Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Destiny | A look back on the launch
We never reviewed Destiny, and was the case, a lot of other outlets had trouble getting reviews out on time based on a number of factors. The launch was met with little to no reviews. A new genre from a proven development house you'd think would be easy to get reviews online. But instead, gamers were left trying it out on their own. Mind you, the successful Alpha and Betas that were played out in June and August respectively gave us a taste of what was to come.
It's been over two months, and in a few weeks time, on the 3-month anniversary, Bungie will be dropping their first planned DLC, The Dark Below (Dec 9th). We wanted to look back and discuss the highs and lows of the massively ambitious MMOFPS.
As of writing this, I have poured over 50 hours killing Hive, Dregs, Knights, and Templars. I've raided the Vault twice. I've played hundreds of games and looted caves, stairs, farmed some materials and participated in nightly and weekly strikes. I've done this with current friends and have met new ones along the way. I've danced in the tower, danced on top of an enemy and rode my sparrow across the large maps in search of chests, and chasing bounties for XP. My cohorts have put in over 400 hours, and have created my first online Clan via Bungie's website. I have never spent this much time on a single game and still just need to play each night.
Destiny is not perfect. There's limited planets to explore (Earth, the Moon, Mars, Venus) and some repetitive areas. There's limited loot (compared to a title like Diablo, or World of Warcraft); but those games have been around for years amassing a legacy to build upon. I think Destiny is getting there. It's self-proclaimed "10-year plan" I'm assuming will continue to build on the foundation that is Destiny.
The missions and bounties are somewhat repetitive, no doubt. A lot of the game is lather, rinse, repeat. There are glimpses of greatness found in pushing yourself as a player to try the weekly nightfall on level 28, with all the (non) perks to make it more challenging (juggler, angry, void burn, etc), or taking on the Vault of Glass with 5 others forcing you to find a rhythm and work together to defeat Atheon. All the while hoping the gear you covet most drops so you can finally make it to level 30.
As I spend the next two weeks hoping to hit 30 before the DLC, I am encouraged by the community, and the overall approachfulness of those who are still at it, day after day. I for one am looking forward to many more long nights. Hopefully, we'll be able to bring you a review of the DLC shortly after it launches. Stay tuned for more.
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