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Destiny 2: Lightfall

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

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 28, 2023

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

DeveloperBungie

Overview

Shattered glass glints in the starlight. Soldiers of the Shadow Legion battle with Guardians under the unmistakable shadows of the fleet overhead—the Witness and its newest disciple are here. Find strength in the Light, arm yourself with Darkness, and peer beyond the veil as you raise the stakes on an already unforgettable campaign. Travel to a destination unlike any you've explored in Destiny 2. Cross paths with bone-chilling Tormentors and valiant Cloud Striders, join the fight against the Shadow Legion, and prevent devastation in the technologically advanced secret city of Neomuna.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall’s bold narrative ambition clashes with incoherent storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and unresolved mysteries, polarizing critics—praised for cosmic stakes and world-building but criticized as a disjointed, rushed mess that feels like a setup rather than a satisfying conclusion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

63%

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

The story of Destiny 2: Lightfall received mixed reactions, with some critics acknowledging its ambitious setup and intriguing elements. Reviewers like IGN Italia noted that the expansion “sets up the beginning of the end for the Destiny universe,” introducing The Witness as a pivotal antagonist and hinting at larger narrative arcs. XGN praised its thrilling campaign despite unresolved questions about the Veil, while GameSpot highlighted the opening cinematic’s strength. Additionally, RPG Site observed that the seasonal storyline in Season of Defiance had a more positive reception, suggesting that some aspects of Lightfall’s narrative were engaging, particularly its exploration of Neomuna and the cosmic stakes involving The Witness. These positives underscored Bungie’s attempt to expand the lore with high-stakes conflicts and new settings. However, the majority of critics panned Lightfall for its incoherent storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and unresolved plotlines. Gaming Nexus called it a “hot mess” with a nonsensical MacGuffin quest and “Jar-Jar Binks of Destiny”-style characters, while God is a Geek criticized the lack of emotional weight and shallow antagonists like The Witness. Multiple reviewers, including Dexerto, GameSkinny, and IGN, highlighted unresolved mysteries around the Veil, rushed character arcs, and a focus on the new Strand subclass that overshadowed deeper narrative themes. Digital Chumps and GamingTrend lamented the disjointed structure, with a “rushed first act” and an anti-climactic ending that left players frustrated. The campaign’s reliance on exposition over meaningful storytelling further alienated critics, who felt it failed to deliver on the series’ potential. Overall, the consensus among critics was largely negative, with Lightfall being seen as a missed opportunity to conclude major storylines effectively. While some praised its ambition and setup for future content, the overwhelming sentiment was that the narrative fell short in coherence, character development, and emotional engagement. GameSpot, IGN, and Gaming Nexus all emphasized the confusion surrounding key plot points and underwhelming antagonists, while Push Square noted it felt like a “middle act in a trilogy” rather than a satisfying conclusion. Despite occasional praise for its world-building or seasonal elements, the expansion’s failure to resolve long-standing questions and deliver a cohesive story left many critics disappointed, marking it as one of the weaker entries in Destiny 2’s narrative arc.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall dazzles with inventive Strand mechanics, streamlined systems, and fresh content but falters under a weak narrative, repetitive loops, and unbalanced subsystems, offering mixed rewards for fans of the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Destiny 2: Lightfall receives significant praise for its innovative mechanics and quality-of-life improvements, particularly the introduction of the Strand subclass. Critics like Push Square highlight Strand’s “exhilarating” grappling hook and dynamic combat, while IGN and GameSpot commend its unique mobility and crowd-control capabilities. The expansion also introduces streamlined systems such as loadouts (lauded by Gaming Nexus and PlayStation Universe) and improved armor customization, enhancing accessibility for both newcomers and veterans. New activities like Battlegrounds, Terminal Overload, and the “Tormentor” enemies add variety, with Digital Chumps noting the engaging mission design and fresh content such as Neptune’s secret-hunting elements. The Legendary difficulty mode and raids, including Root of Nightmares, are praised for their challenge and polish, with Dexerto calling the raid a “visual and mechanical standout.” These innovations suggest a strong foundation for gameplay evolution. However, several critics point to repetitive mechanics and unfulfilled potential. The campaign’s narrative and mission design are frequently criticized as lackluster, with The Enemy noting its “weak and repetitive” structure and COGconnected calling the combat “repetitive with familiar enemies.” The Strand subclass, while praised for its creativity, faces backlash for being underdeveloped or imbalanced. But Why Tho? and Gaming Nexus highlight issues like a frustrating grappling hook cooldown and limited versatility, while GGRecon mentions “under-leveling” and unclear guidance in the campaign. Additionally, systems like Commendations (deemed “meaningless” by Gaming Nexus) and Guardian Ranks are criticized for alienating players. Repetitive activities, such as the “Sovraccarico Terminale” event (Everyeye.it) and simplified buildcrafting (WellPlayed), further detract from the experience, suggesting a gap between ambition and execution. Overall, critics agree that Lightfall is a mixed bag of innovation and repetition. While the Strand subclass and quality-of-life upgrades are widely celebrated as meaningful advancements—Push Square calls it “a standout feature” and PlayStation Universe notes its “freshness”—the expansion struggles with narrative depth and repetitive gameplay loops. The consensus leans toward moderate praise, acknowledging the mechanics’ potential but critiquing their implementation. As GameSpot and IGN note, the gameplay is “enjoyable and well-designed” but overshadowed by systemic flaws. For fans of Destiny 2’s core loop, Lightfall offers enough new content to justify its release, though it falls short of delivering a transformative experience. The expansion’s strengths lie in its technical polish and creative subsystems, while its weaknesses reflect the challenges of sustaining innovation in an established franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall’s Neomuna dazzles with bold cyberpunk flair but feels hollow—vibrant visuals clash with emptiness, technical glitches, and a disconnect from the game’s soul, leaving a stunning yet underwhelming world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The Graphics and Visual Design of Destiny 2: Lightfall received mixed praise, particularly for its bold aesthetic choices and creative direction. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming highlighted Neomuna’s "stunning art direction" and unique design, noting its vibrant cyberpunk style as a refreshing departure from Destiny 2’s usual environments. GGRecon praised the neon-soaked streets and futuristic aesthetic, comparing Bungie’s work to Halo 3: ODST in terms of mood and environmental storytelling. TheXboxHub and Push Square emphasized the city’s visually striking neon-lit landscapes and verticality, while PSX Brasil celebrated its "vibrant blue tones" and bold architecture. Many reviewers also commended specific elements like the Root of Nightmares raid, described as a "visual delight" by Dexerto and "colorful, large-scale, and aesthetically striking" by Digital Chumps, showcasing Bungie’s artistic strengths in creating immersive, stylized environments. However, several critics criticized Neomuna for feeling lifeless, underdeveloped, or inconsistent with the game’s overall tone. TheSixthAxis and multiple IGN reviews (on PC and Xbox Series X) called it a "barren, empty city" that failed to live up to its marketing as a vibrant metropolis, citing missing interactive elements like shops or vehicles. Hardcore Gamer and GamingBolt noted the lack of verticality and engaging design, with the latter describing it as "empty despite its verticality." GameSpot (multiple mentions) and Gaming Nexus highlighted the desolation of Neomuna, comparing it unfavorably to previous locations like Savathun’s Throne World or Città Sognante. Technical issues, such as invisible boundaries and model glitches, were also cited by Gaming Nexus and Press Start Australia, further detracting from the experience. Additionally, Hooked Gamers and Multiplayer.it criticized the cyberpunk aesthetic for clashing with Destiny 2’s established themes, calling it "out-of-place" and inconsistent. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced but polarizing reception. While many critics acknowledged Neomuna’s visual creativity and stylistic risks—such as its neon-lit aesthetics and unique design choices—the recurring critiques of emptiness, lack of polish, and narrative disconnect overshadowed these positives. Checkpoint Gaming and GGRecon celebrated the artistic vision, but most reviewers, including TheSixthAxis, IGN, and GameSpot, felt the environment failed to deliver a cohesive or immersive experience. The expansion’s visuals were seen as technically competent but emotionally hollow, with Neomuna serving more as a backdrop than a living world. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the mixed feedback reflects a divide between appreciating Bungie’s bold creative choices and frustration with the execution, leaving Lightfall’s visual design as a case of "stunning surface" but "underdeveloped substance."

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall’s sound design and music are hailed as exceptional, blending immersive 80s-inspired scores, emotional orchestral arrangements, and chilling alien effects—Bungie’s best yet—but some critics note uneven storytelling integration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers praised the sound design and music of Destiny 2: Lightfall, highlighting its immersive and emotionally resonant qualities. Attack of the Fanboy emphasized the "wicked" quality of Strand’s sound design and the bone-chilling alien sounds of Tormentors, while also noting the 80s-inspired action movie atmosphere. Everyeye.it lauded the musical accompaniment for its emotional impact, with new tracks and rearranged pieces enhancing the campaign experience. GGRecon called the synth-infused orchestral score a "standout element," praising its consistency, emotional depth, and marking it as Bungie’s best musical effort to date. GamersRD described the soundtrack as "exceptional," contributing significantly to the game’s immersive atmosphere, while We Got This Covered noted "musical highs" in the campaign. These critiques collectively underscore a strong consensus that the audio design and score elevated the expansion’s narrative and gameplay. While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, some critics offered more restrained or brief assessments. GamingTrend and GameSkinny mentioned the soundtrack only briefly without delving into its quality or impact, and IGN Italia noted that while the audio was "a strong component," the story failed to fully capitalize on the high-quality audiovisual elements. These critiques suggest that while the music and sound design were widely praised, their integration with other aspects of the game—particularly storytelling—was seen as uneven. Additionally, some reviewers, like GamingTrend, did not provide specific details about the composition or execution of the score, leaving room for ambiguity in their assessments. Overall, the critical reception of Destiny 2: Lightfall’s sound design and music was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all reviewers acknowledging its strengths. The blend of nostalgic 80s-inspired motifs, emotionally charged orchestral arrangements, and innovative sound effects created a cohesive and immersive experience that many called "exceptional" or "the best in Bungie’s history." While minor critiques about narrative integration and lack of detail from some reviews existed, they did not detract from the general acclaim. Critics like GGRecon and Everyeye.it emphasized the score’s emotional resonance and technical excellence, reinforcing the idea that Lightfall’s audio design was a standout achievement in the Destiny series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall’s voice acting is a mixed bag—standout moments from Lance Reddick’s Zavala and Nimbus’ initial energy can’t offset the cringe-worthy dialogue, uneven delivery, and budget-driven shortcomings that leave most characters flat, undermining narrative depth and immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The voice acting in Destiny 2: Lightfall receives a mix of praise and criticism, with several reviewers highlighting standout performances. DualShockers commends Rohan’s portrayal, noting his strong delivery, while Destructoid praises Nimbus’s voice actor for bringing energy to the character, despite later critiques of his tone. GameSpot (PS5) and other outlets acknowledge Lance Reddick’s nuanced performance as Commander Zavala, emphasizing his gravitas and emotional range. These positive remarks suggest that certain characters were well-crafted, with actors delivering compelling performances that added depth to their roles. However, the praise is limited in scope, focusing on a handful of characters rather than the game’s broader voice acting efforts. The negatives dominate the critique, with multiple reviewers pointing to budget constraints and uneven execution. TheSixthAxis accuses Bungie of underinvesting in voice work, resulting in silent or underdeveloped characters that undermine narrative cohesion. Oyungezer and PC Gamer specifically criticize Nimbus, calling his dialogue “cringeworthy” and “asinine,” while DualShockers finds his casual tone unconvincing. Osiris’s aggressive delivery is also singled out as problematic, and Caiatl’s emotional depth is deemed underutilized. TheXboxHub notes that voice work is merely adequate, with characters like Nimbus and Osiris failing to resonate. These criticisms highlight a lack of consistency, where some performances feel rushed or poorly executed, detracting from the game’s immersive experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward disappointment, with critics agreeing that Lightfall’s voice acting falls short of expectations. While a few actors delivered strong performances—such as Reddick’s Zavala and Destructoid’s praise for Nimbus—the broader execution was seen as a missed opportunity. TheSixthAxis and Oyungezer emphasize the budgetary limitations, suggesting that Bungie prioritized other aspects over voice work, leading to an uneven experience. Despite some positives, the majority of reviews highlight underwhelming character development, inconsistent performances, and a lack of emotional engagement, painting a picture of voice acting that struggles to meet the game’s ambitious narrative goals.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall’s technical performance is a mess—bugs, glitches, and optimization flaws plague all platforms, with PC and Xbox suffering from unstable systems, frame-rate hiccups, and post-launch exploits, while PS5 struggles with UI clutter and invisible players. Despite minor positives on high-end hardware, critics panned the expansion for failing to deliver polished, reliable gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The technical performance of Destiny 2: Lightfall shows mixed reception across platforms, with some positive notes. On PS5, Everyeye.it and Hobby Consolas reported no specific technical issues, while Gaming Nexus acknowledged persistent bugs but noted they were not unique to this expansion. For PC, GamersRD praised "exceptional performance" on high-end setups, and GGRecon highlighted a generally smooth experience despite minor quirks. IGN’s review for Xbox Series X also emphasized quality-of-life improvements without technical criticism. These positives suggest that the game runs well on capable hardware, particularly on PC and Xbox, with some critics praising optimization and stability. However, significant technical challenges emerged across platforms. On PS5, Gaming Nexus criticized frame rate issues, rendering glitches (like invisible players), and a cluttered UI, while Hobby Consolas noted design frustrations that indirectly impacted performance. For PC, multiple reviewers flagged persistent bugs: GamesRadar+ described "a mess" of broken systems, PC Gamer highlighted frame-rate-related inconsistencies, and Press Start Australia warned of post-launch exploits and glitches. TheGamer’s blunt assessment of "significant technical issues" echoed these concerns. While IGN (PC) and GGRecon noted minor problems, the overall sentiment leans toward instability, particularly in complex systems like Exotics and loadouts. The consensus among critics reveals a divided but largely critical view of Lightfall’s technical performance. While some platforms—like PC (GamersRD) and Xbox (IGN)—showed smoother experiences, the majority highlighted persistent bugs, optimization flaws, and systemic issues that undermined gameplay. PS5 received mixed feedback, with some praising its stability while others echoed PC’s struggles. TheGamer and GamesRadar+ were particularly harsh, emphasizing that technical problems persisted despite expectations for improvement. Overall, Lightfall’s launch faced significant hurdles, with critics agreeing that its technical execution fell short of the polish required for a major expansion, though some platforms and hardware configurations managed to mitigate these issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall delivers robust seasonal variety and endgame depth for fans but falters with repetitive mechanics, underwhelming storytelling, and minimal innovation—splitting critics between those who praise its incremental updates and others who call it stale and overpriced.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The positive aspects of Destiny 2: Lightfall’s replay value are highlighted by several critics who emphasize its evolving content and mechanical updates. CGMagazine notes that the expansion’s seasonal content, quality-of-life improvements, and ongoing story arcs provide sustained engagement, while Game Informer praises new endgame elements like exotics, raids, and seasonal activities as key drivers of replayability. PlayStation Universe and Hobby Consolas also commend post-campaign missions, new subclasses, and varied activities such as the Root of Nightmares raid, which cater to solo and group play. Additionally, MMORPG.com and Oyungezer highlight substantial content for repetition, including raids, public events, and a season-based economy that encourages experimentation with builds and progression systems. These elements collectively suggest that Lightfall offers enough variety to keep players invested beyond the initial campaign. However, critics frequently point to significant drawbacks that limit its replayability. Finger Guns criticizes the expansion’s repetitive structure and lack of meaningful changes to the core formula, while Hardcore Gamer argues that the minimal new content—such as a single Strike and unchanged enemies—makes it feel like a minor addition. GameSpot and GamesRadar+ note underwhelming narratives and systemic issues, with the latter calling the core activities “tedious” and the expansion “outdated.” TheGamer and WellPlayed also highlight exhaustion from repetitive gameplay, with some post-campaign content feeling stale or unengaging. Additionally, multiple reviewers, including GamingTrend and IGN, point to narrative shortcomings as a deterrent, suggesting that the lack of compelling hooks diminishes long-term appeal despite the game’s mechanical depth. Overall, critics present a mixed consensus, acknowledging Lightfall’s strengths in seasonal content and endgame activities while critiquing its narrative and repetitive design. While Game Informer, MMORPG.com, and Oyungezer see it as a solid foundation for future seasons and a worthwhile investment for fans, others like Finger Guns, Hardcore Gamer, and TheGamer argue that the expansion’s flaws—such as stagnant playlists and underdeveloped storytelling—prevent it from achieving strong long-term replayability. The review landscape reflects a divide between those who value Destiny 2’s live-service model and its incremental updates and those who feel the expansion lacks the innovation or depth to justify its price point. Ultimately, Lightfall seems to cater more to dedicated players seeking new mechanics and seasonal variety than to newcomers or casual fans looking for a cohesive, engaging experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Destiny 2: Lightfall highlights several positive aspects that many critics acknowledged, particularly its gameplay innovations and quality-of-life improvements. Reviewers like GGRecon (4.5/5) praised it as "exceptional" and a culmination of Destiny 2’s growth, emphasizing its narrative, mechanics, and role in Bungie’s broader vision. The introduction of the Strand subclass was widely celebrated, with PC Gamer, IGN, and TheGamer noting its creative potential and engaging combat dynamics. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and TheXboxHub highlighted streamlined systems, post-campaign content, and strong gunplay, while We Got This Covered commended the expansion for elevating Destiny 2’s "power fantasy" and accessibility. The Raid and visual design also received praise, with TheGamer and PSX Brasil noting their standout quality. These elements collectively suggest that Lightfall succeeded in refining core mechanics and offering enjoyable gameplay experiences. However, the expansion faced significant criticism for its narrative shortcomings and structural issues. Many reviewers, including PC Gamer, IGN, and GamesRadar+, described it as a "step backward" from The Witch Queen, citing a weak story, unresolved plot threads, and tonal inconsistencies. The campaign’s lack of emotional depth and pacing problems were recurring complaints, with Finger Guns calling it Bungie’s "weakest expansion" and GamingBolt noting its underdeveloped mechanics. Critics like Dexerto and Slant Magazine pointed to incohesive storytelling and poor difficulty scaling, while TheEnemy and Digital Chumps emphasized that the narrative failed to meet expectations. Additionally, GameSpot and COGconnected criticized the expansion for feeling rushed or disjointed, with some suggesting it served more as a "setup" for future content than a satisfying conclusion. These issues overshadowed many of the positive aspects, leaving players unimpressed despite technical and mechanical strengths. The overall consensus among critics is that Destiny 2: Lightfall is a mixed experience, leaning toward disappointment but with notable redeeming qualities. While it introduced compelling mechanics like Strand and improved accessibility, its narrative and structural flaws prevented it from living up to the high standards set by previous expansions. GGRecon and We Got This Covered offered more optimistic takes, framing it as a strong addition to the franchise, but most reviewers, including IGN, GamesRadar+, and TheGamer, felt it fell short of expectations. The expansion’s ability to retain core fan engagement through gameplay and quality-of-life updates contrasted with its failure to deliver a cohesive or emotionally resonant story. Ultimately, Lightfall is seen as a step forward in some areas but a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on the saga’s potential, leaving many fans eager for future content to address its shortcomings.

TL;DR

Destiny 2: Lightfall delivers standout gameplay innovations and refined mechanics—like the creative Strand subclass and improved accessibility—but stumbles with a weak, disjointed narrative, unresolved plotlines, and pacing issues, leaving critics divided between praise for its technical strengths and frustration over missed storytelling potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

78 reviews found

GGRecon

Mar 2, 2023

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

The review concludes with a 4.5/5 rating, calling Lightfall exceptional and a culmination of Destiny 2's growth. It emphasizes the expansion as a new beginning, praising its narrative, mechanics, and role in Bungie's broader vision for the franchise.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 7, 2023

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

The reviewer calls Lightfall an 'excellent expansion,' comparing it to *The Empire Strikes Back* for its dark, mysterious narrative and potential to expand Destiny's universe. They praise its innovations despite some unresolved questions.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Mar 7, 2023

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

Destiny 2: Lightfall is a mixed but promising expansion that addresses some flaws while setting up for future content. It keeps the momentum of the series going, though its campaign feels slightly underwhelming compared to previous expansions like The Witch Queen.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 5

Mar 8, 2023

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

While not as narrative-driven as previous expansions, Lightfall excels in gameplay, mechanics, and quality-of-life updates. The review concludes it's worth the investment for fans, despite its storytelling shortcomings.

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We Got This Covered

Mar 13, 2023

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

Despite narrative shortcomings, Lightfall is celebrated as a strong expansion that elevates Destiny 2's power fantasy and streamlines endgame accessibility. It is deemed one of the best looter shooters, with improvements in gameplay, progression systems, and player experience.

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XGN

PlayStation 5

May 1, 2023

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

Destiny 2: Lightfall is a brilliant expansion with standout gameplay and visual design, but its unresolved story and lack of answers to key questions detract from the experience. It feels like an effective setup for future content rather than a standalone conclusion.

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Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 5

Mar 3, 2023

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

Despite story shortcomings, Lightfall is praised for its improvements to quality-of-life features, Strand subclass, and mission design. The review concludes that Destiny 2 is better than ever but expresses anticipation for the final expansion, The Final Shape.

Oyungezer

Apr 10, 2023

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

The review presented a mixed but ultimately positive verdict. While the story fell short of expectations, the gameplay, visuals, and new systems were praised as some of the best in Destiny's history. The reviewer concluded that Lightfall is not the best expansion but remains a strong addition to the franchise.

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Mar 5, 2023

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

Lightfall is a mixed release. It excels in gameplay and quality-of-life updates but falls short narratively, failing to meet the emotional and stakes-driven standards set by previous expansions. It’s recommended for existing fans but does little to attract newcomers.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Mar 14, 2023

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

Lightfall is a mixed experience. While the campaign falls short in storytelling and pacing, the expansion introduces significant gameplay improvements and endgame content that sets up promising possibilities for future updates. It’s described as "hit and miss" but ultimately maintains enthusiasm for Destiny 2's long-term vision.

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