the world that can be exchanged for more blue souls, with bonuses for completing each set. Additionally, souls of each color can be obtained by opening chests found throughout the world. Other items that can be located include wrath core and lifestone fragments, where upon collecting four, War's Wrath or Health, respectively, are permanently increased.

Characters

The player controls War, the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Along with the rest of the Horsemen, his sole duty is to be summoned to the Earth, once the battle begins on Earth. War is not aligned to either kingdom but instead serves to bring order by the rule of The Charred Council, whose purpose is to maintain the balance between the two forces. He maintains a strict code of honor and will battle any obstacle in his way.

Throughout the story, War is bound to and accompanied by The Watcher, a warden sent by the Charred Council to watch over and guide War on his journey. Because of his assigned role, he is actually skeptical and cynical towards War’s actions, much to War’s anger. War later employs the guidance of Samael, once a mighty and feared demon, now imprisoned who himself seeks vengeance against the Destroyer, leader of the victorious forces on Earth. Many other character become central to the overall plot, recurring at times. Among these is Uriel, leader of good after their first leader, Abaddon, was killed during a major battle; now stranded on Earth seeking vengeance against those she believes responsible. Another recurring character is Vulgrim: a demon merchant who provides gear and abilities for War in exchange for human souls. Finally there is Ulthane, or the Black Hammer, who first appears as an enemy towards War but then the two quickly become friends; First after aiding War in getting into Griever's lair then re-forging the Armageddon Blade for him. War is known as a power hungry warrior who will stop at nothing to gain revenge for being betrayed.

Voice cast

Plot

To preserve the balance between Heaven and Hell, a mediator group, The Charred Council, sends the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, to intervene and force a truce between the two kingdoms after countless centuries of war. Eons after the truce, The Council foresees that Man will be a major factor in the battle. As such, a final battle would take place when the Seventh Seal was broken.

In the present day, armies of demons and angels fall to earth, destroying everything in their wake. In the midst of the chaos, War is summoned to Earth to bring order. Upon his confrontation with Abaddon, the general of Heavens army, War discovers that the other Horsemen have not arrived and the seal had not been broken.

Straga, a demon, arises from the ground and kills Abaddon. War battles Straga and is beaten. He is saved from death and sent to The Charred Council where he is accused of bringing about the Apocalypse prematurely. The Council sentences him to death, but War demands a chance to be sent back to Earth to find the one responsible, and to restore balance. The Council agrees, on the condition that he is bound to one of their keepers, The Watcher, who has the power to kill War in the event that he strays away from his mission.

Upon returning to Earth, War discovers that he has been gone for a century. Led by The Destroyer, Hell is victorious and humans have died and become zombies.

War heads to the Black Tower, but first seeks out a rebel demon named Samael. Samael explains that there are four Chosen demons that protect the Black Tower, and that bringing him their hearts will give him access. After using War to defeat the demons and regain his powers, he remains true to his word and grants War access to the Tower.

At the tower, War encounters Azrael, an angel who has been imprisoned there. Azrael confesses that he and Abaddon conspired to bring about the Apocalypse before it was time. However, the plan fell apart with the death of Abaddon. After hearing this, War decides that his bargain with the Charred Council is complete. The Watcher decides otherwise, using his power over War to force him to remain, telling him that the balance must be restored. Azrael, now freed, takes War to the remains of the Garden of Eden, which was long thought destroyed. There, he tells War that the Tree of Knowledge can reveal to him how he can defeat The Destroyer.

In Eden, War visits the Tree which gives him a vision: After Abaddon's death, he was transformed into The Destroyer. He then found the Seventh Seal, which he now guards. The vision also predicts that Uriel will send the Hellguard against the Destroyer and be defeated. The Charred Council foresaw these events, and concluded that only the Horsemen could kill the conspirators, but knew that they would never do it, so they let the apocalypse start and summoned War so they could accuse him, knowing what he would do. War also sees a vision of himself being stabbed through the back with a sword.

Azrael informs War that the sword he saw in the vision was the Armageddon Blade, which is the only way to break the Seven Seals and is now the only weapon capable of killing the Destroyer. However, it was shattered by the Destroyer to prevent the Horsemen from coming and stopping him. Azrael then sends War to find the shattered pieces of the Blade and take them to Ulthane, the one who created it.

War is confronted once more by Uriel, who challenges him to a fight to the death. War emerges victorious and chooses not to kill Uriel, despite the urging of The Watcher. War promises Uriel that her death will be at a time of his choosing.

Once War collects all of the fragments, he returns them to Ulthane who reforges the Blade. Meanwhile, Uriel and the Hellguard attack the Destroyer, and as predicted, they fail. War confronts the Destroyer and is given the option to join him. War refuses and battles the Destroyer, who reverts back to Abaddon before being defeated and killed.

War retrieves the Seventh Seal, but is stopped by The Watcher who tortures War and steals the seal, knowing that War would turn against the council. As he is about to kill War, Uriel takes the Armageddon Blade and stabs War through the back. She then breaks the Seventh Seal, returning War to his full strength. Now free of The Watcher's control, War kills him.

Uriel tells War that because of his deeds, all debts have been repaid; but warns him that her duty will most likely require her to raise her blade against him, and she will not hesitate. She asks him what he will do, as the armies of both Heaven and Hell will still hunt him, as well as the Charred Council. Asking him if he will wage this new war alone, War turns to her, as three comets plummet towards Earth, signaling the arrival of the other Horsemen.

Reception

Darksiders has been met with a mostly positive critical reception. The game currently holds a score of 83 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on Metacritic. Critics have mentioned some screen tearing issues in the Xbox 360 version, though these have since been resolved.[14][13] Joystiq stated that Darksiders has sold over 1 million units worldwide, moving more units than its initial release date competitor, Bayonetta.[17]

GameZone's Dakota Grabowski gave the game a 8/10 on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, saying "THQ and Vigil Games did an outstanding job creating an intellectual property that has weight. The voice-acting is top-notch, the combat is exquisite, the replay value is high, and the world they have created is fascinating. Darksiders is a marvelous way to start out 2010." Also noting that the PlayStation 3 version ran better out of the two, with fewer problems with the framerates and screen tearing. [18][19]

The game has been banned in the United Arab Emirates. The game was deemed to "contradict with the UAE's customs and traditions".[20]

Sequel

THQ creative director Luis Gigliotti revealed in an interview with GameAxis that Darksiders will be a franchise and that THQ is contemplating a sequel. The sequel may include a multiplayer component, as the other three horsemen will join War in the sequel.[21]

Joystiq has stated that Darksiders will see a sequel in the fiscal year of 2012.[22]

Film adaption

The creator, Joe Madureira, is planning the film adaptation for the game.[23] Joe Madureira is currently working on the screenplay[24] and will sell the rights to a Hollywood Studio.[25] THQ creative director Luis Gigliotti said he would like to see Bruce Willis as War in a movie adaptation because "he kicks ass"..[26]

References

  1. ^ Orry, Tom (June 6, 2009). "Darksiders given Jan 1, 2010 release date". VideoGamer. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
  2. ^ Meagan VanBurkleo (4 April 2008). "Darksiders: Wrath of War Preview Storms In". GameInformer.
  3. ^ Ryan Geddes (July 16, 2008). "E3 2008: Darksiders: Wrath of War Hands-on". IGN.
  4. ^ "Darksiders Review for the PS3,Xbox 360 from". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  5. ^ Tom Bramwell (2010-01-04). "Darksiders Review". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  6. ^ Onyett, Charles. "Darksiders Review - Xbox 360 Review - at IGN". Xbox360.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  7. ^ http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33052.htm
  8. ^ http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33052.htm
  9. ^ "Darksiders, Darksiders Review, PS3 Reviews". Games Radar.com. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  10. ^ Kim, Tae K. (2010-01-05). "Darksiders Review from". GamePro. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  11. ^ Juba, Joe (2009-12-29). "Why Does The Apocalypse Feel So Familiar? - Darksiders - Xbox 360". GameInformer.com. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  12. ^ "Play Magazine Online:: Review - Darksiders". playmagazine.com. 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  13. ^ a b "Darksiders (ps3) reviews at". Metacritic.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  14. ^ a b "Darksiders (xbox360) reviews at". Metacritic.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  15. ^ "Darksiders for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  16. ^ "Darksiders for Xbox 360". GameRankings. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  17. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/
  18. ^ http://xbox360.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33052.htm
  19. ^ http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33052.htm
  20. ^ Barber, Tyler (2010-01-07). "Darksiders Banned in United Arab Emirates". GameSpy. Retrieved 2010-01-25.
  21. ^ Zachary Chan (October 26, 2009). "Darksiders Developer Interview and Walkthrough". GameAxis.
  22. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-saints-row-sequels-from-thq-in-fiscal-2012/
  23. ^ Darksiders Coming to the Big Screen?
  24. ^ Hollywood interested in Darksiders, confirms Madureira
  25. ^ 'Darksiders' Game Being Adapted for the Big Screen?
  26. ^ Grabowski, Dakota (February 4 2010). "Metro 2033 is storyline driven". GameZone. Retrieved February 9 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
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