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CRITIK

Destiny 2: Forsaken

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Destiny 2: Forsaken
Item: Destiny 2: Forsaken
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Shooter, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 4, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperBungie Software, Bungie

Overview

Take justice into your own hands as you venture into a new frontier filled with enemies, allies, untold mysteries, and treasures waiting to be uncovered.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Destiny 2: Forsaken are varied, with many praising the expansion for its darker and more engaging narrative. Critics like TheXboxHub, Gameblog.fr, and Areajugones highlight the emotional depth and compelling revenge story centered around the death of Cayde-6, which adds a personal touch to the events. The introduction of new enemies and locations, such as the Scorn and Tangled Shore, is also commended for enhancing the storytelling experience. Additionally, reviewers like Game Informer and Twinfinite appreciate the classic Western vibe and sophisticated narrative that Forsaken offers, with excellent story missions and impactful character deaths setting the stage for future content. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the story of Forsaken. GameGrin, ZTGD, and Windows Central criticize the weak narrative development, lack of emotional impact, and confusing elements in the storyline. The underwhelming final boss fight and the introduction of complex mechanics like the Dreaming City are also mentioned as drawbacks by Slant Magazine and GamingTrend. Furthermore, Push Square finds the suggestion that players may be portrayed as the bad guys as a tired and lazy trope that detracts from the overall narrative quality. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the story in Destiny 2: Forsaken. While there are criticisms regarding certain aspects like narrative depth and pacing, the majority of reviewers appreciate the expansion for its darker tone, engaging revenge plot, and impactful character deaths. The storytelling is praised for its emotional depth, compelling arcs, and the way it sets up future subplots within the Destiny universe. Despite some mixed opinions on specific elements, the general sentiment is that Forsaken delivers a satisfying and immersive narrative experience that stands out as one of the best in the Destiny series, as noted by critics like GameSpace and GamesRadar++.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Destiny 2: Forsaken, with some praising its dark narrative, emotional depth, and compelling revenge story, while others criticize its weak narrative development and confusing elements. Despite some drawbacks, the majority of reviewers appreciate the expansion for its engaging plot, impactful character deaths, and setting up future subplots in the Destiny universe. Overall, Forsaken delivers a satisfying and immersive storytelling experience, making it one of the best in the series according to critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Destiny 2: Forsaken, highlighting various positive aspects. GameSpot commended the strong shooting mechanics and the introduction of new weapons and armor that kept players engaged. MMORPG.com appreciated the clear progression system at the end game, including bounties, strikes, and lost sectors, with excellent narrative design. Twinfinite noted gameplay improvements such as faster supers recharge, new content like Gambit, and changes to weapon loadouts, enhancing the overall experience. The addition of Gambit mode was a standout feature across multiple reviews, with Vandal describing it as a fresh and strategic multiplayer mode, and TheSixthAxis mentioning it as a welcome addition that blends PvE and PvP elements. On the other hand, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Destiny 2: Forsaken. GamesRadar++ mentioned that while Forsaken introduced new Patrol Zones and a challenging Raid, aspects like bounties and public events needed improvement. The Games Machine highlighted that while the expansion introduced new mechanics and changes to the inventory system, there were still areas that could be further enhanced. Additionally, Game Informer mentioned that the power progression in the game might be slow for some players, and the need to run back and forth between vendors could be frustrating. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Destiny 2: Forsaken. Critics appreciated the engaging boss fights, diverse missions, and the introduction of new gameplay elements like the Combat Bow and revamped weapon slots. The addition of the Gambit mode was widely praised for its balance, teamwork mechanics, and overall enjoyable experience. The game's ability to blend PvE and PvP elements seamlessly was a major highlight for many reviewers. Despite some minor criticisms regarding certain aspects of the gameplay, the majority of critics found Forsaken to be a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience, with a significant improvement over previous iterations of Destiny.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Destiny 2: Forsaken gameplay, praising strong shooting mechanics, new weapons, and engaging activities like Gambit. While some mention areas for improvement like slow power progression, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its boss fights, diverse missions, and seamless blend of PvE and PvP elements, making it a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics have unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny 2: Forsaken, highlighting various positive aspects. COGconnected commends the new locale, The Shore, for its heavily populated and war zone-like aesthetic, as well as the sleek and badass new gear. GameSpot, Gameblog.fr, and Multiplayer.it all emphasize the gorgeous areas of The Tangled Shore and The Dreaming City, with sparkling crystal structures and visually appealing designs. Gaming Age and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the consistently high-quality art direction, visually stunning new areas, enemies, and skyboxes, while Impulsegamer and Twinfinite specifically mention the amazing designs of The Tangled Shore and The Dreaming City. On the flip side, a few critics did point out some potential negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny 2: Forsaken. Digitally Downloaded notes that The Tangled Shore is visually bland, while Windows Central mentions that it is not the best-looking area compared to The Dreaming City. XGN also states that The Tangled Shore, while visually appealing, is not the most stunning location in Destiny 2. However, these criticisms seem to be minor in comparison to the overwhelming positive feedback from the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny 2: Forsaken. Critics such as GamesRadar++, PC Gamer, and Softpedia praise the game for its stunning visuals, immersive environments, intricate details, captivating soundtracks, and unique boss battles. TheXboxHub highlights the enhanced visuals on the Xbox One X, while MMORPG.com appreciates the remarkable atmosphere created by the game. The general sentiment is that Destiny 2: Forsaken excels in character design, environment aesthetics, weapon variety, and overall aesthetic appeal, keeping players engaged and immersed for extended periods. The positive feedback from the majority of critics solidifies the game's reputation as one of the best-looking shooters with visually stunning and evocative locations, making it a visually impressive and rewarding experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Destiny 2: Forsaken for its stunning graphics and visual design, highlighting the gorgeous locales like The Shore, The Tangled Shore, and The Dreaming City, along with sleek new gear. While some critics find The Tangled Shore visually bland, the consensus remains highly positive, with reviewers lauding the game for its immersive environments, intricate details, captivating soundtracks, and engaging boss battles. Destiny 2: Forsaken is hailed as one of the best-looking shooters, offering visually stunning and evocative locations that provide a visually impressive and rewarding experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Destiny 2: Forsaken, highlighting various positive aspects. Impulsegamer commended the emotional performances and fantastic audio score that covers the entire expansion, while CGMagazine specifically mentioned the orchestral soundtracks and the rewards program tied to triumphs offering a digital version of the soundtracks. PC Gamer also lauded the captivating soundtrack of the Dreaming City, enhancing the immersive experience of the game. TheXboxHub highlighted the voice acting, especially Nathan Fillion's performance as Cayde-6, adding emotional weight to the story, with the sound design enhancing the gameplay experience. Vandal, both on PS4 and PC, appreciated the soundtrack featuring new compositions and remixes of classic Destiny themes, contributing to the epic feel of the gameplay. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were some critics who felt that the reviews lacked in-depth analysis of the sound design and music. God is a Geek mentioned that the review did not delve into these aspects in detail, indicating a potential oversight in providing a comprehensive assessment. While the general sentiment towards the sound design and music was highly positive, a more thorough exploration of these elements could have added depth to the critiques. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly in favor of the Sound Design and Music of Destiny 2: Forsaken. The epic soundscape, emotional performances, captivating soundtrack, and the incorporation of new compositions and remixes of classic Destiny themes were widely appreciated. The combination of these elements not only enhanced the gameplay experience but also contributed significantly to the overall atmosphere and immersion of the game. The positive feedback from multiple reviewers underscores the success of Bungie in creating a compelling auditory experience that resonated with players across different platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Destiny 2: Forsaken's Sound Design and Music, praising emotional performances, captivating soundtrack, and epic soundscapes. While some critics felt reviews lacked depth, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Bungie's success in creating a compelling auditory experience shines through, enhancing gameplay and immersing players in the world of Destiny 2.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Destiny 2: Forsaken has received predominantly positive feedback from critics. God is a Geek and Impulsegamer both praise the voice acting, with specific mention of Nolan North's portrayal of Cayde-6 as brilliant. The emotional performances of other characters are also highlighted as strong points, contributing to the overall immersive experience. TheXboxHub specifically points out Nathan Fillion's delivery of Cayde-6 as a standout performance that enhances the emotional impact of the story. GameSpace also commends the dialog delivery in Forsaken as excellent, indicating a general consensus among critics regarding the quality of voice acting in the game. On the other hand, Digitally Downloaded raises a concern about the replacement of Cayde-6's voice actor with Nolan North. They note that the voicework may be off enough to potentially impact the player's connection with the character. Slant Magazine also mentions the substitution of Nolan North for Nathan Fillion as the voice actor for Cayde-6, which could be seen as a negative aspect for fans of the original voice actor. This discrepancy in voice actors seems to have divided opinions among critics, with some expressing reservations about the change affecting the player's immersion and connection with the characters. Overall, despite some mixed opinions regarding the replacement of voice actors, the general consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Destiny 2: Forsaken is commendable. The emotional performances, particularly Nolan North's portrayal of Cayde-6, are highlighted as strong points that enhance the storytelling and immersive experience of the game. While there are concerns raised by some critics about the impact of the voice actor change on player connection, the overall positive reception towards the voice acting indicates that it is a significant aspect that contributes positively to the overall enjoyment of Destiny 2: Forsaken.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Destiny 2: Forsaken's voice acting, especially Nolan North's portrayal of Cayde-6, for its emotional performances and immersive experience. Some critics express concerns over the replacement of voice actors, but overall, the general consensus is that the voice acting enhances the storytelling and enjoyment of the game.

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Destiny 2: Forsaken are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for offering a wealth of end-game content and daily incentives for players to return. Areajugones highlights the enhanced narrative and daily rewards, while Game Informer mentions the evolving gameplay landscape triggered by completing the Last Wish raid, adding to the replay value. GameSpot and GameGrin also commend the game for providing fresh content and meaningful ways to earn and enjoy the game, making it highly replayable. The addition of new activities, lore, weapons, and materials to obtain and upgrade is noted by Critical Hit, further enhancing the replay value. On the downside, some critics point out certain aspects that may hinder the overall replay value of Destiny 2: Forsaken. Atomix mentions the high price of the expansion as a drawback, which may deter some players from fully engaging with the content. GamesRadar++ notes demotivating aspects like the drop rate of Exotics and repetitive farming, which can make progression beyond a certain point feel tedious. Hardcore Gamer brings attention to the presence of microtransactions that still hold many items hostage behind the system, potentially impacting the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Destiny 2: Forsaken offers a compelling and engaging experience with a high level of replay value. The game is praised for its abundance of content, new activities, and systems that keep players invested in the world of Destiny. The introduction of new modes like Gambit, the Triumphs system, and the challenging Last Wish raid are highlighted as key features that contribute to the game's replayability. Despite some minor drawbacks such as pricing concerns and repetitive farming, the majority of critics agree that Forsaken provides a satisfying and worthwhile experience for both casual and hardcore players alike, ensuring that there is always something new to discover and enjoy in the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics love Destiny 2: Forsaken for its rich end-game content, daily rewards, and evolving gameplay, making it highly replayable. Some drawbacks include the high price of the expansion, demotivating aspects like drop rates, and lingering microtransactions. Overall, critics agree that Forsaken offers a compelling experience with plenty of content and new activities, appealing to both casual and hardcore players, despite some minor flaws.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics have praised Destiny 2: Forsaken for its significant improvements and revitalization of the game. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the engaging campaign, diverse gameplay experiences, compelling narrative, and the addition of new content such as the Gambit mode. Critics like Push Square and COGconnected commend the expansion for breathing new life into the overall Destiny 2 experience and providing emotionally-charged storytelling alongside challenging combat. GameSpot and PCGamesN also appreciate the game's strong foundation of accessible activities and improved gameplay mechanics, with PC Gamer noting the wealth of content that keeps players invested. TheXboxHub and Everyeye.it both emphasize how Forsaken reignites interest in the game and offers a more rewarding experience, making it a worthwhile journey for both new and returning players. On the downside, some critics have pointed out certain flaws in Destiny 2: Forsaken. Slant Magazine criticizes the game for not catering enough to casual fans and creating a community where only the most devoted players are satisfied, suggesting a lack of direction from Bungie. Hardcore Gamer and Atomix express disappointment with the microtransactions and the cost associated with previous DLCs, which may hinder the overall experience for some players. Additionally, GamingTrend highlights weaknesses such as a weak campaign finale and limited collections tab, while Metro GameCentral mentions the high price point of the expansion as a concern for what it offers. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Forsaken has successfully addressed many of the issues from the past and set a strong foundation for the future of the franchise. In conclusion, the general consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Destiny 2: Forsaken, with the majority praising it as a significant improvement and a much-needed reset for the game. The expansion is lauded for its engaging content, compelling narrative, and the overall revitalization it brings to the Destiny 2 experience. Critics like Giant Bomb and Multiplayer.it highlight the dramatic improvements in loot and character progression, while MMORPG.com and DualShockers appreciate the blend of PvP and PvE experiences in the Gambit mode. Despite some minor imperfections and concerns raised by a few reviewers, the overall verdict is that Forsaken has successfully won back favor for Bungie and offers a promising future for the game, making it a highly recommended expansion for both dedicated and new players alike.

TL;DR

Critics love Destiny 2: Forsaken for its game-changing improvements like engaging gameplay, compelling story, and new content. Some critics criticize microtransactions and high costs, but overall, the expansion is hailed as a must-play for both new and returning players, setting a strong foundation for the future of the franchise.

CRITIK

Reviews

116 reviews found

MMORPG.com

Sep 17, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken is a truly satisfying experience, with excellent narrative direction, atmosphere, and options for progression. It has a few minor imperfections, but overall delivers a remarkable experience.

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken is a deep and mysterious expansion that offers a vast and compelling experience for dedicated players. However, less dedicated players may miss out on some of the best content. It has the potential to draw lapsed players back into the game.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Sep 20, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken is a great expansion that brings the game back to glory. It offers a full-fledged story campaign, new content, and improvements to the overall experience. It is recommended for both new and returning players.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken is considered the best expansion in the series to-date, combining the best elements of Destiny 1 and Destiny 2 to create a game that reinvigorates the series and sets a high bar for future content.

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Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken successfully revitalizes the game with a compelling narrative, engaging gameplay additions, and quality content, setting a strong foundation for the future of the franchise.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Sep 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Destiny 2: Forsaken a score of 9/10 and praises the amount of content, the story, the new environments, the challenging raid, and the fun Gambit mode. The only downside mentioned is the grindiness of the game.

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Attack of the Fanboy

Xbox One

Sep 7, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Forsaken Expansion and the updates to Destiny 2 have made the game feel fresh again, with a more complete and comprehensive experience. Players are having fun with the game and there is more content than ever to explore.

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GameSpace

Sep 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer states that Forsaken is awesome and provides a positive review of the expansion.

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DualShockers

Xbox One

Sep 24, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Destiny 2: Forsaken is Destiny at its best, with many loved systems from the original returning and features from Destiny 2 being refined. The game has a perfect blend of PvP and PvE in the Gambit mode.

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Worth Playing

PlayStation 4

Sep 17, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Destiny 2: Forsaken a score of 9.0/10 and praises it as a true lifesaver that has shifted the reviewer's interest into overdrive. It states that the game is well worth the time and energy, but mentions that the requirement to purchase all prior DLC may be a turnoff for some newcomers.

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