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MONSTER

Destiny 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Destiny 2
Item: Destiny 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

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

AvailableSep 6, 2017

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

DeveloperBungie

Overview

Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

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 Destiny 2 are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the improved character development and well-developed characters such as Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde-6. The storyline is described as coherent and better paced, with a string of brilliant missions that set the tone for a different experience from the first game. The storytelling is also commended for its clear objectives, established tension, and investment throughout, with moments of shock and awe that make the story gripping and enjoyable. Critics like Game Informer and Cheat Code Central highlight the onboarding of newcomers to the story, making it accessible and engaging for new players. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Destiny 2. Some critics mention that the story is straightforward and lacks depth or surprises. The simplicity of the narrative and the lack of answers to the game's lore are also pointed out as drawbacks. The primary villain is described as one-dimensional and uninspired, and some critics feel that the story may be confusing for new players who didn't play the first game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Destiny 2 is an improvement over its predecessor. It is praised for its character development, improved pacing, and clear objectives. The narrative is described as compelling, focused, and enjoyable, with moments of tension and investment. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of depth and surprises, as well as the confusion for new players, the overall sentiment is positive. Critics like Guardian, Metro Montreal, and Game Revolution highlight the genuinely good experience, better storytelling, and well-developed characters. The story of Destiny 2 is seen as a step in the right direction for the franchise, setting it on a brand new path and inviting players to come along for the fun.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Destiny 2's story, praising its improved character development and pacing, but criticizing its lack of depth and surprises. Overall, the consensus is positive, with many highlighting the engaging narrative, clear objectives, and well-developed characters like Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde-6. Some critics find the story too straightforward and the primary villain uninspired, but newcomers are welcomed with accessible storytelling. Destiny 2's story is seen as a step forward for the franchise, offering a compelling and enjoyable experience for players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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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 opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Destiny 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the tight and responsive controls, with balanced classes and unique abilities for each character. Cheat Code Central highlights the solid gameplay mechanics, while Metro Montreal commends the finely tuned gameplay mechanics and challenging cooperative modes. The shooting mechanics are consistently praised, with critics like VideoGamer and Push Square mentioning the excellent combat and variety of class types and weapons. The addictive and enjoyable gameplay loop is also mentioned by The Games Machine and Guardian, who note the satisfaction of continually acquiring new and better loot. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Destiny 2. Stevivor mentions frustrating design decisions in the Nightfall Strike, while Cubed3 finds the gameplay lacking in depth and the endgame content lackluster. The Washington Post criticizes the frustrating first-person platforming mechanics, which detract from the overall quality level design. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among the critics is overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics find the gameplay of Destiny 2 to be very good. The polished and exhilarating gameplay, with flashy superpowers and satisfying player movement, is praised by Slant Magazine. DarkStation highlights the tight and enjoyable gameplay, especially when played with a mouse and keyboard on PC. The improvements in gun-play and quality-of-life features are mentioned by Game Revolution, while Telegraph praises the constant progression system and variety of missions and activities. The blend of gun battles and superpowers is satisfying, according to PlayStation Universe, and The Daily Dot mentions engaging shooting mechanics and various activities that offer around 30 hours of engaging entertainment. In conclusion, the gameplay of Destiny 2 is widely praised by the critics. The positive aspects of the gameplay include tight and responsive controls, balanced classes with unique abilities, addictive gameplay loop, excellent shooting mechanics, and a variety of missions and activities. Some criticisms include frustrating design decisions, lack of depth in endgame content, and frustrating first-person platforming mechanics. However, the overall consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Destiny 2 is very good, with the majority of reviewers expressing their satisfaction with the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praise Destiny 2's gameplay for its tight controls, balanced classes, addictive loop, and satisfying combat mechanics. While some critics point out flaws like frustrating design decisions and lackluster endgame content, the general sentiment remains positive. Overall, Destiny 2 offers a polished and exhilarating gaming experience with flashy superpowers and engaging missions, keeping players entertained for around 30 hours.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

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 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's stunning visuals and beautiful environments. Cheat Code Central describes the locations in Destiny 2 as "large, detailed, and beautiful," with defined settings and biomes for each planet. DarkStation also highlights the game's visual beauty, noting the "visually stunning game" with impressive visuals even on high settings. The Washington Post describes the graphics and visual design as "more spectacular than its predecessor," with exquisite landscapes and a feel of concept art in motion. These positive opinions from critics like Cheat Code Central, DarkStation, and The Washington Post highlight the game's visually appealing and well-crafted environments. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who mentioned some negatives or areas for improvement. Metro GameCentral notes that the locations in Destiny 2 look similar to those from the first game, although they still praise the open world maps for being pretty and interesting. This suggests that there may be a lack of innovation or variety in the visual design compared to the previous installment. However, this seems to be a minor concern in the overall consensus of the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Destiny 2 has exceptional graphics and visual design. Critics like The Games Machine, Gaming Age, and Game Revolution praise the game's stunning environments and visually pleasing landscapes. The diverse settings, sumptuous lighting effects, and well-realized character models are also highlighted by critics such as PlayStation Universe and New York Daily News. The positive opinions from a wide range of critics, including Cheat Code Central, Slant Magazine, and CGMagazine, further reinforce the notion that Destiny 2 is visually impressive and visually superior to its predecessor. In conclusion, the majority of critics have highly positive opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny 2. The game is praised for its stunning environments, beautiful landscapes, and well-crafted character models. While there were a few mentions of similarities to the first game's locations, this does not significantly impact the overall consensus of the critics. Destiny 2 is widely regarded as a visually impressive and visually superior game, with the majority of critics commending its graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Destiny 2's graphics and visual design, praising its stunning environments and well-crafted landscapes. While some mention similarities to the first game, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive with critics highlighting the game's exceptional visuals and character models. Destiny 2 is widely regarded as visually impressive and superior to its predecessor.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Destiny 2, highlighting its positive aspects. NZGamer mentions that the game's music feels unique and differentiates itself from Bungie's previous orchestral bombast. Telegraph commends the amazing score that punctuates intense action set pieces, while PlayStation Universe appreciates the bombastic sound effects and rousing score that complement the gameplay. The Daily Dot also acknowledges the rousing score and solid voice acting, contributing to the overall experience. Xbox Achievements describes the soundtrack as sublime, and MMORPG.com goes as far as stating that Destiny 2 has one of the best soundtracks in gaming, led by Michael Salvatori. Game Over Online praises the soundtrack, mentioning that it features some of the best songs in Bungie's catalog, adding depth and beauty to the game. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions, there were few negative aspects mentioned. VideoGamer praises the sound design in Destiny 2, but does not provide any specific negatives. CGMagazine mentions that the voice acting is solid, but does not elaborate further. It is worth noting that these critics did not explicitly mention any significant negatives, suggesting that the sound design and music of Destiny 2 were generally well-received. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Destiny 2 were very good. The positive comments from various critics, such as Telegraph, PlayStation Universe, and GameGrin, highlight the enhancement of the overall experience through the sound design and music. The praise for the voice acting, as mentioned by VideoGamer, CGMagazine, and We Got This Covered, further supports the positive reception. The mention of the soundtrack being sublime, one of the best in gaming, and featuring some of the best songs in Bungie's catalog, as stated by Xbox Achievements, MMORPG.com, and Game Over Online respectively, further solidify the positive consensus. The lack of significant negative comments reinforces the notion that the sound design and music of Destiny 2 were well-regarded by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Destiny 2's sound design and music, with praise for its unique music, bombastic sound effects, and stellar voice acting. Consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the game's soundtrack as one of the best in gaming. Few negatives were mentioned, indicating widespread acclaim for Destiny 2's audio experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Destiny 2 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the voice work for its ability to bring life and depth to the characters. Slant Magazine commends the voice acting for displaying camaraderie, humor, and questioning the logic of missions, while Washington Post specifically highlights the performances of Neil Kaplan and Frank Langella for bringing fire to their respective characters. The voice acting for Cayde-6 and Nolan North's Ghost is also highly praised by PlayStation Universe, with the voices being well done and never feeling intrusive. The supporting voice acting in the game is also highly regarded, with GameGrin mentioning the enjoyable banter between NPCs and CGMagazine noting the solid performances from notable actors like Bill Nighy, Gina Torres, Lance Reddick, and Nathan Fillion. In terms of negatives, there are very few criticisms regarding the voice acting in Destiny 2. However, it is worth noting that while the voice acting is generally praised for conveying the despair and stakes of the story, The Daily Dot does not provide specific examples or elaboration on this aspect. This lack of detail may suggest a minor weakness in the voice acting's ability to fully convey the intended emotions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Destiny 2 is a significant strength of the game. The performances are solid, with characters speaking passionately and adding depth to the narrative, as mentioned by New York Daily News. The enjoyable banter between NPCs and the distinct character personalities, as highlighted by VideoGamer, further contribute to the positive reception. The return of talented actors like Nathan Fillion and Lance Reddick, as noted by We Got This Covered, also adds shining moments to the overall voice acting experience. The improved voice acting compared to the first game, as mentioned by Game Over Online, further solidifies the positive consensus among the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about Destiny 2's voice acting, praising its ability to bring characters to life with camaraderie and humor. Performances by Neil Kaplan, Frank Langella, and others are highlighted for their depth and passion. While some critics note a lack of specific examples to convey emotions, overall, the voice acting is considered a significant strength of the game, with solid performances and enjoyable banter between characters. The return of talented actors like Nathan Fillion and Lance Reddick adds to the positive reception.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Destiny 2, the majority of critics praised the game across various gaming platforms. On PC, several critics, including The Games Machine, GamingTrend, Digital Chumps, and Metro GameCentral, highlighted the excellent performance of Destiny 2. They mentioned smooth movements, no frame drops, fast loading times, and well-maintained servers. The PC version was also commended for its unlocked frame rate, 4K/HDR capabilities, and relatively modest system requirements. The positive experiences on PC were further supported by the mention of specific hardware, such as the NVIDIA 1080 card, pushing above 60fps. On Xbox One, Stevivor reported stable performance with minimal networking errors encountered during continuous play. This indicates that the game runs smoothly and provides a seamless experience on this platform. Regarding the PlayStation 5, Push Square praised the technical performance of Destiny 2, mentioning the smooth 60 frames-per-second, shorter load times, and improved inventory loading. This positive feedback suggests that the game takes advantage of the PS5's capabilities to deliver an enhanced experience. While the overall sentiment towards the technical performance of Destiny 2 was positive, there were a few negative aspects mentioned by some critics. GameGrin reported occasional framerate drops and game crashes on PC, particularly after a recent patch. This indicates that there may be some stability issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, Game Informer mentioned issues with vault and inventory management, which could affect the overall gameplay experience. In conclusion, the majority of critics found the technical performance of Destiny 2 to be very good across different gaming platforms. The PC version received high praise for its smooth performance, fast loading times, and support for high-end hardware. The Xbox One and PlayStation 5 versions were also commended for their stable performance and improved features. While there were some minor negatives mentioned, such as occasional framerate drops and issues with inventory management, these did not overshadow the overall positive consensus among the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Destiny 2 for its top-notch technical performance on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5, praising smooth gameplay, fast loading times, and stable servers. PC version stands out for unlocked frame rate and 4K/HDR support, while Xbox One and PS5 offer seamless experiences. Some minor issues like occasional framerate drops and inventory management problems noted but overall, Destiny 2 delivers a stellar gaming experience across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Destiny 2 are generally positive. Many critics, such as Stevivor, Metro Montreal, Guardian, Game Revolution, Telegraph, PlayStation Universe, The Daily Dot, VideoGamer, New York Daily News, Metro GameCentral, GameStar, Xbox Achievements, MMORPG.com, GameGrin, CGMagazine, We Got This Covered, and PlayStation LifeStyle, highlight the variety of activities and content available in the game. They mention the wealth of varied content, including story missions, adventures, public events, raids, quests, strikes, and multiplayer modes like Crucible. The game offers a constant slew of new weapons and armor, and the multiplayer aspects are better structured. The addition of a map and the Guided Games feature are mentioned as positive additions for solo players and for easier teaming up for raids. The game also provides ongoing quests and rewards for leveling up, keeping players engaged. However, there are some negative opinions as well. Critics like Cubed3, DarkStation, and Game Informer express concerns about the decline in available activities after a certain number of hours of gameplay. They mention that the grind and endgame content may not hold appeal for all players, with small incremental boosts and lack of meaningful content. The presence of loot boxes also drew controversy. Some critics, like Game Informer, mention that while the game offers several dozen hours of exciting exploration and leveling, the incentivization and endgame experience struggle to maintain momentum after many hours. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Destiny 2 offers a significant amount of content and activities to keep players engaged. The game provides a variety of activities that provide immediate rewards, narrative resolution, and incentive to explore its cornucopia of delights. The replay value is praised, with critics highlighting the ongoing quests, weekly updates, and the hunt for better equipment. However, there are concerns about the decline in available activities and the lack of meaningful content in the endgame. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the evolving nature of the game and the potential for improvements in the future, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Destiny 2 for its replay value, citing a variety of engaging activities like story missions, raids, and multiplayer modes. The game offers continuous updates with new weapons and armor, structured multiplayer, and features like Guided Games. However, some critics express concerns about a decline in activities and endgame content, as well as issues with loot boxes. Overall, while Destiny 2 offers plenty to keep players engaged, there are mixed opinions on long-term appeal and meaningful content in the endgame.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

Destiny 2 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, with many praising its improvements over the original game and its overall quality. The game is commended for its refined gameplay mechanics, addictive nature, and satisfying story. Critics such as Cheat Code Central and New York Daily News highlight the strong story and enjoyable gameplay, while Game Revolution describes Destiny 2 as fulfilling everything the first game promised and more. The improved accessibility and smoother presentation of the series are also mentioned by The Washington Post and Telegraph as notable achievements. In terms of negatives, some critics point out certain issues that could be improved upon. The Games Machine mentions connectivity issues that should be resolved, while Cubed3 highlights the lackluster endgame content and the need to work out some kinks. DarkStation raises concerns about the game being too similar to its predecessor and the potential for grinding to obtain better equipment. Additionally, GamingTrend mentions a lack of social options and PC-specific sandbox tuning, which holds back the PC version to some extent. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Destiny 2 is a highly enjoyable and improved sequel. The game is praised for its refined and reinforced version of its predecessor, with solid foundations and improvements in various aspects. Critics such as Guardian, GameGrin, and CGMagazine emphasize the positive changes and improvements, while acknowledging the minor issues that exist. The addictive gameplay, rewarding shooting mechanics, and promising future with planned expansions are also mentioned by MMORPG.com. Destiny 2 is recommended for both fans of the franchise and newcomers, with Game Over Online describing it as a near-perfect sequel that fixes the few things that were problematic with the original game. Overall, Destiny 2's overall verdict is highly positive, with the majority of critics praising its refinements, improvements, and addictive nature. While there are some minor issues and areas for improvement, the game is widely regarded as a great experience and a turning point for the franchise. The positive aspects of Destiny 2, such as its compelling story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and strong sound design, are consistently highlighted by critics. The game is considered a must-play for fans of the franchise and offers engaging entertainment for around 30 hours, as mentioned by The Daily Dot. Destiny 2 is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, renewing faith in Bungie and the series as a whole, as stated by Game Revolution.

TL;DR

Destiny 2 has been praised by critics for its refined gameplay, addictive nature, and satisfying story, with many highlighting its improvements over the original game. While some critics mention connectivity issues, lackluster endgame content, and similarities to its predecessor, the overall consensus is highly positive. Critics recommend the game for both fans and newcomers, praising its positive changes and promising future with planned expansions. Destiny 2 is considered a near-perfect sequel that fixes past issues and marks a turning point for the franchise.

MONSTER

Reviews

247 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Nov 3, 2017

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

Destiny 2 on PC is the definitive way to play if you have a system that can handle it.

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2017

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

Destiny 2 is more accomplished, more rewarding, and more fun than its predecessor. It's a hugely impressive achievement and a step closer to the promised 10-year journey.

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100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Sep 13, 2017

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

Destiny 2 rights most of the wrongs of the first release and solidifies itself as the must-play shooter of the year. It offers an epic and emotional story, stunning visuals, and plenty of post-game content. Players who were turned off by the first game should definitely give this franchise another chance.

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Digital Chumps

Nov 3, 2017

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

The reviewer recommends the PC version of Destiny 2, stating that it is visually and control-wise a far superior version compared to the console version.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Sep 13, 2017

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

The review describes Destiny 2 as a near-perfect sequel that fixes the few things that were problematic with the original game. It is praised as one of Bungie's finest games yet, offering a gorgeous and epic experience with a nice learning curve and a surprisingly high amount of depth in the story. The game is highly recommended for both fans of the first game and newcomers.

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2017

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

Destiny 2 hooked me and hasn’t let go. That sense of delight and surprise that Bungie aimed for with the sequel has hit me fully, with a variety of activities to do, worlds to explore, and loot to earn.

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Sep 15, 2017

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

Destiny 2 is a great game and a turning point for the franchise. The majority of changes are positive, and it is built on a solid foundation of gameplay. The issues mentioned have a negative impact, but only by a fraction.

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Game Revolution

Xbox One

Sep 13, 2017

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

Destiny 2 fulfills on everything that the first game promised and more, renewing faith in Bungie and the series as a whole.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Sep 21, 2017

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

Destiny 2 is an emphatic improvement over its predecessor, with streamlined mechanics and a solid first-person shooter experience.