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MONSTER

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition
Item: Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 30, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperGunfire Games

Overview

A remastered version of the 2012 release, Darksiders II. Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen, embarks upon a quest to restore mankind, and redeem his brother's name. Along the way, the Horseman discovers that there are far worse things than an earthly Apocalypse, and that an ancient grudge may threaten all of Creation. Darksiders II follows the exploits of Death, one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, in an action-packed tale that runs parallel to the events in the original Darksiders game. This epic journey propels Death across an expansive gameworld as he tries to redeem his brother, War, the horseman blamed for prematurely starting the Apocalypse in Darksiders. Like the original Darksiders game before it, the second iteration of the series is primarily a hack 'n slash adventure. The game takes place across netherworld environments, including 'The White city', an outpost where angels live, and 'The Eternal Throne', a floating fortress where the Lords of the Dead stand guard over souls that need to be cleansed. Although Death is the most feared of the Four Horsemen, his physical abilities are very different than his brother, War. Death is far more nimble, and relies on a combination of melee and ranged attacks. In combat Death's primary weapon is his huge iconic scythe, with a wide range of other weapons and usable items that must be gathered as the game progresses. Weapons can be dual-wielded, upgradable armor can be acquired for protection and Death has access to his terrifying and powerful mount, Despair.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Ambitious yet flawed, Darksiders II dazzles with stylized mythos and strong voice work but falters under repetitive quests, a shallow plot, and a generic hero, leaving fans divided between its bold vision and hollow execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition receives mixed praise, particularly for its ambitious premise and atmospheric presentation. Critics like RPGamer and God is a Geek (PS5) highlight its entertaining narrative, noting that Death’s quest to clear his brother War’s name is driven by a "Great MacGuffin Hunt" that leans into the series’ bombastic design. The game’s mythological themes, such as its Christian cosmology-inspired universe (Atomix) and biblical locations (We Got This Covered), are praised for their creativity, while voice acting—especially Michael Wincott’s performance as Death—is lauded for adding dramatic weight (Cubed3). Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendo Life and Vooks, acknowledge the narrative’s ability to tie exploration and lore together, even if it relies on established lore. The story’s focus on existential themes and its over-the-top tone (Vooks) also resonate with fans of the series’ stylized approach. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for being repetitive, underdeveloped, and lacking emotional depth. GameCritics and The Digital Fix describe it as "unengaging," with a "dull script" and a "kill this, collect that" structure that fails to create investment. The narrative is often seen as derivative, with critics like Game Rant and Everyeye.it pointing out its reliance on "repetitive good vs evil themes" and an "inconclusive" plot. Many note that the story prioritizes side quests over a compelling central conflict (PlayStation Universe), leading to a sense of padding in the second half (Noisy Pixel). The protagonist, Death, is criticized for being a "generic character" (Cubed3) with little growth, while the ending’s unresolved cliffhanger (God is a Geek, XBOX ONE) and lack of narrative payoff (GameWatcher) leave players unsatisfied. Even positive reviews acknowledge that the story feels like a "time capsule" of its era (Finger Guns), highlighting its dated mechanics and pacing issues. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Darksiders II’s story is a mixed bag, with its ambitious world-building and stylistic flair offset by narrative shortcomings. While some praise its engaging premise, voice acting, and mythological depth (ZTGD, CGMagazine), the majority find it lacking in originality, character development, and emotional resonance compared to the first game. The story’s reliance on familiar fantasy tropes, repetitive structure, and unresolved plot threads (Slant Magazine, COGconnected) have left many critics divided. Despite these flaws, the game’s narrative remains a foundational element of the series, with some reviewers acknowledging its role in setting up future installments (Multiplayer.it). Ultimately, while Darksiders II has its defenders, it is widely seen as a step down from its predecessor in terms of storytelling impact.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition delivers slick, combo-driven combat and Zelda-esque exploration, blending hack-and-slash action with RPG depth and clever puzzles. However, clunky controls, repetitive dungeons, and technical hiccups like poor optimization and a fickle camera undermine its ambition, leaving a polished but flawed experience that still shines through its engaging core mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is widely praised for its dynamic combat, engaging exploration, and genre-blending design. Critics highlight its fast-paced, combo-driven action, with many comparing it to God of War and The Legend of Zelda. Slant Magazine notes the game’s “Zelda-like dungeons” and innovative mechanics like grappling hooks and Portal-like abilities, while COGconnected (PS5) praises the “fast combat with twin-bladed attacks, a variety of weapons, and skill upgrades.” The RPG elements—such as character leveling, weapon customization, and loot systems—are frequently lauded. Impulsegamer (Switch) and RPGamer both commend the satisfying progression through skill trees and equipment management, while Nintendo Life appreciates the “tight combat mechanics” and rewarding exploration. The game’s blend of hack-and-slash combat with acrobatic platforming and puzzle-solving also earns praise, as seen in God is a Geek’s (PS5) acknowledgment of its “balanced and engaging” traversal and combat. However, several critics point to technical flaws and repetitive elements that detract from the experience. SpazioGames (PS4) criticizes the “problematic camera system,” “frame rate issues,” and poor optimization, which hinder chaotic combat scenarios. Impulsegamer (Switch) and Nintenderos both highlight frustrating camera mechanics that make combat tedious, while Brash Games notes the game’s “shallow” combat and repetitive mechanics. COGconnected (XBOX ONE) and Vooks mention finicky controls, such as awkward wall-running and clunky puzzles, while We Got This Covered and Nintendo WorldReport criticize the “repetitive dungeons” and “staleness” of the core loop. Additionally, several reviewers, including GameCritics and Eurogamer Italy, point to a lack of innovation in gameplay structure, with abilities feeling overly convenient and enemies too easy in later stages. These issues create a divide between the game’s ambitious design and its execution. Overall, critics agree that Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition offers a compelling mix of action, exploration, and RPG elements, despite its flaws. While Slant Magazine and The Digital Fix celebrate its “Zelda-like exploration” and “fluid combat,” others like SpazioGames and Brash Games emphasize the technical shortcomings and repetitive design. The consensus is that the game’s core mechanics—particularly its combat and progression systems—are strong enough to keep players engaged, but issues with optimization, camera controls, and repetition prevent it from achieving a more polished experience. Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers, including COGconnected and RPGamer, acknowledge its enduring appeal through varied dungeons, skill customization, and a satisfying blend of action and adventure. The game remains a standout in the genre for its ambition, even if it falls short of perfection.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition’s visuals dazzle on PS5/PC with 4K/60FPS and vibrant art direction but stumble across platforms—Switch’s shoddy downgrades, inconsistent textures, and dated animations plague all versions, leaving fans frustrated by missed modernization despite stylistic flair.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition received mixed but generally positive reception, particularly on higher-end platforms. Critics like Cubed3 praised the PS5 version for its 4K resolution, 60fps performance, and refined lighting, while God is a Geek highlighted substantial enhancements in lighting that made environments feel "more alive." The stylized art direction by Joe Madureira was consistently lauded, with Finger Guns noting its "colorful and varied" aesthetic reminiscent of a "chunky Blizzard vibe," and Push Square appreciating the comic book-inspired visuals and improved textures. Brash Games emphasized the immersive, detailed environments created by enhanced textures and lighting, while GamingTrend commended dynamic shadows and physics-based improvements that retained Madureira’s signature art style. These upgrades, though modest, were seen as a key selling point for fans of the original. However, technical shortcomings and platform-specific limitations overshadowed many of these positives. The Nintendo Switch version faced significant criticism, with Impulsegamer condemning its "heavily downgraded" graphics, making environmental details and enemies hard to discern. Switch Player noted frame-rate drops and severe downscaling in open areas, while Gameplanet pointed out that lower texture quality on larger screens made the game look "dated." On consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, issues such as inconsistent textures (Everyeye.it), 30fps caps (Eurogamer Italy), and screen tearing (Push Square) were frequently cited. Even the PS5 version, despite 4K/60FPS capabilities, faced criticism for "chunky models" and "pop-in" (COGconnected) and "dated animations" (Tech-Gaming). Many reviewers felt the remaster’s visual upgrades were underwhelming compared to modern standards, with GameCritics calling them "disappointing" and IGN Spain noting the art style still felt "outdated." Overall, critics acknowledged the game’s distinctive art style as a strong asset but agreed that technical limitations and inconsistent graphical improvements diluted its impact. While platforms like PS5 and PC saw notable refinements—such as Cubed3’s 4K/60FPS enhancements and GamingTrend’s dynamic lighting—the Switch version remained a point of contention due to its compromised visuals. Reviews like Nintendo Life’s acknowledgment that the Switch “loses almost nothing” despite minor issues balanced the critique, but most agreed the "definitive edition" fell short of delivering a truly modernized experience. The consensus leaned toward appreciation for the art direction and incremental upgrades, tempered by frustration over persistent technical flaws across all platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Jesper Kyd’s orchestral score and immersive sound design in Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition earned raves for their emotional depth, epic scale, and Celtic flair, with comparisons to The Lord of the Rings and God of War. Voice acting from Michael Wincott and Phil LaMarr added narrative weight, while the soundtrack’s standalone appeal and atmospheric resonance elevated the game’s dark fantasy vibe. However, technical flaws—audio dropouts, static, and sync issues on older platforms—detracted from the experience, though the PS5 version saw some improvements. Despite these hiccups, critics praised the audio as a cornerstone of the game’s identity, with its grandeur and immersion outweighing occasional glitches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition received widespread acclaim for their atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Critics consistently praised Jesper Kyd’s orchestral score, with IGN Spain highlighting its high quality and contributions from the composer, while FNintendo compared its compositions to the iconic scores of The Lord of the Rings. The soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s apocalyptic tone was noted by Nintenderos, who likened it to God of War, and by Push Square, which emphasized its moody, Celtic-influenced atmosphere. Voice acting also stood out, with RPGamer applauding Michael Wincott’s portrayal of Death and Phil LaMarr’s performance as Vulgrim for adding depth to the narrative. The music was frequently described as immersive, with Switch Player noting its “epic, ever-constant” quality and COGconnected (PS5) praising its standalone listening appeal. These elements collectively created a rich auditory experience that complemented the game’s adventurous and dark fantasy themes. However, several critics pointed to technical issues that undermined the audio quality. COGconnected (Xbox One) reported framerate stutter and random audio dropouts during boss fights, while We Got This Covered criticized static in main menu music and cutscenes as an “annoying issue.” Gaming Age (PS4) noted distorted tracks and unsynced cinematics, with Softpedia citing compression problems in the remaster that caused sound issues. SpazioGames also mentioned out-of-sync sound effects during cutscenes, and IGN Spain’s Spanish voice acting, though praised, was a reminder of regionalized audio challenges. These technical flaws, particularly on older platforms like Xbox One and PS4, created inconsistencies that detracted from the otherwise strong musical and vocal performances. Despite these issues, the overall consensus among critics leaned heavily toward appreciation for the soundtrack’s craftsmanship and immersion. While technical hiccups were acknowledged, many emphasized that the music remained a standout feature. COGconnected (PS5) highlighted Kyd’s Celtic influences as a unique strength, and GamingTrend praised the “incredible voice talent and soundtrack” as key pros. The PS5 version saw improvements in audio stability, as noted by Cubed3, though specific details were limited. Ultimately, the music and sound design were seen as integral to the game’s identity, with most critics agreeing that the auditory elements elevated the experience despite occasional technical shortcomings. The blend of orchestral grandeur, atmospheric cues, and strong voice acting created a memorable sonic landscape that resonated across platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Michael Wincott’s iconic portrayal of Death in Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is hailed as a masterclass in voice acting—gravitas, wit, and menace collide, elevating the game’s epic tone. Critics praise his performance alongside stellar work from Phil LaMarr, James Cosmo, and Troy Baker, with immersive audio design creating cinematic cutscenes. While some nitpick flat dialogue and underdeveloped narrative depth, the consensus is clear: Wincott’s Death is a standout, turning the game into a memorable, voice-driven experience despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is overwhelmingly praised by critics, with Michael Wincott’s portrayal of Death serving as a central highlight. Multiple reviewers, including COGconnected, ZTGD, and Gameplanet, emphasize that Wincott’s performance brings gravitas, charisma, and humor to the character, enhancing the game’s epic tone and narrative depth. IGN Spain specifically commends the Spanish voice acting for its accuracy and execution, while RPGamer and Tech-Gaming note that Wincott’s delivery balances savage and witty traits, adding nuance to Death’s personality. Other voice actors, such as Phil LaMarr and returning cast members like James Cosmo and Troy Baker, are also lauded for their contributions, with GamingTrend highlighting their collective impact on the game’s storytelling. The audio design is frequently described as immersive, with Nintenderos praising cutscenes for creating a cinematic experience that rivals films. While the majority of critiques celebrate the voice acting, some reviewers point to limitations in how it interacts with other elements of the game. The Digital Fix criticizes the script and dialogue as flat and unengaging, arguing that Death’s character feels unlikeable despite strong vocal work. Similarly, Cubed3 notes that while Wincott’s performance is charismatic, Death lacks depth and physical presence, making him feel less impactful. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting itself is technically proficient, it struggles to elevate a narrative that some find underdeveloped. Additionally, GameSpace mentions professional voice-overs during boss battles but offers no further elaboration, implying that the audio work, while competent, does not fully compensate for other shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is a standout feature, with Michael Wincott’s performance as Death being universally recognized as a high point. Reviewers like GamingTrend, Multiplayer.it, and RPGamer emphasize its role in enriching the game’s presentation, while Gameplanet and Impulsegamer highlight how it compensates for other areas of the experience. Though a few critics, such as The Digital Fix and Cubed3, express reservations about the narrative’s execution, these are exceptions rather than the norm. The majority agree that the voice acting elevates the game’s atmosphere and character development, making it a memorable aspect of the Darksiders series.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Despite minor upgrades on PS5, Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is a flawed, underwhelming port plagued by technical regressions across platforms—Xbox One and PS4 versions worsened compared to originals, Switch struggled with frame issues, and PC faced crashes. The "definitive" label is a sham, as glitches, stuttering, and poor polish overshadow its core appeal, leaving fans frustrated by missed opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The technical performance of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition varies significantly across platforms, with some improvements noted despite its "definitive" label. On the PS5, critics like Cubed3 and Finger Guns praised smoother frame rates (up to 60fps), improved lighting, and resolved issues from older iterations, marking it as the most polished version. The Xbox One saw some positives, with God is a Geek highlighting optimized 1080p resolution and no visual glitches, while the Nintendo Switch received mixed feedback: Nintenderos and Nintendo Life noted stable performance with minor compromises, though FNintendo acknowledged long loading times. The PS4 version saw improvements over its predecessors, as Gamers’ Temple pointed out smoother gameplay compared to the PS3, while Multiplayer.it praised modest but welcome graphical upgrades. On PC, GameWatcher noted responsiveness after patches, though default controls and missing features were criticized. However, technical flaws plagued most platforms, undermining the "definitive" claim. The PS4 faced persistent issues like screen tearing (GameCritics), framerate drops (SpazioGames), and unresponsive controls (Brash Games). The Xbox One version was heavily criticized for severe frame rate instability (Pure Xbox, We Got This Covered) and worse performance than the original Xbox 360. The Nintendo Switch struggled with frame inconsistencies (Vooks, Jeuxvideo.com) and loading issues, though Nintenderos noted overall stability. On PS5, COGconnected and Softpedia highlighted minor problems like pop-in and sound compression, while RPGamer called it a "barebones-effort remaster." The PC port faced crashes and poor default controls (GameWatcher), and the Xbox One version saw audio dropouts (COGconnected) and stuttering in outdoor areas (We Got This Covered). Camera issues, invisible walls, and combat mechanics were recurring complaints across platforms. Overall, critics agreed that Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition failed to deliver a truly refined experience despite its re-release. While the PS5 version saw notable improvements (Cubed3, Finger Guns), most platforms retained unresolved technical issues, with GameCritics and We Got This Covered condemning the lack of polish. The Xbox One and PS4 versions were particularly criticized for regressing in performance compared to earlier iterations, while the Switch version faced hardware limitations despite decent stability. Though some positives emerged—like smoother frame rates on PS5 or improved load times (Multiplayer.it, Nintendo Life)—the consensus was that the "definitive" label was misleading, with many calling it a half-hearted effort that prioritized nostalgia over modernization. The game’s technical shortcomings, from framerate drops to camera glitches, overshadowed its core appeal, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of meaningful upgrades.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition offers addictive replayability for newcomers via Arena mode, New Game+, and 30-hour DLC-driven content, but veterans face tedium from recycled combat, unbalanced difficulty, and repetitive fetch quests—making its charm depend on whether you crave exploration or dread repetition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The positives surrounding the replay value of Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition highlight its accessibility for newcomers and the appeal of its content-driven design. Critics like IGN Spain and We Got This Covered emphasize the game’s Arena mode, New Game+ feature, and deep loot system as key factors that encourage multiple playthroughs. Nintenderos and Multiplayer.it note that side missions, exploration, and hidden puzzles provide enough variety to justify revisiting the world, while God is a Geek (Switch) and The Jimquisition praise DLC content like the Crucible arena and varied combat mechanics. Additionally, the inclusion of all DLCs across platforms—such as the 30-hour playtime cited by Nintendo Life and Multiplayer.it—adds substantial longevity, making it a rewarding experience for completionists and fans of the series. The game’s open-world design and collectible-driven gameplay also appeal to those who enjoy uncovering secrets, as highlighted by GameSpew’s suggestion of its addictive nature. However, the negatives focus on repetitive elements and limited incentives for returning players. Impulsegamer (Switch) and Eurogamer Italy criticize the game’s tedious backtracking, unbalanced difficulty, and lack of engaging content beyond the initial playthrough. GameCritics and Multiplayer.it (PS4) point out that the core campaign feels recycled, with minimal new content for veterans despite visual upgrades. RPGamer (PS5) notes that exploration is hindered by an unhelpful map, while God is a Geek (PS5) acknowledges that returning players might find the lack of enhancements discouraging. The repetitive dungeon crawls and fetch quests, as mentioned by Push Square and VideoGamer, further reduce long-term appeal, even if the game’s core mechanics remain enjoyable. Critics like Gameplanet (Switch) also highlight that the game’s pacing toward the end and pedestrian challenges may deter extended engagement. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a balanced assessment: while Darksiders II offers enough content and features to justify multiple playthroughs for newcomers and completionists, its replay value is limited for veterans due to repetition and minimal new additions. IGN Spain, Nintenderos, and Multiplayer.it (PS4/PS5) argue that the game’s DLCs, side quests, and New Game+ mechanics provide sufficient incentive for revisiting, but GameCritics, Impulsegamer (Switch), and Eurogamer Italy caution that its flaws—such as unbalanced difficulty and tedious gameplay—may alienate returning players. Ultimately, the game’s replayability hinges on individual preferences: fans of exploration and loot systems may find it enduring, while others might view it as a one-time experience with limited long-term appeal. The Deathinitive Edition’s value lies in its accessibility for new audiences, but its ability to entice veterans remains contentious.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The positives surrounding Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition are largely centered on its core gameplay, art design, and nostalgic appeal. Critics like Pure Xbox and Slant Magazine praise the game’s solid action-adventure framework, with the latter highlighting its "solid design" and engaging combat despite flaws. Video Chums and God is a Geek (Xbox One) commend the Switch port for improved visuals and gameplay, calling it a "worthwhile experience" for fans of the genre. Cubed3 notes that the PS5 version addresses previous issues, offering refined technical performance and enhanced voice acting, while Nintendo Life and Twinfinite emphasize its enjoyable exploration, dungeon-crawling mechanics, and immersive audio. Many reviewers acknowledge the game’s enduring charm, with God is a Geek (PS5) calling it a "fantastic action-RPG" that revitalizes the original experience for new and returning players alike. The negatives focus heavily on technical shortcomings and missed opportunities in the remaster. Impulsegamer and SpazioGames criticize the port as a "struggling" and "subpar" effort, respectively, with issues like poor camera work, visual inconsistencies, and gameplay flaws undermining its "definitive" label. GameCritics and Eurogamer Italy point to a lack of meaningful improvements, calling it a "mixed verdict" and an "unremarkable HD remake," while GameWatcher and Metro GameCentral highlight repetitive design and technical glitches that detract from the experience. Gamers’ Temple and Multiplayer.it (PS4) argue the remaster feels like a missed opportunity, with GameCritics noting it offers "little value for returning players" and Eurogamer Italy criticizing its failure to attract new fans despite polished visuals. These critiques underscore a widespread frustration with the port’s inability to fully modernize the 2012 title. The overall consensus among critics is cautiously positive, with most agreeing that Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition remains a worthwhile experience for newcomers and series fans, albeit with significant caveats. While Nintendo Life and God is a Geek (PS5) celebrate its polished presentation and core strengths, others like Multiplayer.it (PS5) acknowledge it as a "timeless classic" that competes with modern games despite its age. However, the lack of substantial upgrades and persistent technical issues create a divide: Game Rant and God is a Geek (Xbox One) recommend it for new players, while Gamers’ Temple and Multiplayer.it (PS4) view it as a "missed opportunity" for veterans. Ultimately, the reviews reflect a bittersweet verdict—appreciating the game’s enduring appeal but questioning whether the remaster justifies its price tag for those already familiar with the original.

TL;DR

A nostalgic yet flawed remaster: Darksiders II shines with polished combat, art, and exploration but falters under clunky tech, repetitive design, and a lack of meaningful upgrades, leaving fans divided between cherished legacy and frustrating modernization gaps.

MONSTER

Reviews

97 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

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

A fantastic action-RPG that successfully revitalizes the original experience with technical upgrades, making it worth playing for new and returning fans alike.

Read full review

Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

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

Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is praised as a timeless classic that remains competitive with modern games. The review highlights its improvements, accessibility for new players, and respect for long-time fans, calling it an essential part of the franchise.

Read full review

CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

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

The Deathinitive Edition is praised as a polished re-release that retains the original's strengths while offering modernized visuals and performance. It is recommended for both newcomers and fans, highlighting its blend of action, exploration, and storytelling.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Nov 8, 2015

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

The game is a solid remaster with strong combat and exploration but suffers from technical issues. It is recommended for newcomers to the franchise despite its flaws.

Read full review

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2019

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

The review praises Darksiders 2 as the best entry in the trilogy, highlighting its inventive worlds, dungeons, and characters. While acknowledging technical issues on Switch, it concludes that the port is a great way to experience the game, despite imperfections.

Read full review

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Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 30, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperGunfire Games

Overview

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

TL;DR

MONSTER

Reviews

97 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

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

A fantastic action-RPG that successfully revitalizes the original experience with technical upgrades, making it worth playing for new and returning fans alike.

Read full review

Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

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

Read full review

CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

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

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Nov 8, 2015

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

The game is a solid remaster with strong combat and exploration but suffers from technical issues. It is recommended for newcomers to the franchise despite its flaws.

Read full review

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Sep 25, 2019

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

Read full review

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