Destiny 2: Beyond Light

The story of Destiny 2: Beyond Light receives praise for its ambitious lore expansions and thematic depth, particularly in exploring the Darkness as a corrupting force and introducing new characters like Eramis and the Exo Stranger. Critics like Critical Hit and GamesRadar+ highlight its nuanced narrative, with the latter noting layered storytelling that delves into mortality and the nature of the Darkness, while Eurogamer Italy applauds its emotional weight and character development for figures like Variks. The expansion also ties into broader Destiny lore, offering satisfying answers to long-standing questions about the Exo Inconnue and Clovis Bray’s role in the universe, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation LifeStyle. Additionally, Twinfinite appreciates its focused campaign that avoids the pitfalls of previous expansions, and PC Gamer praises Europa’s exploration and Eramis’s antagonist arc as a return to form for Bungie’s storytelling. However, the narrative is frequently criticized for being shallow, repetitive, and underdeveloped. Multiple reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer, Digital Trends, and Wccftech, argue that the campaign feels rushed, with a runtime of 5–6 hours that lacks emotional depth and fails to deliver on promised revelations about the Darkness. GamingBolt and GameSkinny note that Eramis is portrayed as a forgettable villain, while Jeuxvideo.com (multiple entries) and IGN criticize the lack of urgency and unresolved threads, calling it more of a side-story than a meaningful progression. The repetitive mission structures, forced pacing, and underdeveloped subplots—such as the dysfunctional Bray family in TheSixthAxis’s review—further detract from the experience, with some critics like XGN and 3DJuegos lamenting its brevity and reliance on grinding over substantive storytelling. Overall, while Beyond Light is seen as a step forward for Destiny 2’s narrative in terms of lore integration and character depth, it struggles to balance ambition with execution. Critics like Critical Hit and GamesRadar+ acknowledge its strengths in thematic exploration and world-building, but the majority agree that the campaign feels incomplete or formulaic. The expansion’s post-campaign content, such as Empire Hunts and raids, is often praised for adding longevity, yet the core story remains divisive. As Twinfinite notes, it avoids some of the flaws of earlier expansions, but Hardcore Gamer and IGN argue that its short length and lack of innovation leave it feeling like a placeholder in Bungie’s broader saga. The consensus leans toward mixed reception: while it enriches Destiny’s universe for fans, its narrative shortcomings prevent it from being a standout entry in the series.

The gameplay of Destiny 2: Beyond Light receives praise for its innovative mechanics and strategic depth, particularly the introduction of Stasis, a subclass that adds fresh combat dynamics. Critics like IGN highlight the satisfying "ice-based abilities" and the raid Deep Stone Crypt as standout experiences, noting its challenging design and cohesive gameplay. The expansion also introduces refined progression systems, such as Aspects/Fragments for customization (PlayStation LifeStyle) and improved tutorial elements for newcomers (Jeuxvideo.com). Additionally, activities like Lost Sectors and Wraithborne Hunts are praised for their variety, while the campaign’s flow is deemed more engaging than previous expansions (Twinfinite). The Stasis subclass’s unique crowd-control mechanics and creative customization options (GamingBolt, Critical Hit) are frequently cited as highlights, offering players new ways to approach PvE encounters. However, the expansion faces significant criticism for its repetitive structures and unbalanced systems. Many reviewers, including GameStar and Multiplayer.it, note that endgame content feels underwhelming, with limited loot pools (30 weapons) and recycled objectives like one-boss fights and routine quests. The PvP balance is a major concern, as Stasis’s crowd-control abilities are seen as overpowered, disrupting the Crucible’s competitive integrity (Jeuxvideo.com, Game Revolution). Repetitive farming mechanics, such as grinding for light levels or completing Lost Sectors, are criticized as tedious and illogical (Multiplayer.it, The Digital Fix), while content removals like "sunsetting" and vaulted strikes spark frustration (GameMAG, Gamer.no). Additionally, the campaign is often called short and generic (Jeuxvideo.com, GameSkinny), with some activities feeling artificially extended to pad playtime. Overall, critics agree that Beyond Light delivers meaningful innovations but struggles to maintain consistency in its core gameplay. The Stasis subclass and raid experiences are widely celebrated as breakthroughs, yet the expansion’s reliance on familiar formulas—combined with repetitive endgame loops and PvP imbalances—diminishes its impact. While some praise the improved progression systems (Gameblog.fr) and PS5 optimizations (PlayStation Universe), others argue that the game feels like a "mixed bag" of fresh ideas and outdated mechanics (Multiplayer.it, Destructoid). The consensus is that Beyond Light is an improvement over previous expansions but falls short of fully addressing Destiny 2’s long-standing issues with grind and content variety.

The graphics and visual design of Destiny 2: Beyond Light received widespread praise for its atmospheric immersion and technical improvements. Critics highlighted Europa’s icy landscapes as a standout element, with vivid depictions of frozen tundras, glacial surfaces, and futuristic facilities like the Clovis Bray laboratories. TheGamer noted enhanced color vibrancy and terrain detail, while Eurogamer Italy lauded the planet’s "diverse environments" and attention to detail in settings such as artificial complexes and Vex structures. Dynamic weather effects, including snowstorms and blizzards, were frequently praised for adding depth and environmental challenges, with GameSpot noting their role in creating a "visually striking" frozen wasteland. The Cosmodrome’s return was celebrated for its nostalgic aesthetic, and the Deep Stone Crypt raid’s sci-fi design was called "immersive" by GamesRadar+. Many critics also appreciated the improved graphical fidelity, such as 4K resolution support on PS5 (PlayStation Universe) and smoother performance on current-gen consoles (Hardcore Gamer). However, several reviewers criticized the expansion for its lack of variety and underutilized design. The Digital Fix and GameStar both noted that Europa’s aesthetic felt repetitive compared to earlier expansions like Forsaken, with some areas resembling the moon or lacking the "Wow-Effekt" of previous content. PC Gamer and Areajugones pointed out environmental monotony, citing repeated icy textures and underdeveloped locations despite the planet’s scale. TheXboxHub and GameSkinny mentioned that while the Cosmodrome was visually appealing, it felt "underutilized," and PlayStation LifeStyle criticized the limited fast travel points as a drawback. Additionally, Vandal and Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) noted that dynamic weather effects, though visually impressive, often hindered gameplay by impeding movement. Some critics also found the art direction conventional compared to the Dreaming City’s surrealism, with GameSkinny stating Europa was "less visually stunning" than previous expansions. Overall, the consensus among critics was mixed but leaned toward appreciation for Beyond Light’s visual ambition and technical polish. While many praised its atmospheric design, dynamic weather, and detailed environments—particularly by outlets like Eurogamer Italy, Critical Hit, and Jeuxvideo.com—the expansion faced criticism for repetition, underdeveloped areas, and a lack of the creative diversity seen in earlier content. IGN and GameSpot acknowledged that Europa’s visuals were "par for the course" compared to Bungie’s previous work, but most agreed it represented a step forward in terms of graphical fidelity and environmental storytelling. The balance between technical improvements and creative execution left many reviewers divided, with some calling it one of Bungie’s most captivating environments (SomosXbox) while others felt it fell short of the "stunning" standards set by Forsaken or the Dreaming City.

The sound design and music of Destiny 2: Beyond Light received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their immersive qualities and atmospheric contributions. Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) praised the soundtrack as "d'excellence" (excellent), emphasizing its immersive musical sequences during key moments like the space-based platforming section, which enhanced the game’s environmental depth. Similarly, PlayStation LifeStyle noted the serene music during the Deep Stone Crypt Raid’s space walk, reinforcing the experience’s immersion. GamesRadar+ and Hobby Consolas echoed this sentiment, calling the audio "excellent" and "sensacional" (sensational), respectively, while also acknowledging continued improvements over previous entries in the series. The Deep Stone Crypt raid, in particular, was a focal point for praise, with critics like 3DJuegos and Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) highlighting its exceptional audio design. The space sequence’s music, described as "soaring" by PCGamesN, further underscored the soundtrack’s ability to elevate dramatic moments. While most reviews were positive, some critiques pointed to minor shortcomings. Impulsegamer stood out as a vocal critic, calling the music "lackluster" compared to prior works, citing a lack of new tracks and poor integration with gameplay. They noted a disconnect between the audio and immersive experience, though they acknowledged the final battle track as an exception. Additionally, LaPS4 and Twinfinite provided brief mentions of the sound department enhancing combat but offered no specific details, suggesting some reviewers found the audio’s impact less pronounced outside key sequences. These critiques, however, were outliers in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive reception. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Beyond Light’s sound design and music met or exceeded expectations, maintaining Bungie’s high standards for the franchise. The Deep Stone Crypt raid and space-based sequences were repeatedly highlighted as standout moments, with multiple outlets like Jeuxvideo.com, GamesRadar+, and PCGamesN praising their atmospheric depth and musical excellence. While Impulsegamer’s criticism of the soundtrack’s innovation and integration was notable, it did not overshadow the broader acclaim. The majority of reviewers agreed that the audio enhanced immersion and complemented the game’s narrative and environmental storytelling, reinforcing Beyond Light’s reputation as aurally rich and technically polished.

The voice acting in Destiny 2: Beyond Light receives notable praise, particularly for its French language track (VF), which is consistently highlighted as a positive aspect by multiple critics. Jeuxvideo.com, across several reviews, emphasizes that the VF adds depth to narrative and character interactions, while Hobby Consolas specifically commends Maggie Civantos’ portrayal of La Desconocida as a nostalgic highlight. Additionally, PlayStation Universe singles out Salli Saffoti’s performance as Eramis, noting its impact on the expansion’s storytelling. TheSixthAxis also praises Nolan North’s work for the Ghost in a specific mission, calling it entertaining. These positive remarks suggest that the voice acting, especially in French, contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and emotional resonance, even if broader critiques remain unexplored. However, several critics point to shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly regarding character depth and variety. Impulsegamer criticizes the overall quality as "underwhelming," citing reused voice lines from Destiny 1 for the Guardian and limited dialogue for most characters. Key figures like the Drifter and Eris Morn are described as sidelined, which diminishes emotional engagement. While some reviews acknowledge the French voice cast positively, they often fail to elaborate on its quality or depth, leaving room for skepticism about its overall impact. The lack of substantial character development in voice performances contrasts with the praise for specific actors, suggesting a fragmented approach to vocal storytelling. The consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the French voice acting as a standout element while recognizing broader issues. Multiple Jeuxvideo.com reviews highlight the VF’s positive contributions without delving into specifics, indicating a general appreciation for its role in the game’s presentation. However, Impulsegamer’s critique of underdeveloped character voices and repetitive dialogue underscores a disconnect between technical execution and narrative depth. While some performances, like Maggie Civantos’ or Salli Saffoti’s, are praised, the overall reception suggests that Beyond Light’s voice acting is uneven—exceling in certain areas but falling short in others, particularly in sustaining emotional engagement across its cast.

The technical performance of Destiny 2: Beyond Light received mixed but largely positive feedback across platforms, with next-gen consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X/S) and PC showing significant improvements. On PS5, reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com praised the 60/120 FPS support, reduced load times, and SSD-driven menu access, while PlayStation Universe highlighted halved load times and near-instant character switching. Similarly, Wccftech noted smooth 4K60/120fps performance on next-gen systems, and Digital Trends emphasized faster load times and smoother gameplay on PC. The Destiny Content Vault (DCV) system was a key positive across platforms, streamlining performance by culling older content, as highlighted by Gaming Nexus and Metro GameCentral, who praised reduced file sizes and optimized storage. Xbox Series X users also benefited from improved stability and frame rates, with Jeuxvideo.com noting the "next-gen patch" enhanced overall technical fidelity. However, technical issues persisted on older hardware and platforms. On PS4, critics like 3DJuegos and Gameblog.fr pointed to server downtime, long load times, and bugs in older raids, while Gamer.nl and Hobby Consolas noted content removals as a trade-off for smoother performance. GameMAG criticized erratic aiming and audio issues on PS5, and Impulsegamer highlighted Europa’s demanding visuals causing performance hiccups. PC users faced challenges too: GameSkinny and GamingBolt cited broken mechanics like Stasis in PvP, while Multiplayer.it and TheGamer noted cheating, balancing problems, and repetitive farming systems. Even on Xbox One, Hardcore Gamer lamented long load times and "poor" performance, with Jeuxvideo.com acknowledging lingering bugs in older activities across all platforms. Overall, critics agreed that Beyond Light’s technical improvements were most impactful on next-gen consoles and PC, where optimizations like faster load times, higher frame rates, and the DCV system enhanced stability. However, older platforms (PS4/Xbox One) struggled with persistent bugs, content compromises, and performance limitations, as noted by 3DJuegos, Gameblog.fr, and Hardcore Gamer. While Bungie’s responsiveness to issues—such as Stasis adjustments (Twinfinite) and hotfixes (PC Gamer)—was praised, the consensus was that technical execution remained uneven. The expansion showcased progress but also highlighted the challenges of balancing innovation with legacy support, leaving a mixed but cautiously optimistic reception across platforms.

The reviewers generally acknowledge several positive aspects of Destiny 2: Beyond Light that contribute to its replayability. The Deep Stone Crypt raid is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, praised for its engaging mechanics and multiple playthroughs (PlayStation LifeStyle, PCGamesN). Post-campaign content such as weekly challenges, raids, and exploration of new zones like Europe offers sustained engagement, with Jeuxvideo.com noting varied activities including public events and farming for future raids. New mechanics like Stasis and dynamic sectors introduce variety, while seasonal updates and evolving narratives (e.g., the "Season of the Hunt") provide long-term goals (GameSpot, TheGamer). Additionally, the expansion’s emphasis on progression systems, such as Sunsetting and new gear, incentivizes continued play for dedicated players (PlayStation Universe, MMORPG.com). However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit replayability. Many criticize the short campaign (3.5–5 hours) and repetitive tasks, with The Digital Fix calling the first season "extremely dull" and Wccftech noting repeated locations and a lack of fresh content despite Stasis mechanics. Repetitive grinding for loot, especially in raids and PvP, is another recurring issue, with IGN and PCGamesN highlighting how Sunsetting and outdated systems diminish motivation to revisit older content. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer also note that stripped-down legacy content and inaccessible raid experiences for solo players reduce long-term appeal. Additionally, the removal of vaulted planets and underdeveloped PvP maps (e.g., Crucible) further detract from replayability (Eurogamer Italy, Gaming Nexus). The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a balanced perspective: while Beyond Light offers substantial post-campaign content and endgame activities that cater to veterans, its repetitive nature and reliance on grinding limit its long-term appeal. Positive aspects like the Deep Stone Crypt raid and seasonal updates are frequently cited as redeeming qualities (GamesRadar+, PlayStation LifeStyle), but many reviewers feel the expansion fails to fully address issues with repetition and content depth (GameStar, The Digital Fix). Ultimately, the game’s replayability depends on player preferences—those who enjoy progression systems and raids may find it engaging, while others may be deterred by its formulaic design and lack of innovation. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and IGN suggest that future updates could mitigate these issues, but as a standalone expansion, Beyond Light feels more like a stepping stone than a fully realized experience.