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Darksiders III

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

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 27, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperGunfire Games, THQ Nordic

Overview

Return to an apocalyptic planet Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash action adventure where players take on the role of FURY in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Charred Council calls upon Fury to battle from the heights of heaven down through the depths of hell in a quest to restore humanity and prove that she is the most powerful of the Horsemen. As a mage, FURY relies on her whip and magic to restore the balance between good and evil. The expansive, Darksiders III game world is presented as an open-ended, living, free-form planet Earth that is dilapidated by war and decay, and overrun by nature. FURY will move back and forth between environments to uncover secrets while advancing the Darksiders III story.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Darksiders III has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the engaging dialogue, well-presented narrative twists, and character development of the protagonist, Fury. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and New Game Network appreciated the fun and well-structured story, with engaging dialogue and good voice acting that kept the narrative interesting. Additionally, GameSpace praised the dark and interesting story that captured the essence of the previous titles while introducing fresh takes on story presentation, with exceptionally well-performed voice acting and dialog that immersed players in the world. On the negative side, several critics criticized the story of Darksiders III for lacking depth, originality, and character development. Reviewers such as DualShockers and TrueAchievements pointed out that the narrative focused too much on Fury's personal growth, lacking meaningful expansion and depth. Slant Magazine and Metro GameCentral criticized the story for being shallow, uninteresting, and lacking the charm of its predecessors. Furthermore, IGN mentioned that while knowledge of the previous Darksiders games enhances the appreciation of the characters and stakes, the events of the story did not stand out to the reviewer, indicating a lack of impactful storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in Darksiders III. While some appreciated elements like engaging dialogue, character development, and narrative twists, others found the story lacking in depth, originality, and character exploration. The focus on Fury's quest to track down the Seven Deadly Sins was engaging for some, but the execution fell short for others, with criticisms of predictability and lack of meaningful narrative progression. The varying opinions indicate that while the story had its strengths, such as well-written characters and moments of intrigue, it also had shortcomings in terms of overall impact and depth, leading to a divided reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about Darksiders III's story. Some praise its engaging dialogue, character development, and narrative twists, while others criticize it for lacking depth, originality, and character exploration. The focus on Fury's quest to track down the Seven Deadly Sins was engaging for some but fell short for others due to predictability and lack of meaningful progression. Overall, opinions vary on the story's impact and depth, resulting in a divided reception among reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Darksiders III receives praise for its combat mechanics from several critics. IGN highlights the satisfying combat that requires observation and timing, with the counterattack mechanic being particularly enjoyable. GameCrate also appreciates the streamlined combat and creative combos that can be executed using Hollow forms. Trusted Reviews and PlayStation Universe both find the combat fun and satisfying, with simple controls and visually spectacular moments adding to the overall experience. Additionally, Gaming Age on PC commends the challenging and rewarding combat that requires strategy and different attack patterns to learn, showcasing the depth of the gameplay. On the downside, several critics point out various issues with the gameplay of Darksiders III. Metro GameCentral, DualShockers, and The Daily Dot all criticize the combat for being lacking in depth, repetitive, and sometimes clunky. They mention limited moves, uninteresting progression, and sluggish controls that hinder the overall experience. The Digital Fix and Critical Hit highlight technical issues, such as a tedious camera, frustrating checkpoint system, and overall inconsistent performance, detracting from the otherwise engaging combat. Cubed3 on the Nintendo Switch and VideoGamer also note that the combat can feel repetitive and cheap at times, with dodging mechanics occasionally failing when needed. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Darksiders III is mixed. While some reviewers, such as GameGrin and Worth Playing, appreciate the strategic combat inspired by Dark Souls and the rewarding nature of the combat mechanics, others, like Slant Magazine and The Daily Dot, find the combat to be mechanical and repetitive, lacking variety and finesse. The incorporation of elements from Dark Souls receives mixed feedback, with some critics finding it disappointing, as mentioned by DualShockers, while others appreciate the challenge it adds, as highlighted by Gaming Age. The game's focus on combat over environmental puzzles divides opinions, with some critics feeling it enhances the experience, like IGN Spain, and others finding it to be a drawback, as noted by Gaming Age on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, Darksiders III's gameplay seems to offer a mix of engaging combat, challenging encounters, and technical shortcomings that may impact the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Darksiders III for its satisfying combat mechanics, requiring strategy and timing. However, some criticize it for lacking depth, being repetitive, and having technical issues. Overall, opinions are divided on the combat inspired by Dark Souls, with some enjoying the challenge while others find it mechanical. The game's focus on combat over puzzles also receives mixed feedback.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

19%

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

The graphics and visual design of Darksiders III received mixed feedback from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the diverse character designs, stunning boss arenas, and unique art style. For example, GameGrin praised the "wonderfully realized setting with fantastically warped visuals" and TheXboxHub noted the mix of "gorgeous vistas and drab environments" showcasing ruins beautifully. God is a Geek also commended the game for its stunning graphics, colorful world, and impressive character design, emphasizing the fluid animation and distinct style. On the negative side, several critics criticized the game for its outdated graphics, lack of visual variety, and technical issues impacting the overall experience. RPG Site and Cubed3 mentioned the visuals looking outdated and lacking variety, with some regions feeling similar in design. Additionally, New Game Network and COGconnected highlighted issues with muddy textures, flat lighting, and characters feeling graphically outdated. Performance issues such as frequent frame rate drops, stuttering, freezes, and texture pop-ins were also commonly mentioned by critics like GameCrate and AusGamers, detracting from the visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a disappointment with the graphics and visual design of Darksiders III. While some praised the unique art style and character designs, the majority expressed concerns about the outdated visuals, lack of variety in environments, and technical performance issues. Critics like Stevivor and The Daily Dot criticized the samey and bland world design, while EGM and IGN Spain highlighted underwhelming graphics and lack of polish in certain details. Despite some positive remarks on specific aspects, the general sentiment points towards a need for improvement in the graphics department to elevate the overall visual experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed feelings about Darksiders III graphics. Some praise the diverse character designs and stunning boss arenas, while others criticize the outdated visuals, lack of variety, and technical issues. Overall, the consensus is that the game falls short in the graphics department, with concerns about visual variety and performance problems overshadowing its positive aspects.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In terms of positives, several critics praised the voice acting in Darksiders III. GameGrin commended Cissy Jones for her portrayal of Fury, while PlayStation Universe highlighted the top-notch voice acting for the characters of the Seven Deadly Sins. Softpedia also mentioned the top-notch voice acting and detailed character designs as strengths of the game. Additionally, Worth Playing appreciated the excellent voice acting for all characters, contributing to the epic nature of the game. Generación Xbox specifically pointed out the excellent English voice acting and soundtrack that enhanced the immersive world of the game. On the negative side, there were consistent criticisms regarding technical issues affecting the sound design and music of Darksiders III. Digital Trends, PlayStation Country, and The Digital Fix all mentioned various audio-related bugs, crashes, sound cutting out, and stuttering that impacted the overall experience negatively. Impulsegamer and Slant Magazine criticized the lack of immersion in the audio and unmemorable dialogue and ambient music. Twinfinite and Easy Allies reported frequent crackling, cutting in and out issues, and loud popping sounds throughout the game, detracting from the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the sound design and music of Darksiders III leans towards a mixed reception. While the voice acting received widespread praise for its quality and fitting performances, the technical issues such as audio bugs, stuttering, and cutouts were significant drawbacks that hindered the overall experience for many reviewers. IGN Spain highlighted the commendable Spanish voice acting and well-crafted soundtrack but noted lip-syncing issues. The lack of consistency in the audio experience, coupled with occasional glitches and lack of memorable music, seems to have divided opinions among the critics, with some finding the audio elements enhancing the game's immersion while others felt they detracted from the overall enjoyment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised Darksiders III for its top-notch voice acting but criticized technical issues like audio bugs and stuttering. While some appreciated the immersive world created by the English voice acting and soundtrack, others found the audio experience lacking in immersion and memorable music. Overall, the game's sound design and music received a mixed reception among critics, with the quality of voice acting standing out despite the technical drawbacks.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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

The voice acting in Darksiders III received a mix of positive feedback from various critics. GameGrin commended Cissy Jones for her portrayal of Fury, showcasing depth in her character, while Press Start Australia praised Jones for bringing gravitas to the character. Additionally, Generación Xbox and FANDOM highlighted the engaging and charismatic performance of Fury, with interactions that were enjoyable and entertaining. The Games Machine also noted the strong Italian voice acting for Fury, enhancing the character's portrayal. On the other hand, some critics expressed negative opinions about the voice acting in Darksiders III. IGN, Impulsegamer, and Wccftech criticized the voice acting for being forgettable, unconvincing, and cheesy, respectively. Gaming Age pointed out that Fury's voice acting was cheesy and lacked emotional depth, while supporting characters like Vulgrim lost their charm due to repeated voice lines. PC Gamer also criticized the voice acting for lacking cutting-edge performances and feeling underwhelming. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Darksiders III is somewhat divided. While some critics like GameSpace, Gameplanet, and The Digital Fix praised the voice acting for adding to the enjoyment and overall experience of the game, others such as IGN, Impulsegamer, and Wccftech found it lacking and forgettable. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that Cissy Jones' performance as Fury was a standout for many, with critics appreciating the depth and charisma she brought to the character. The interactions between characters and the portrayal of Fury were highlighted as strengths, but the cheesiness and lack of emotional depth in certain performances were noted as weaknesses.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics had mixed opinions on the voice acting in Darksiders III. Positive feedback praised Cissy Jones for her portrayal of Fury, citing depth and charisma, while some criticized the voice acting as forgettable and lacking emotional depth. Overall, opinions were divided, with Jones' performance standing out positively, but some noting weaknesses like cheesiness and underwhelming performances.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

53%

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

In terms of the positives for each gaming platform, some critics highlighted stable performance and frame rates on the PS4, as noted by Gameplanet and SpazioGames. Generación Xbox also mentioned that the Xbox One X version offered an immersive world and engaging gameplay mechanics, compensating for occasional performance issues. On the PC platform, God is a Geek reported that the game ran smoothly with stable frame rates, while The Games Machine noted that the PC version was stable but demanding on high settings. Moving on to the negatives, the PS4 version of Darksiders III faced significant technical issues across multiple critics. CGMagazine, COGconnected, and PlayStation LifeStyle all mentioned frequent frame rate drops, long loading times, and bugs impacting the overall gameplay experience. The Nintendo Switch version, as highlighted by Nintendo Life and Starbit, suffered from severe frame rate dips, long loading times, and game-breaking bugs, making it a challenging experience for players. The Xbox One version was also criticized for its numerous performance issues, including frame rate drops and crashes, with ZTGD mentioning issues with controls and inconsistent frame rates. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Darksiders III struggled with technical performance across all gaming platforms. Issues such as frame rate drops, crashes, long loading times, and various bugs were prevalent, detracting from the overall experience. Critics like Critical Hit, Digital Trends, and Slant Magazine emphasized how these technical problems significantly impacted gameplay, making it frustrating for players to fully enjoy the game. While some platforms had minor positives, the general sentiment was that the technical performance issues overshadowed the game's potential, leading to a less than optimal experience for players on all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Darksiders III received praise for stable performance on PS4 and immersive gameplay on Xbox One X, but all platforms faced major technical issues like frame rate drops and bugs. Critics agree that these issues hindered gameplay enjoyment across the board, overshadowing any positive aspects of the game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The Replay Value of Darksiders III has received mixed opinions from critics. Several reviewers highlighted positive aspects that contribute to the game's replayability. Digital Trends appreciated the multiple ways to tackle the interconnected world, diverse enemy encounters, and various abilities and transformations for the protagonist, Fury. Generación Xbox also noted over 20 hours of gameplay with different difficulty levels, secrets to uncover, and backtracking elements, providing replay value. FANDOM praised the customization options through weapon enhancements, talent trees, and hollow abilities, along with the strategic combat system that encourages experimentation and replayability. On the other hand, some critics pointed out limitations and drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. Slant Magazine criticized the lack of compelling gameplay, story, and world design, as well as technical issues, which make replaying the game unappealing. TheXboxHub mentioned limited replay value due to linear progression, predetermined events, and lack of exciting skill trees and character development. Hobby Consolas highlighted the linear progression and lack of side activities, which may limit replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the Replay Value of Darksiders III. While some reviewers appreciated the interconnected world, diverse gameplay elements, and customization options that enhance replayability, others raised concerns about technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and lack of depth in certain aspects. IGN Spain and Worth Playing found the gameplay loop addictive and combat satisfying, encouraging exploration and backtracking for secrets. However, Gaming Age and Nintendo Life expressed reservations about the lack of depth in story and character development, as well as watered-down core elements that may deter players from revisiting the game. In conclusion, while Darksiders III offers some replay value through its gameplay mechanics and exploration elements, the presence of technical issues and repetitive gameplay may impact the desire for multiple playthroughs for some players.

TL;DR

replay value

Darksiders III's replay value divides critics: praised for diverse gameplay and customization options, but criticized for technical issues and lack of depth. While some find the combat satisfying and addictive, others feel the linear progression and repetitive gameplay limit replayability. Overall, mixed opinions on whether the game offers enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The positives of Darksiders III, as highlighted by several critics, include engaging combat mechanics, a compelling protagonist, and an enjoyable story. Critics like Gameplanet and We Got This Covered appreciate the captivating boss fights and satisfying combat experience, with the latter mentioning improved combat mechanics and level design. The game's potential for a sequel with Strife, as noted by Gameplanet, also hints at the series' ability to evolve and expand on its strengths. On the negative side, Darksiders III faces criticism for its technical issues, repetitive gameplay elements, and outdated visuals. Critics such as Slant Magazine, DualShockers, and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the game's lack of innovation, technical problems, and failure to live up to the standards set by its predecessors. The game's underwhelming combat, unpolished feel, and lack of modern conveniences like autosave, as mentioned by GameCrate, also contribute to the overall negative sentiment. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Darksiders III leans towards disappointment and missed potential. While some reviewers like Worth Playing and God is a Geek find enjoyment in the game, praising its combat system and engaging experience, the majority of critics point out its shortcomings. The game is often described as underwhelming, buggy, and failing to fully embrace its own identity or build upon the strengths of the previous entries. Despite moments of brilliance and potential for improvement noted by AusGamers and PlayStation Country, Darksiders III falls short of meeting the expectations of both fans and newcomers, leaving room for growth and refinement in potential future installments.

TL;DR

Darksiders III praised for engaging combat and story, but criticized for technical issues and lack of innovation. Reviews point to disappointment and missed potential, with many noting repetitive gameplay and outdated visuals. While some enjoy the combat, overall consensus leans towards underwhelming experience and failure to live up to predecessors. Room for improvement seen for potential sequels.

MONSTER

Reviews

202 reviews found

God is a Geek

Nov 26, 2018

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

Darksiders III is a stunning achievement that brings the series back to life. It has a great story, fun and challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics. The technical performance could be better on consoles, but overall it is a triumph.

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GameSpew

Xbox One

Dec 6, 2018

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

Darksiders III is a no-frills adventure game that feels fresh and entertaining, despite not being as polished as some other games in the genre.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Nov 26, 2018

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

Darksiders III is a compelling and enjoyable hack-n-slash title with some technical hiccups, but it maintains the essence of its predecessors and delivers a fantasy experience that will keep players entertained for hours.

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The Games Machine

Nov 26, 2018

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

Darksiders III is a good game and a worthy addition to the series, offering engaging combat, puzzles, and exploration. Recommended for players who enjoy these elements.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 4

Nov 26, 2018

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

Solid entry in the series, offering an engaging adventure with few weaknesses. Captivating gaming experience with strong gameplay structure and pacing, overshadowing minor flaws.

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Hobby Consolas

Nov 26, 2018

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

A worthwhile adventure for both fans and newcomers to the series, providing engaging gameplay with challenging combat mechanics and character progression elements.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 4

May 20, 2019

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

Despite technical shortcomings, the reviewer enjoyed the engaging adventure and combat mechanics of Darksiders III, preferring its gameplay-focused approach over visually stunning but less engaging experiences.

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GRYOnline.pl

Nov 29, 2018

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

Darksiders 3 is a fantastic game that surpasses its predecessors in some aspects. It is a difficult game that offers a satisfying and engaging experience.

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Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 4

Nov 26, 2018

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

Seen as a worthy addition to the franchise with room for improvement in future installments.

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Windows Central

Nov 26, 2018

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

Darksiders III is a fantastic action RPG with some technical problems and occasional gameplay flaws. Despite these issues, it offers a richly detailed game world, challenging combat, and phenomenal art direction, making it worth the purchase.