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Darksiders Genesis

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Darksiders Genesis
Item: Darksiders Genesis
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableDec 5, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperAirship Syndicate Entertainment

Overview

In this Action RPG spin-off, the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse Strife is called upon to save humankind from certain destruction at the hands of Lucifer. True to its roots, Darksiders Genesis will feature intense combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, epic boss battles and serpent holes from heaven to hell. The game marks the first, full-scale Darksiders adventure played from the top-down perspective.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

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 Darksiders Genesis are quite varied. Some critics, such as Twinfinite, Impulsegamer, and Gaming Age, found the story to be compelling and enjoyable. They appreciated the prequel aspect of the game, which provided new insights into the Darksiders universe and the development of the characters. The banter between the two main characters, War and Strife, was also highlighted as entertaining by The Indie Game Website and Cubed3. These positive aspects of the story added depth to the game and kept players engaged. However, there were also critics who expressed negative opinions about the story. Xbox Achievements, CGMagazine, Push Square, and Game Informer all found the story to be lackluster or uninteresting. They felt that the narrative was either retreaded ground or served as a mere backdrop for gameplay. Nintendo Insider criticized the focus on the past and the lack of weight in the tale being told. Cultured Vultures even described the dialogue as cheesy and the voice acting as cringe-inducing. These criticisms indicate that the story may not have resonated with all players and may have lacked the depth and originality found in the previous Darksiders games. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While some critics appreciated the compelling storyline, character development, and prequel aspect of Darksiders Genesis, others found the story to be uninteresting, lacking in presentation, or predictable. The opinions of Softpedia and Digitally Downloaded highlight the positive aspects of the story, while The Sydney Morning Herald and PlayStation Country mention the enjoyable partnership between the two main characters. On the other hand, critics like Windows Central and Cultured Vultures express negative sentiments towards the convoluted and predictable nature of the story. Despite the mixed opinions, it can be concluded that the story of Darksiders Genesis has both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving it up to individual players to decide whether it meets their expectations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story of Darksiders Genesis. Some praise its depth, character development, and entertaining banter between War and Strife, while others find it lackluster, predictable, and cheesy. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some highlighting positive aspects and others criticizing its lack of originality. Players will need to decide for themselves if the story lives up to expectations.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Darksiders Genesis are varied. There are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Twinfinite praises the game for striking an excellent balance between combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving. Stevivor describes the gameplay as fun and Diablo-like, with the ability to switch between characters and perform combos. Cheat Code Central commends the game for its hack-and-slash action-adventure gameplay, featuring a neat balance of characters and a co-op element. GameGrin mentions that the combat is varied and satisfying, similar to a twin-stick shooter. Cubed3 appreciates the fast and smooth combat, with two playable characters, War and Strife, who bring something unique to the table. The move lists for both characters are also praised for being robust and versatile. Digital Chumps and Softpedia highlight the fast-paced combat with unique abilities for each character. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the gameplay of Darksiders Genesis. Xbox Achievements criticizes the frustrating platforming sections and the lack of depth and evolution in the combat. CGMagazine agrees with the lack of depth in combat and mentions that the isometric viewpoint makes platforming difficult. Push Square criticizes the unreliable camera and top-down perspective, which hinders the experience of puzzles and platforming. Impulsegamer finds the combat boring with not enough variety between characters, and the level design is poorly laid out. Video Chums mentions that while the gameplay can be enjoyable, it becomes repetitive after a few hours, with combat lacking variation and puzzles being easy and tedious. Overall, the critics' consensus on the gameplay of Darksiders Genesis is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the balance between combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, the fun and varied combat, and the unique abilities of each character, there are also negative points raised, including frustrating platforming sections, lack of depth in combat, and repetitive gameplay. Some critics, such as Twinfinite, Stevivor, and Cheat Code Central, have a more positive outlook on the gameplay, while others, such as Xbox Achievements, Push Square, and Impulsegamer, have more critical opinions. It is important for players to consider these varying perspectives when deciding whether to engage with the game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Darksiders Genesis gameplay. Positive feedback includes praise for balanced combat, fun Diablo-like gameplay, and unique character abilities. However, negatives like frustrating platforming, lack of combat depth, and repetitive gameplay are also highlighted. Some critics are positive, while others are critical. Players should weigh these perspectives before diving into the game.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

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 Darksiders Genesis are mixed, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as The Indie Game Website and Digital Chumps, praise the game's visuals, describing them as great, diverse, and well-done. They appreciate the detailed environments, vibrant colors, and unique art style that fits well with the rest of the Darksiders series. The Sydney Morning Herald also commends the game's art style, mentioning the presence of hypercolor muscles, skulls, and lava, which are characteristic of Joe Madureira's comic design. The stages are described as lovingly-crafted, and the camera pans out cinematically to showcase the detailed world, as noted by Cultured Vultures. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Darksiders Genesis. Critics like Impulsegamer and Switch Player mention technical problems and graphical downgrades, especially on the Switch version. They point out issues such as blurry textures, frame-rate dips, and muddy visuals in handheld mode. The top-down camera angle is criticized by Stevivor and Cheat Code Central, as it can sometimes cause visibility issues and make enemies appear like a jagged mess of pixels. Game Informer and Nintendo Insider also highlight the obstructed view caused by large objects in the foreground and the zoomed-out viewpoint, which makes characters feel smaller and affects the overall action intensity. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Darksiders Genesis has a decent visual design, but it has its flaws. While the game's art style, diverse environments, and detailed levels are praised by several critics, the technical issues, camera perspective, and occasional graphical downgrades are mentioned as drawbacks. The positive aspects of the Graphics and Visual Design are acknowledged, but the negative aspects cannot be ignored. It is important for players to consider these mixed opinions and decide whether the visual aspects of the game align with their preferences.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Darksiders Genesis. Some praise the detailed environments and unique art style that fits well with the series, while others criticize technical problems and graphical downgrades, especially on the Switch version. The game's visuals are appreciated for their vibrant colors and diverse design, but issues like blurry textures and obstructed views are noted. Overall, while the visuals have strengths, there are significant drawbacks that players should consider before diving in.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Darksiders Genesis are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's original score and music, with NintendoWorldReport stating that it has some of the best acting and music in the series, and Impulsegamer mentioning that the game has terrific music and sound effects. The voice acting is also praised by several critics, with Cheat Code Central noting that the voice acting is rather good, and Switch Player specifically mentioning Liam O'Brien's performance as War. Xbox Achievements and Digital Chumps also express positive opinions about the sound design, with Xbox Achievements stating that the original score is excellent and Digital Chumps mentioning the satisfying sounds of the game, particularly Strife's charge shot. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics as well. PlayStation Country criticizes the sound design for having some awful echo effects, which could be seen as a drawback for players. Additionally, Switch Player points out that the subtitles are not synced with the voice acting, which could potentially affect the overall immersion and experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Darksiders Genesis are strong aspects of the game. The positive comments about the original score, voice acting, and sound effects highlight the immersive and enjoyable audio experience. However, the negative aspects mentioned, such as the awful echo effects and unsynced subtitles, should be taken into consideration. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics praising the sound design and music for enhancing the game's atmosphere and adding to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Darksiders Genesis for its stellar sound design and music, with standout performances in voice acting and original score. While some mention minor flaws like echo effects and unsynced subtitles, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting an immersive audio experience that enhances gameplay enjoyment.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Darksiders Genesis has received mostly positive reviews from the critics. Several reviewers, such as Cheat Code Central, Impulsegamer, GameGrin, Switch Player, Cubed3, NintendoWorldReport, Softpedia, Digitally Downloaded, Windows Central, DualShockers, and TheSixthAxis, have praised the voice acting in the game. They mention that the characters are well-voiced, with solid performances and entertaining interactions. Liam O'Brien's portrayal of War is particularly highlighted as superb by Switch Player. The banter between the main characters, especially Strife and War, is mentioned as entertaining and hilarious by The Indie Game Website, Softpedia, and Windows Central. The performances of voice actors like Phil LaMarr, Chris Jai Alex, and Troy Baker are also commended by TheSixthAxis for their top-notch characterizations and standard of performance. However, there are a few critics who have expressed some negative opinions about the voice acting in Darksiders Genesis. Game Informer states that the dialogue between the characters feels forced, and Strife's constantly jokey demeanor is off-putting. Cultured Vultures criticizes the voice acting as cheesy and cringe-inducing, with banal dialogue explicitly mentioned. These criticisms highlight some shortcomings in the voice acting performances and the overall execution of the dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Darksiders Genesis is generally good. The positive aspects of the voice acting, such as well-voiced characters who play well off each other, entertaining banter, and excellent performances, are highlighted by multiple reviewers. While there are some negative opinions regarding forced dialogue and cheesy delivery, the positive feedback outweighs the negative. The voice acting is praised for adding to the enjoyment of the story and bringing humor and levity to the game. The majority of the critics appreciate the voice acting in Darksiders Genesis and consider it a strong aspect of the game's overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Darksiders Genesis, highlighting well-voiced characters, entertaining banter, and standout performances by actors like Liam O'Brien. Some critics criticize forced dialogue and cheesy delivery, but overall, the positive feedback outweighs the negatives. The voice acting adds to the story's enjoyment, bringing humor and levity to the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance for each gaming platform, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Starting with the positives, the Xbox Achievements critic mentions that the game on Xbox One has issues with visibility, waypointing, and camera control. However, the PC version, as stated by Cultured Vultures, runs well on ultra settings with occasional technical issues like game freezes. The Windows Central critic also mentions that the game runs smoothly on PC and Stadia. Moving on to the negatives, the Switch version seems to have the most criticism regarding technical performance. CGMagazine mentions minor performance issues and lack of polish, while Impulsegamer describes the game as almost unplayable on the Switch due to resolution challenges, minuscule text, characters, and processing shortcomings. Nintendo Insider also points out issues in handheld mode with blurry visuals and occasional slowdown, recommending playing in docked mode. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport mentions low resolution in handheld mode and occasional stutters when loading new parts of the map. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Darksiders Genesis has some technical flaws across multiple platforms. The PS4 version, according to Push Square, has technical flaws including disappearing enemy models, hitches, pauses, and getting stuck in geometry. The Indie Game Website mentions occasional stutters on the PS4 version, while Critical Hit mentions issues with platforming and collision detection. Switch Player notes technical problems such as subtitles not syncing with voice acting on the Switch version. Press Start Australia highlights that console performance is stuck at 30 frames per second, and the Switch version has a lower resolution. Destructoid, on the other hand, mentions minor visual bugs on the PC version but states that they didn't impact gameplay significantly. In conclusion, while there are some positive aspects mentioned for certain gaming platforms, such as smooth performance on PC and Xbox One, the overall sentiment among the critics is that Darksiders Genesis has various technical issues across different platforms. These issues include performance problems, graphical downgrades, frame rate drops, and camera problems. The Switch version, in particular, seems to have the most significant technical shortcomings, with resolution challenges, minuscule text, and processing shortcomings. It is important for potential players to consider these technical flaws when deciding which platform to experience the game on.

TL;DR

technical performance

Darksiders Genesis receives mixed reviews on technical performance across gaming platforms. While PC and Xbox One run smoothly with occasional hiccups, the Switch version faces significant challenges like resolution issues and unplayability. PS4 also has its share of problems. Critics highlight performance, graphical downgrades, and camera issues. Consider platform wisely before diving in.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

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 Darksiders Genesis are generally positive. Many critics mention the inclusion of various features that contribute to the game's replayability. Xbox Achievements notes that the game encourages collectible hunting, while Stevivor mentions side-quests, collectibles, and the ability to replay dungeons for upgrades. The Indie Game Website states that although a single playthrough is satisfying, there are options for replaying at higher difficulties and grinding for stronger creature cores. Push Square highlights the skill tree system and Arena mode as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. Video Chums also mentions the lengthy campaign, collectibles, arena mode, and level-up system as offering a substantial amount of extras to master. Nintendo Insider praises the co-op mode and the appeal of improving characters and watching the numbers go up. Digital Chumps mentions optional side quests, rewards, and the ability to revisit areas with upgraded abilities for further exploration as contributing to the game's impressive replay value. However, there are some critics who mention certain drawbacks in terms of replayability. Cheat Code Central states that while the game has potential and some twists to its story, it lacks the same level of attention as its predecessors. GameGrin mentions that replaying earlier chapters to grind for core upgrades may feel grindy to some players. Press Start Australia mentions that the new game plus mode with a new ending may only appeal to the most hardcore fans, and that the game lacks enough content. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Darksiders Genesis offers a good amount of replay value. The inclusion of features such as collectibles, side-quests, higher difficulty options, and co-op mode are praised by multiple critics. The ability to replay levels, upgrade characters, and unlock new game variants also contribute to the game's replayability. While there are some criticisms regarding grindy elements and lack of content, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics expressing enjoyment in revisiting the game and its various features.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise the replay value of Darksiders Genesis, highlighting features like collectibles, side-quests, and higher difficulty options. Some critics mention drawbacks such as grindy elements and lack of content, but the consensus is positive. The game offers a satisfying single playthrough with options for replaying at higher difficulties and mastering various extras like the skill tree system and Arena mode. Despite some criticisms, reviewers find enjoyment in revisiting the game and its engaging features.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

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

Darksiders Genesis has received a mix of positive and negative opinions from the critics. In terms of positives, many critics praised the game for staying true to the Darksiders series and delivering a satisfying experience for fans. Twinfinite, The Indie Game Website, Cubed3, and God is a Geek all mentioned that the game feels like a true Darksiders game and should not be missed by fans of the series. They appreciated the solid action-RPG gameplay, satisfying combat mechanics, and enjoyable addition to the Darksiders lore. The game's adherence to the core gameplay design of the series was also highlighted by Cultured Vultures, who considered it an incredible game worthy of its namesake. However, there were also several negatives raised by the critics. Xbox Achievements, CGMagazine, Game Informer, and Press Start Australia expressed disappointment with the game. They mentioned issues such as forgettable gameplay, lack of differentiation from previous iterations, offbeat design, and a forgettable story. Impulsegamer specifically mentioned that the game was near unplayable on the Switch, which affected the overall experience. Some critics, like Cheat Code Central and PlayStation Country, felt that while the game had potential, it felt like corners were cut in its design and lacked variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are several positive reviews praising the game's adherence to the Darksiders series and enjoyable gameplay, there are also negative reviews highlighting issues with the story, lack of differentiation, and technical performance. However, the majority of critics recommend the game to fans of the series, with many praising its fun combat, solid execution, and enjoyable experience. The overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception, with critics like Twinfinite, The Indie Game Website, and Cubed3 highlighting the game's strengths and recommending it to fans.

TL;DR

Darksiders Genesis receives mixed reviews from critics – praised for staying true to the series with satisfying gameplay, but criticized for forgettable story and technical issues. Fans should check it out for fun combat and solid execution, but some feel corners were cut in design.

MONSTER

Reviews

192 reviews found

Windows Central

Dec 15, 2019