CRITIK

Destiny: Rise of Iron

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Destiny: Rise of Iron
Item: Destiny: Rise of Iron
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

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

AvailableSep 20, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperBungie

Overview

Destiny: Rise of Iron is the next highly anticipated expansion to the Destiny universe. It features an all new cinematic story campaign set within The Plaguelands, a brand new location on Earth. Under the command of Lord Saladin you will face a new faction of Fallen Devils, the Splicers, while unravelling the mystery of the Iron Lords. Rise of Iron features new weapons, armor, and gear, as well as a new cooperative three-player Strike, a new mode and maps for the Crucible competitive multiplayer, and an all new six-player cooperative Raid.

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)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions on the story of Destiny: Rise of Iron are quite varied among the critics. Some positive aspects highlighted include the strong narrative and characters, the focus on Lord Saladin and the Iron Lords, and the introduction of the mysterious threat of SIVA. COGconnected appreciates the strong narrative and characters, while Cheat Code Central praises the focus on Lord Saladin and the supercomputer threat. Additionally, Everyeye.it commends the immersive and nostalgic atmosphere focusing on the Iron Lords, and Impulsegamer mentions clever storytelling and cutscenes that set the scene for the expansion. On the negative side, several critics point out shortcomings in the story of Rise of Iron. EGM criticizes the plot for being simple and lacking originality, while GameSpew mentions generic storytelling and a tangential connection to the main game's arc. Slant Magazine criticizes the lack of personality and imagination in the story, and Metro GameCentral notes one-dimensional characters and recycled enemies, which they feel detract from the experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in Destiny: Rise of Iron. While some critics appreciate the expansion's focus on the Iron Lords, nostalgia, and the introduction of SIVA, others find the storytelling lacking in depth, originality, and engagement. Critics like PlayStation Universe find the story amazing but too short for the price, while Game Informer and GameCrate acknowledge the brevity of the campaign but highlight its tight and personal nature. The general sentiment seems to be that while Rise of Iron introduces some interesting elements to the Destiny universe, it falls short in terms of delivering a truly compelling and immersive narrative experience for all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Destiny: Rise of Iron's story. Positive aspects praised include strong narrative, characters, and focus on Lord Saladin and SIVA. However, critics criticize the plot for being simple, lacking originality, and featuring one-dimensional characters. While some appreciate the expansion's nostalgic atmosphere, others find the storytelling lacking depth and engagement. Overall, Rise of Iron receives a mixed reception for its narrative, with some finding it compelling but others feeling it falls short in delivering a truly immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Destiny: Rise of Iron are quite varied, with some praising the new additions and improvements while others expressing concerns about repetitiveness and lack of substantial content. Critics like COGconnected, Digital Spy, and Gameplanet highlight the positive aspects of the gameplay, mentioning addicting elements, improvements in strike design, and engaging endgame content. The addition of new activities like the Archon's Forge and the new PvP mode, Supremacy, are also well-received by critics such as Gamers' Temple and MMORPG.com. The diverse missions, memorable encounters, and engaging gunplay are appreciated by Easy Allies and God is a Geek, showcasing the strengths of the gameplay experience in Destiny: Rise of Iron. On the other hand, some critics, like GameSpot, Slant Magazine, and TrueAchievements, point out the negatives of the gameplay, emphasizing repetitiveness, a feeling of grind, and lack of substantial new content. Issues such as repetitive mission design, lack of new strikes, and tired gameplay mechanics are highlighted by critics like Gameplanet, Polygon, and ZTGD. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and PlayStation LifeStyle, also mention slow leveling and inconsistent rewards as drawbacks that hinder the overall gameplay experience in Destiny: Rise of Iron. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the gameplay of Destiny: Rise of Iron. While some critics appreciate the addicting nature of the gameplay, engaging gunplay, and new activities like the raid and PvP mode, others express concerns about repetitiveness, lack of substantial new content, and issues with leveling and rewards. Critics like Critical Hit and Twinfinite emphasize the explosive and challenging gameplay experience, while critics like GameSpot and Slant Magazine criticize the repetitive and grindy nature of the gameplay. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that Destiny: Rise of Iron offers a blend of enjoyable elements and areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Destiny: Rise of Iron gameplay. Some praise new features like Archon's Forge and engaging gunplay, while others criticize repetitive missions and lack of content. Mixed opinions highlight addicting elements but also note issues like grind and inconsistent rewards. Overall, Destiny: Rise of Iron offers both strengths and room for improvement in its gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny: Rise of Iron are varied but generally positive. Many critics praised the stunning visuals and design elements of the game. COGconnected highlighted the massive structures and impressive ships in the environments, while Easy Allies appreciated the beautiful snow-filled vistas and increased emphasis on movement. Everyeye.it, Game Informer, and Impulsegamer all commended the stunning artistic design and immersive PvE campaign, with Game Informer specifically mentioning the beautifully crafted Plaguelands zone. The visuals were also enhanced by new graphical flourishes and special effects, as noted by Gaming Age, which added to the detailed look of the game. On the flip side, some critics expressed negative opinions about the visual design of Destiny: Rise of Iron. GameSpew criticized the new patrol zone as a bunch of recycled assets covered with snow, implying that the visual design lacked creativity. Slant Magazine mentioned that the visuals were unimpressive compared to previous expansions, with only some interesting visual details in areas affected by SIVA. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer noted that the game did not offer a significant visual upgrade despite dropping last-gen platforms, with effects-heavy sections potentially causing framerate drops. We Got This Covered also found the Plaguelands location visually unimpressive. Overall, while there were some criticisms regarding recycled assets and lack of significant visual upgrades, the majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Destiny: Rise of Iron. The consensus among critics like Critical Hit, Destructoid, and God is a Geek is that the game offers visually compelling environments, such as the mystical Norse atmosphere in the Plaguelands. The detailed and intricate level design, along with the impressive graphical treats in the new areas, were highlighted as strengths of the game by Impulsegamer and Metro GameCentral. Despite some mixed opinions, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side, with the majority of critics appreciating the visual enhancements and captivating design elements in Destiny: Rise of Iron.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Destiny: Rise of Iron, but most praise its stunning visuals and design elements. Some highlight the beautiful environments and immersive PvE campaign, while others criticize recycled assets and lack of significant upgrades. Overall, critics lean towards the positive side, appreciating the captivating design elements and graphical enhancements in the game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Destiny: Rise of Iron, highlighting various positive aspects. Gameplanet commended the music for being a significant improvement from The Taken King, capturing the gravity and sense of loss present in the game's narrative. Gaming Age appreciated the epic soundtrack, noting that it motivates players to perform their best. LaPS4 found the standout soundtrack and improved narrative delivery to enhance the overall immersive experience. MMORPG.com specifically mentioned the impressive sound design, with haunting music and impactful sound effects that contribute to the game's immersion. However, there were some mixed opinions and minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Destiny: Rise of Iron. Digital Chumps did not delve deeply into the overall sound design or music but highlighted Lord Saladin's voice acting, drawing comparisons to Optimus Prime. High-Def Digest praised the music as reminiscent of superhero action movie fare but mentioned that the dialogue could come off as cheesy. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Destiny: Rise of Iron. GamingTrend appreciated the excellent soundtrack with a more hopeful tone, contrasting it with The Taken King's darker sound. XboxAddict gave the sound design a high score of 8.5 out of 10, indicating an enjoyable experience overall. The critics' collective feedback suggests that the sound design and music of Destiny: Rise of Iron greatly contribute to the immersive and engaging nature of the game, enhancing the overall gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Destiny: Rise of Iron's Sound Design and Music, praising its epic soundtrack and immersive sound effects. While some had minor criticisms, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the music and design enhancing the game's narrative and player experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Destiny: Rise of Iron, there are mixed sentiments expressed. COGconnected and XboxAddict both highlight positive aspects of the voice acting, with COGconnected praising the fitting portrayal of Lord Saladin, which enhances the storytelling, while XboxAddict appreciates how great voice acting complements the overall experience. These positive comments indicate that, for some critics, the voice acting successfully contributes to the immersive narrative of the game. On the other hand, GameSpew and Polygon present a more critical view of the voice acting in Destiny: Rise of Iron. GameSpew describes it as generic and cringe-inducing, suggesting a lack of depth or originality in the performances. Polygon also criticizes the voice acting for being less interesting compared to previous expansions, indicating a regression in the quality of voice performances. These negative assessments imply that, for these critics, the voice acting in the game falls short of expectations and fails to engage or captivate the audience effectively. Despite the differing opinions, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a somewhat underwhelming reception of the voice acting in Destiny: Rise of Iron. While there are positive remarks from COGconnected and XboxAddict regarding how the voice acting enhances the storytelling and overall experience, the criticisms from GameSpew, Polygon, and even God is a Geek suggest that the voice acting may lack depth, originality, or the same level of interest found in previous expansions. The varied perspectives indicate that while some aspects of the voice acting may be commendable, there are also notable shortcomings that prevent it from being universally praised.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Destiny: Rise of Iron. Some praise how it enhances storytelling, while others criticize it as generic and lacking depth. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting falls somewhat short of expectations, with positive and negative aspects highlighted by different reviewers.

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)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

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: Rise of Iron are quite varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. COGconnected mentions the addition of private matches adding to the replay value, while Critical Hit praises the structured levels and the Record Book detailing accomplishments as incentives for replayability. Destructoid and Digital Spy both emphasize the new quests, challenges, and Crucible modes enhancing the competitive aspect of the game, which keeps players engaged for weeks or even months. PlayStation LifeStyle also points out the planned live events and strong community support contributing to the long-term promise of Rise of Iron. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limitations of the content and potential drawbacks affecting the replay value. Easy Allies criticizes the repetitive and forgettable tasks in the game, which may hinder the overall experience for players. MMORPG.com notes that the main campaign is short, and Metro GameCentral mentions the limited new content, with most players completing the story missions quickly. EGM highlights that while the Record Book and Iron Lord Artifacts provide new gameplay styles, the lack of cosmetic options and the quick staleness of the Archon's Forge may impact long-term replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many acknowledging the additional content, new activities, and challenges introduced in Rise of Iron that contribute to the game's replay value. Critics like Game Informer and We Got This Covered appreciate the variety of choices and the new multiplayer modes that add to the longevity of the gameplay experience. While there are concerns raised by some critics about the potential repetitiveness and lack of significant new content, the general sentiment is that Destiny: Rise of Iron offers enough incentives and engaging elements to keep players invested and entertained over an extended period.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Destiny: Rise of Iron's replay value. Positive highlights include new quests, challenges, and competitive modes that keep players engaged for weeks. However, concerns about repetitive tasks and limited content may hinder the overall experience. Despite some drawbacks, the consensus leans towards the positive side, with many praising the additional content and activities that contribute to the game's replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of several videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Destiny: Rise of Iron, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Critics like COGconnected, Digital Spy, and Impulsegamer praise Rise of Iron for delivering a high-quality experience, providing enjoyable new content, and shaking up the game with impressive graphics and tweaked gameplay mechanics. These positive aspects contribute to enhancing the overall gameplay experience for existing Destiny players and are seen as a worthwhile addition to the Destiny universe. On the other hand, critics such as GameSpot, Slant Magazine, and We Got This Covered criticize Rise of Iron for feeling like a placeholder, lacking innovation, and failing to revolutionize the game. They mention issues like repetitive gameplay, recycled content, and a sense of regression compared to previous expansions like The Taken King. These negative aspects highlight the shortcomings of Rise of Iron in terms of originality, substantial fresh content, and attracting lapsed players back to the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Rise of Iron being a competent expansion that offers a mix of new content and familiar gameplay elements. While it may not reach the groundbreaking heights of The Taken King, it still manages to provide engaging experiences for dedicated Destiny fans. Critics like Twinfinite and GameCrate commend Rise of Iron for revitalizing Destiny with fun and challenging content, albeit within the game's comfort zone. However, the expansion is not without its flaws, as noted by critics like GameSpot and Slant Magazine, who point out its shortcomings in terms of lackluster storytelling, uninspired missions, and a feeling of repetitiveness. Despite these criticisms, Rise of Iron is generally recommended for current players looking for more Destiny content, with varying levels of enthusiasm from critics regarding its overall impact on the game's future and player base.

TL;DR

Destiny: Rise of Iron receives mixed reviews from critics. Some praise its high-quality experience, new content, and improved graphics, while others criticize it for feeling unoriginal and lacking innovation. Overall, the expansion offers engaging experiences for existing players but falls short of revolutionizing the game like previous expansions.

CRITIK

Reviews

114 reviews found

Digital Chumps

Xbox One

Oct 9, 2016

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

The review overall praises the expansion as a rip-roaringly good time with enough content to keep players engaged.

Game Informer

Xbox One

Oct 23, 2016

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

Rise of Iron stands strong on its own and continues to enrich the Destiny universe.

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GamingTrend

Xbox One

Sep 25, 2016

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

Destiny: Rise of Iron is an excellent addition to Bungie's open-world shooter, but is held back by a weak story and a leveling meta that requires grinding.

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Sep 29, 2016

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

Destiny: Rise of Iron delivers more of the same great gameplay with new content, weapons, armor, and items, appealing to both PvE and PvP players, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series.

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GameCrate

Xbox One

Sep 28, 2016

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

Rise of Iron may not be as robust or game-changing as The Taken King, but it still provides worthy experiences for Destiny fans. The expansion is $10 less than The Taken King, offering good value for the content provided.

Everyeye.it

PlayStation 4

Sep 28, 2016

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

Successful addition to the Destiny universe, praised as the best expansion, high-quality experience despite lacking major innovations

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Sep 29, 2016

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

Rise of Iron delivers as an expansion, offering new missions, a new social space, and enough content to keep players engaged.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Oct 3, 2016

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

Destiny Rise of Iron is a worthy addition to the Destiny universe. It shakes up the game and offers new content to draw players back. The tweaked gameplay mechanics and impressive graphics make it an enjoyable expansion, especially in co-op.

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Critical Hit

PlayStation 4

Sep 26, 2016

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

The review describes Rise of Iron as a fun and exhilarating expansion that adds new content to Destiny, but also acknowledges its lingering narrative problem and heavy reliance on nostalgia.

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Sep 28, 2016

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

Rise of Iron addresses what the Destiny fanbase wants, offering a variety of activities and improvements, but may struggle to attract new players to the game.

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