Darksiders II

[DickDalewood]

Re: Darksiders II

Thanks for the impressions Flaw. This is one of my most anticipated games this year, but I might actually play through Sleeping Dogs first. If this game is truly in the 30+ hour range, I'm going to want to jump in and just take my time without any other distractions.

[jrider99]

Re: Darksiders II

Jesper Kyd as usual knocked the score out of the park for another game he's worked on.

Forge Lands is really big with so much to explore off the beaten path - tons of chests with loot, optional dungeons and mini-bosses (one of which killed me in 1 hit every time). I love that. No enemy scaling.

Combat is really fluid, and evade and dash don't break combos. With no block, dodge canceling is important, but it's easy to continue combos by dashing afterwards (Focus Mode L2, towards enemy, L1), or using something like Teleport Slash. Dash appears to have some invulnerability frames, because I managed to dash right through some enemy attacks. Meteor Strike is really good (it only costs 2000). What it does is allow you to dash to the ground from mid-air, which is very useful for getting out of danger during aerial attacks, then you can evade or attack. It's no Bayonetta or DMC, but those are combat games through and through with hundreds of moves, step cancels, style switches, dodge offset, and tons of air mobilty and juggle options. For what is essentially an action-RPG though, it's pretty awesome, and it's very similar to those at a base level. The combat is only going to open up further by purchasing new moves and unlocking new abilities.

Great voice-acting. Graphics are fine - like the first game, it's not a looker, but I really dig Joe Mad's art.

Glad to see you're digging the game. Your impressions sound alot like those I posted earlier. I just wrapped up my review and am looking forward to what other sites have to say. Hopefully Darksiders II does well because I really enjoy games like this.

[jrider99]

Re: Darksiders II

Here's a link to the IGN review

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/14/darksiders-ii-review

I'm not sure what version they played, but I never saw any of the weird bugs/glitches they talk about. Odd...

[DickDalewood]

Re: Darksiders II

Here's a link to the IGN review

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/14/darksiders-ii-review

I'm not sure what version they played, but I never saw any of the weird bugs/glitches they talk about. Odd...

Gameinformer gave it a 9.0. One of their highlights was actually the PoP style traversal.

[jrider99]

Re: Darksiders II

Gameinformer gave it a 9.0. One of their highlights was actually the PoP style traversal.

Yeah I gave it an 8.7. That IGN review was just weird with some of its criticisms. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but that review contained several factual errors. And like I said, I never saw any of the glitches they harp on. Maybe I was just lucky but it seems odd that I didn't encounter them if they are as widespread as that review makes them out to be.

[mgoblue678]

Re: Darksiders II

Played for about 4 hours or so, and so far the game is fantastic. Big improvement over Darksiders 1 in most areas. Combat is fast and fluid, and it seems very open to different approaches. Defiantly a deep combat system where it is up to the player how in depth they want to go with it. Graphics on a technical level aren't great, like the first game, but the fantastic art direction and style more than make up for it. Exploration to find more loot is also very addicting, and really adds a element that Darksider 1 didn't have. The loot system itself seems to be well done.

Also I don't understand the complaints about the platforming at all, from what I have played. I had no trouble picking it up right off the bat, and I think it is well implemented, easy to understand and responsive. Also the game does basically give you infinite tries since you don't die when you fall, and you get placed in the spot you were before. Like I said don't understand the complaints with it at all.

Voice acting and sound is also really well done so far. Story is also interesting. Honestly, I don't really have any gripes with the game at the moment, with the exception of the game maybe being a little on the easy side so far (playing on Apocalyptic, which is hard mode).

Oh and I just wanted to say that the last fight in the opening section of the game was pretty sweet, when you fought

Spoiler

a clone of War.

[mgoblue678]

Re: Darksiders II

The problem is not knowing -why- you fail. It's automatic,all you do is jump. There was a 90 degree jump and he just fell. I don't know why he fell. He didn't stick to the wall. Why not? There's no button to press for it so he should've. Just jumped at it and fell. Sometimes it's not even responsive at all and he runs right off the edge. The first only had GoW style platforming didn't it? I don't remember having to run on walls etc.

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PwLXh690y8g?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe>

Look at 6:40 or any other time he jumps on the wall. The way it's disconnected like that isn't right at all.

The crappy graphics with their textures from 2004/05 can really be noticed with the guy at the end too. I was hoping to get one of the girl because she's just a disgrace but he didn't get that far yet.

Speaking of that girl I forgot to mention how useless the store is. I had 3000 gold and it was like 13000 for level 3 sycthes. I picked up at least 4 better ones. (Including one you feed extra stuff to so it'll level up.) So basically by the time I could afford level 3 stuff I'd probably be picking up level 13 stuff. BTW you can just hold back and it will auto equip things for you,you don't have to pick them up then go through the menu like the guy in the video.

+ Good voice acting.

- Poor graphics.
- Poor platforming.
- Poor controls.
- Very poor camera during combat a lot of the time.
- Combat doesn't live up to hype. (Your attacks oft don't interupt theirs so it's rare you get long combo chances because you have to dodge)

I guess I'd give about a 4/10 so it's better than the 2/10 I gave the first. Hopefully they can come up with something original next time AND do it right instead of making crappy half assed knock offs. I guess Vigil is the video game equal of Asylum famous for Transmorphers,Snakes on a Train,the more recent American Warship and upcoming Age of the Hobbits. They should go back and re-name the first game Legend of Kelza and this one Prince of India.

Um, dodging doesn't break the combo if you attack quickly enough afterward. As far as not being able to rack up long combos, I am not seeing that at all. In my limited time with the game I have quite a few 20-30 hit combos. I am somebody who normally has a difficult time racking up substantial combos in games like this and I am still not very familiar with the system. I can only imagine the combos a better player will be able to pull off with a fully upgraded Death. The IGN video posted of the 100+ combo is a good example. I mean sure, the player could just sit and there mash buttons, and not be concerned about racking up combos, but that is not a flaw in the game's combat system. The tools are there to rack up stylish combos, it is up to the player if they want to use them.

Anyways I am not going to say your trolling or anything, since we all have different opinions. With that said I am just not seeing anything of things of your seeing, with the exception of the graphics not being great on a technical level. And like I said the unique art style/direction makes up for that, at least for me. As far as the platforming, the couple of times I have fell so far I have known exactly why it happened and that it was my fault. Honestly have no idea why you feel as though it's random or something, are you sure you were completely clear on the platforming controls?

Also calling this a clone of Prince of Persia is pretty laughable. Mechanically the platforming is similar, but last I checked Prince of Persia did not have quests, loot, a deep combat system, an open world, etc. I honestly love the fact that they have brought elements from different genres into one game, in a cohesive manner. Calling this a half assed game is just not accurate at all, it is pretty clear that quite a bit of work went into putting all those elements together.

Yeah I gave it an 8.7. That IGN review was just weird with some of its criticisms. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but that review contained several factual errors. And like I said, I never saw any of the glitches they harp on. Maybe I was just lucky but it seems odd that I didn't encounter them if they are as widespread as that review makes them out to be.

Not to mention the hypocrisy and double standard for a couple of the complaints. I mean citing the combat as being something that can get repetitive, when the same could said of any game with action oriented combat, but yet I don't see games like God of War getting their scores knocked down for the same thing. That is something I have noticed in reviews lately, established franchises basically getting a free pass from reviewers, on things that get knocked in other games.

IGN actually scored the first Darksiders 1 higher (7.8 to 7.5). Trying to figure out how anybody would think the first one is a better game, from what I have played.

Just curious jrider, but what system did you play it on ? I saw a couple reviews specifically mention that the PS3 version has more bugs/glitches.

[Candyman5]

Re: Darksiders II

Hey guys, we should all become friends so we can share weapons and armor.

[jrider99]

Re: Darksiders II

Just curious jrider, but what system did you play it on ? I saw a couple reviews specifically mention that the PS3 version has more bugs/glitches.

I've got it for 360

[Flawless]

Re: Darksiders II

I've had it lock up on me 3 times in 9 hours, but other than that, I'm addicted. I too think it's better than the first in most areas, except for maybe story so far. It's been kind of slow, but I'm sure it picks up. I got 5 possessed weapons, and ended up feeding two to another, because I only need either one mace, hammer, or axe - I prefer fast secondary weapons anyways, but keep a slow one to do big damage against slower moving single enemy encounters. You can do some hundred hit combos with the aid of summoning Ghouls (very handy to distract some enemies) and Redemption (pistol) in the bigger battles. Can't wait to get Deathgrip.

[Candyman5]

Re: Darksiders II

I've had it lock up on me 3 times in 9 hours, but other than that, I'm addicted. I too think it's better than the first in most areas, except for maybe story so far. It's been kind of slow, but I'm sure it picks up. I got 5 possessed weapons, and ended up feeding two to another, because I only need either one mace, hammer, or axe - I prefer fast secondary weapons anyways, but keep a slow one to do big damage against slower moving single enemy encounters. You can do some hundred hit combos with the aid of summoning Ghouls (very handy to distract some enemies) and Redemption (pistol) in the bigger battles. Can't wait to get Deathgrip.

I got one possessed weapon, and I have had it lock up on me a few times as well, Luckily the auto saves are generous.

[mgoblue678]

Re: Darksiders II

Played for about 10 hours now (just acquired the Grappling Hook), and the game is still awesome. I will echo what Flawless posted, when he said every aspect of the game is better than the original, with the only exception possibly being the story so far. I have mentioned this a couple times, but the more I play it the harder it becomes to comprehend why anybody would be complaining about the platforming. I am enjoying it quite a bit, it is quite a bit better than the platforming in the original and very simple to be honest.

Something I am loving about the game is the exploration aspect, you are defiantly rewarded for exploring in a meticulous manner. Additional loot, hidden areas and dungeons, and optional bosses are defiantly a good incentive to do so.

No bugs or glitches for me so far, I am playing the 360 version. I am not out the first world yet, so it seems like I will easily get 30+ hours out of the game if I 100% the main quest, side quests hidden areas and chests, which I plan on doing. That doesn't include the Crucible either, so that total could easily get up to 50+.

Also finding a ton of possessed weapons, already found 8 of so. Currently rocking a level 13 possessed scythe with elemental damage, critical damage and health regen, and level 12 or 13 claws with elemental damage and wrath regen.

Wanted to mention that anybody debating between starting the game on Normal or Apocalyptic, should defiantly think about going the Apocalyptic route. Game seems plenty manageable on Apocalyptic, for anybody who doesn't suck badly at these kind of games. Juggling enemies is a very easy way to get through enemies, without taking much damage.

Something I am wondering about, is after I completed a quest I saw a message saying that Vulgrim had a gift for me and I should go see him. I went to visit him, but he didn't seem to give me anything. Anybody happen to know what the gift was or how you get it?

[jrider99]

Re: Darksiders II

Played for about 10 hours now (just acquired the Grappling Hook), and the game is still awesome. I will echo what Flawless posted, when he said every aspect of the game is better than the original, with the only exception possibly being the story so far. I have mentioned this a couple times, but the more I play it the harder it becomes to comprehend why anybody would be complaining about the platforming. I am enjoying it quite a bit, it is quite a bit better than the platforming in the original and very simple to be honest.

Something I am loving about the game is the exploration aspect, you are defiantly rewarded for exploring in a meticulous manner. Additional loot, hidden areas and dungeons, and optional bosses are defiantly a good incentive to do so.

No bugs or glitches for me so far, I am playing the 360 version. I am not out the first world yet, so it seems like I will easily get 30+ hours out of the game if I 100% the main quest, side quests hidden areas and chests, which I plan on doing. That doesn't include the Crucible either, so that total could easily get up to 50+.

Also finding a ton of possessed weapons, already found 8 of so. Currently rocking a level 13 possessed scythe with elemental damage, critical damage and health regen, and level 12 or 13 claws with elemental damage and wrath regen.

Wanted to mention that anybody debating between starting the game on Normal or Apocalyptic, should defiantly think about going the Apocalyptic route. Game seems plenty manageable on Apocalyptic, for anybody who doesn't suck badly at these kind of games. Juggling enemies is a very easy way to get through enemies, without taking much damage.

Something I am wondering about, is after I completed a quest I saw a message saying that Vulgrim had a gift for me and I should go see him. I went to visit him, but he didn't seem to give me anything. Anybody happen to know what the gift was or how you get it?

The platforming works great 99% of the time. The only real issue I had involved wall running, where Death would simply jump off a ledge instead of entering the wall run animation to cross to the other side. Truth be told, it may have been my controller as much as it was the game itself. Still, there are a couple of instances where you need to be extremely precise with your inputs to complete some platforming sections. I won't spoil them for you, but you'll know them when you get there ... LOL

As for Vulgrim, I don't remember receiving a "gift" per se, but I know you can collect pages from the Book of the Dead for him and receive a reward for completing 10-page chapters. Of course, after 30-plus hours, a bunch of side quests and a boatload of loot, I may have forgotten something.

A suggestion I would give to anyone starting out would be to invest as many skill points as you can in Teleport. You can stack all of the different elemental damage boosts to it, making it extremely lethal very quickly. This was my go-to move for the entire game and I don't know that I would have gotten past a couple of boss battles without it.

And with regard to the story, I found it very, very satisfying. The excellent voice work certainly helps to keep it interesting, and things pick up once you finally leave the Forge Lands.

[mgoblue678]

Re: Darksiders II

The platforming works great 99% of the time. The only real issue I had involved wall running, where Death would simply jump off a ledge instead of entering the wall run animation to cross to the other side. Truth be told, it may have been my controller as much as it was the game itself. Still, there are a couple of instances where you need to be extremely precise with your inputs to complete some platforming sections. I won't spoil them for you, but you'll know them when you get there ... LOL

As for Vulgrim, I don't remember receiving a "gift" per se, but I know you can collect pages from the Book of the Dead for him and receive a reward for completing 10-page chapters. Of course, after 30-plus hours, a bunch of side quests and a boatload of loot, I may have forgotten something.

A suggestion I would give to anyone starting out would be to invest as many skill points as you can in Teleport. You can stack all of the different elemental damage boosts to it, making it extremely lethal very quickly. This was my go-to move for the entire game and I don't know that I would have gotten past a couple of boss battles without it.

And with regard to the story, I found it very, very satisfying. The excellent voice work certainly helps to keep it interesting, and things pick up once you finally leave the Forge Lands.

Agreed, Teleport dash with the damage boosts is very effective. Not to mention you recover a small portion of health when you use it.

As far as the story goes I am still relatively early in the game, so it may very well pick up/get more interesting as things go along. Agree about the voice acting as well, it's really top notch.

Edit: Found the gift it was at the tome under offline items, and there was actually two gifts. Purple gauntlets and a Purple Maul. Purple gauntlets have bloodlust as a special ability, judging from the description it looks bloodlust makes attacks faster with each hit.

[Flawless]

Re: Darksiders II

I would just like to reiterate how great Jesper Kyd's score is.

This part from this track is so good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_TN10DROcY&feature=player_detailpage#t=175s

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