CRITIK

Destiny: The Taken King

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Destiny: The Taken King
Item: Destiny: The Taken King
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

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

AvailableSep 15, 2015

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBungie

Overview

Destiny: The Taken King - Legendary Edition is perfect for new and existing Guardians that are ready to jump into the Destiny universe or continue to carve their legend in the stars. The Legendary Edition features the complete Destiny experience including The Taken King, the next evolution in the Destiny universe, Destiny, Expansion I: The Dark Below and Expansion II: House of Wolves. Unite with 20 million Guardians in the fight to defeat Earth's enemies, reclaim all that we have lost, and Become Legend.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of several videogame reviewers regarding the Story of Destiny: The Taken King are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as ActionTrip, Arcade Sushi, and AusGamers praise the improved storytelling, engaging characters, and better narrative approach. They highlight the introduction of new cutscenes, well-developed characters, and a more cohesive storyline that adds depth and immersion to the game. Additionally, reviewers like Game Informer and Game Revolution appreciate the clear objectives, expanding mythology, and renewed focus on narrative, making the story more coherent and enjoyable for players. On the other hand, some critics, like CGMagazine and DarkStation, express more negative views on the story of Destiny: The Taken King. CGMagazine criticizes the unengaging and disconnected nature of the story, while DarkStation points out that most narrative elements are hidden in the Grimoire, leading to a lack of in-game storytelling. Despite the inclusion of pre-rendered cutscenes that add excitement to the missions, the overall narrative experience falls short for these reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side, with many acknowledging the significant improvements in the storytelling of Destiny: The Taken King compared to the base game. Reviewers such as GameSpot, IGN, and InsideGamer.nl commend the compelling narrative, engaging cutscenes, and well-developed characters that enhance the player experience. While there are differing opinions on certain aspects of the story, the general sentiment is that The Taken King succeeds in delivering a more immersive and enjoyable storyline for players, addressing previous criticisms and setting a higher standard for storytelling in the Destiny universe.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Destiny: The Taken King's revamped storytelling with improved characters, cutscenes, and narrative depth, earning praise from top reviewers. However, some critics find the story lacking in engagement and in-game depth, despite exciting cutscenes. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers applauding the game's immersive and cohesive narrative, setting a new standard for storytelling in the Destiny universe.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Destiny: The Taken King for its various positive aspects. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Game Informer highlighted the solid core shooter mechanics, with the former mentioning the introduction of new enemy types and abilities, and the latter praising the spot-on first-person controls and seamless multiplayer experience. Additionally, critics such as Game Revolution and Push Square appreciated the improvements in leveling up systems, faster progression, and engaging co-op experiences through strikes and raids. The addition of new subclasses, challenging bosses, and diverse gameplay elements like platforming and puzzles, as mentioned by Gaming Age and Hobby Consolas, further enhanced the overall gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Destiny: The Taken King. CGMagazine criticized the missions for feeling repetitive and disconnected, lacking an immersive experience. Softpedia mentioned questionable design choices and frustrating elements in some areas, impacting the overall attractiveness of the gameplay. Slant Magazine also noted recycled mechanics from previous raids, which may have hindered the freshness of the gameplay for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Destiny: The Taken King. The game was commended for its diverse and interesting missions, challenging boss fights, improved leveling systems, engaging co-op experiences, and the introduction of new subclasses and mechanics. Critics like IGN and GameTrailers highlighted the distinct attack styles, teamwork elements, and enjoyable gameplay modes, contributing to a more dynamic and versatile combat experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetitiveness and questionable design choices, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be very good, offering a satisfying and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics widely praised Destiny: The Taken King for its solid core shooter mechanics, diverse missions, engaging co-op experiences, and improved leveling systems. While some critics mentioned repetitive missions and recycled mechanics, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive towards the game's gameplay. It offers challenging boss fights, new subclasses, and enjoyable gameplay modes that enhance the combat experience, making it a satisfying and immersive experience for players.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

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: The Taken King are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as ActionTrip, Attack of the Fanboy, and CGMagazine praise the game for its beautiful visuals, expansive areas, and impressive skyboxes. They highlight the gorgeous surroundings, awesome character designs, and high-quality new locations in the expansion. Additionally, critics like EGM and Gaming Age commend Bungie's art design for creating a visually stunning experience with dramatic lighting, skyboxes, set-pieces, and effects. The introduction of new locations like The Dreadnaught is particularly lauded for offering a sense of freedom, different perspectives, and enhancing the overall spectacle of the game. On the flip side, some critics express more reserved opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny: The Taken King. Critics like Hardcore Gamer note that the visual design remains largely unchanged from the original Destiny, with only minor improvements. They mention that while the presentation is adequate, there is not a significant leap in visual quality compared to the base game. Additionally, Arcade Sushi's brief mention of improved graphics without much detail suggests a lack of in-depth analysis on the visual design aspects of the game. This indicates a potential lack of innovation or groundbreaking advancements in the graphics department for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side when it comes to the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny: The Taken King. The majority of reviewers appreciate the game's stunning visuals, expansive environments, and attention to detail in design elements. Critics like GameSpot and Hobby Consolas highlight the impressive scale, clever level designs, and immersive locations that enhance the gameplay experience. While there are some mentions of the visual design remaining relatively unchanged or lacking significant improvements, the overall sentiment is that Destiny: The Taken King succeeds in delivering a visually captivating and engaging experience for players, with the introduction of new locations and enemy designs adding variety and freshness to the game world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Destiny: The Taken King for its stunning graphics, expansive environments, and impressive visual design, with highlights on beautiful surroundings, awesome character designs, and high-quality new locations. Some critics mention minor improvements and lack of groundbreaking advancements compared to the original game, but overall, reviewers appreciate the visually captivating and immersive experience that the expansion offers.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

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: The Taken King. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the superb score, excellent voice acting performances, and how the music effectively sets the tone for the gameplay. Critics like ActionTrip, CGMagazine, and InsideGamer.nl specifically mentioned the outstanding voice acting, with Nathan Fillion and Nolan North receiving praise for their performances as Cayde-6 and the Ghost, respectively. The immersive and captivating music was also noted by InsideGamer.nl as enhancing the storytelling and creating a more engaging atmosphere for players. Additionally, Gaming Age and Hardcore Gamer commended the quality soundtrack and effects for effectively setting the mood throughout the campaign and Strikes. On the other hand, some critics pointed out a few negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Taken King. ZTGD mentioned audio cues not triggering properly and experiencing crashes, which could potentially disrupt the overall gaming experience. Arcade Sushi noted that while the Ghost being voiced by Nolan North was an improvement, there was a lack of detailed analysis on the sound design and music. Furthermore, Softpedia mentioned that while the voice acting was better overall, there was not as much dialogue from Nolan North as the Ghost in this expansion, which could be seen as a drawback for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Destiny: The Taken King. The combination of a superb score, excellent voice acting performances, and immersive music contributed to enhancing the gameplay experience and storytelling. Critics like GameSpot and USgamer highlighted how the sound design and voice acting added charm, personality, and humor to the characters, making the cut scenes and dialog more engaging. While there were a few minor issues mentioned by some critics, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of The Taken King played a significant role in elevating the overall quality of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud Destiny: The Taken King's Sound Design and Music, praising the superb score, stellar voice acting, and immersive music that sets the tone for gameplay. Positive mentions go to Nathan Fillion and Nolan North for outstanding performances. Some critics noted issues like audio cues not triggering and lack of detailed analysis, but overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting how the sound design and music enhance gameplay and storytelling, adding charm, personality, and humor to characters.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Destiny: The Taken King has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the standout performances of Nathan Fillion as Cayde-6 and Nolan North as the Ghost. ActionTrip praised Fillion's performance as a refreshing change to the storytelling approach, while AusGamers and Dealspwn commended the professional delivery of the quests by Fillion. GameSpot specifically mentioned how Nolan North's portrayal added depth to the characters and storytelling, with Game Informer noting that the characters now have more substance when they speak. On the flip side, some critics had mixed feelings about the voice acting in Destiny: The Taken King. Arcade Sushi mentioned that the lines of dialogue from the base game and previous DLCs were hit or miss, even with the new voice actor for the Ghost. GameTrailers pointed out that while Nolan North did a commendable job as the Ghost, the robotic delivery made it hard to fully invest in the character. Additionally, GamePro Germany did not provide a specific evaluation of the voice acting for the Ghost companion, leaving some aspects of the performance unaddressed. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive side when it comes to the voice acting in Destiny: The Taken King. Critics like EGM, GRYOnline.pl, and Push Square highlighted how the voice performances, especially those of Fillion and North, added depth, emotion, and personality to the characters, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the game. The improved voice acting was seen as a significant factor in elevating the storytelling and player engagement. While there were a few criticisms regarding certain aspects of the voice acting, the general sentiment is that the voice performances contributed positively to the overall quality of the game, with Nathan Fillion's portrayal of Cayde-6 being a standout favorite among many reviewers.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about Nathan Fillion and Nolan North's stellar voice acting in Destiny: The Taken King, praising their performances for adding depth and personality to the characters. Despite some mixed opinions on previous voice work, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting enhancing the game's storytelling and immersive experience.

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics found the replay value of Destiny: The Taken King to be very good, highlighting several positive aspects. ActionTrip praised the game for offering more rewarding end-game content and a simplified economy, making the grind for loot feel more satisfying. Many critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Cheat Code Central, appreciated the abundance of new content, including missions, strikes, challenges, and the addition of new subclasses, which added to the game's replayability. Critics like DarkStation and Slant Magazine noted the presence of hidden content, puzzles, and new modes like the PvP Crucible, providing players with more paths to earn rare gear and enhancing the overall replay value. Additionally, the introduction of new activities like Court of Oryx and the King's Fall raid, as mentioned by Twinfinite, contributed to sustaining player engagement over time. On the downside, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could impact the replay value of Destiny: The Taken King. Arcade Sushi mentioned roadblocks built to slow progression, which may deter some players from engaging in repeated plays. CGMagazine and GameSpot highlighted the repetitive nature of grinding for loot, which could lead to quests and activities feeling monotonous over time. Softpedia also mentioned the lack of matchmaking for raids as a potential drawback for players without enough friends to play with, potentially limiting their ability to fully experience the end-game content. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Destiny: The Taken King. Critics like Hobby Consolas and USgamer appreciated the significant amount of content, engaging activities, and improved progression systems that kept players coming back for more. The addition of new strikes, multiplayer modes, maps, and the King's Fall raid were widely praised for providing players with ample reasons to revisit the game, as noted by Gaming Nexus and Telegraph. Despite some concerns about potential roadblocks and repetitive gameplay, the majority of critics found the game to offer a wealth of content and engaging experiences that significantly enhanced its replay value, making it a worthwhile expansion for both new and veteran players alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud Destiny: The Taken King for its exceptional replay value, citing rewarding end-game content, new missions, and activities like Court of Oryx and King's Fall raid. The game's simplified economy and addition of new subclasses also enhance replayability. However, some critics mention potential drawbacks such as progression roadblocks and repetitive loot grinding. Overall, the majority of critics praise the game for its wealth of content and engaging experiences, making it a must-play expansion for all players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised Destiny: The Taken King for its significant improvements over the base game, with many highlighting the well-structured missions, challenging boss fights, and more rewarding end game content. Critics like Game Informer and GameSpot commended the game for revitalizing the Destiny experience with compelling narratives, dynamic gameplay, and improved systems. The addition of new features, fresh content, and a renewed focus on narrative, as mentioned by Dealspwn and GamePro Germany, contributed to making The Taken King a highly enjoyable and worthwhile expansion. IGN also noted the fun campaign, rewarding loot system, and impressive raid as standout features that made the game more enjoyable. On the downside, some critics pointed out lingering issues and areas for improvement in Destiny: The Taken King. CGMagazine's lukewarm response, describing the game as 'meh' and getting bored quickly, suggests that the game may not have resonated with all players. Softpedia mentioned frustrating elements and the lack of raid matchmaking as drawbacks that hindered the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment among reviewers is that The Taken King addressed many of the shortcomings of the original game and previous DLC packs, making it a worthwhile investment. Hardcore Gamer highlighted the improvements in story, gameplay, and content that made it appealing to both existing players and those who may have been disillusioned with Destiny in the past. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the overall verdict of Destiny: The Taken King. The game is praised for being a significant step forward, a grand revisionist move, and a substantial improvement over the base game. Critics like IGN Spain and Gamestyle appreciated the game's ability to address previous issues and offer a more immersive and engaging experience. The Taken King is seen as a must-have expansion that showcases Destiny's full potential, with critics like Gaming Nexus and Twinfinite highlighting its strengths in improving endgame content, gunplay, and overall charisma. The game's success in fixing past issues, delivering fresh content, and breathing new life into the experience has solidified its position as a highly recommended addition to the Destiny franchise, as echoed by critics like Gaming Age and USgamer.

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praised Destiny: The Taken King for its vast improvements, including well-structured missions, challenging boss fights, and rewarding end game content. The expansion revitalized the Destiny experience with compelling narratives, dynamic gameplay, and improved systems. Despite some criticisms about lingering issues and lack of raid matchmaking, reviewers agree that The Taken King is a significant step forward and a must-have expansion that showcases Destiny's full potential. Overall, critics highly recommend The Taken King as a game-changer for the franchise.

CRITIK

Reviews

120 reviews found

100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Oct 2, 2015

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

The Taken King is a big success that improves the game and points the way forward for Destiny.

Read full review

Post Arcade (National Post)

PlayStation 4

Oct 19, 2015

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

Destiny: The Taken King is praised for fixing the game and making it more palatable for a larger audience. The reviewer hopes that Bungie will continue with big and bold ideas in the future.

ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Oct 9, 2015

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

The review states that The Taken King is an excellent start to Destiny's second year and that it surpasses the previous expansions in quantity and quality of content.

Read full review

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 9, 2015

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

Destiny: The Taken King is recommended as a 'definitely buy' based on the improvements in story, gameplay, visuals, and overall experience, with a commitment from Bungie to continuously enhance the game.

Read full review

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Sep 23, 2015

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

The Taken King is a grand revisionist move by Bungie, offering a fun new story, plenty of content, and an outstanding new raid.

Gamestyle

PlayStation 4

Sep 22, 2015

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

The Taken King is an improvement over the original Destiny and has given the game the boost it needed.

IGN

PlayStation 4

Sep 24, 2015

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

The Taken King is a shot in the arm that Destiny needed, with a fun campaign, rewarding loot system, and impressive raid. It is a much better game with plenty of changes that make it more enjoyable.

Read full review

AusGamers

PlayStation 4

Sep 21, 2015

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

Bungie has delivered a helluva final act to what's been a very surprising, highly purchasable rethink of this wayward franchise.

Read full review

Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Sep 15, 2015

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

Destiny: The Taken King improves upon the original game with its new content and improvements to gameplay systems, making it a worthwhile experience.

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Sep 23, 2015

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

The Taken King is a solid package offering several more hours of fun, engaging new gameplay. It is a worthwhile purchase for returning players seeking more content with better execution, and new players diving into the franchise for the first time.

Read full review