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Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Item: Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

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

AvailableJun 4, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperBungie

Overview

The Final Shape looms—a nightmarish calcification of reality into the Witness's twisted design. Embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the Traveler, rally the Vanguard, and end the War of Light and Darkness.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is widely praised for its emotional depth, character development, and cohesive narrative, marking a "satisfying conclusion" to the saga. Critics laud its heartfelt storytelling, especially the arcs of Commander Zavala and Cayde-6, while the linear approach enhances engagement. However, some predictability in plot twists and minor character inconsistencies are noted as areas for improvement. Overall, it delivers a compelling, mature story that honors the franchise's legacy, despite a few flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding the story of Destiny 2: The Final Shape is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its emotional depth, character development, and narrative cohesion. CGMagazine highlights the expansion as a "satisfying conclusion" to the Light and Darkness Saga, while Game Informer emphasizes the "heartfelt, character-driven storytelling" that resonates with players. Many reviewers, such as IGN Brasil and MeuPlayStation, commend the emotional weight and well-developed arcs of key characters like Commander Zavala and the return of Cayde-6, suggesting that the narrative not only revisits iconic moments but also celebrates the franchise's legacy. The linear storytelling approach, as noted by Gameliner and PlayStation Universe, enhances the experience by providing a focused narrative that respects the player's journey, making it accessible and engaging. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics point out certain shortcomings in the story's execution. Gameliner mentions that while the narrative is satisfying, some plot twists are predictable, which could detract from the overall impact for seasoned players. Additionally, God is a Geek notes that while the story is engaging, some characters feel "a little off," indicating a potential inconsistency in character portrayal. While the majority of critics agree on the emotional and narrative strength of the expansion, these minor critiques suggest that there are areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining character consistency and delivering unexpected plot developments. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Destiny 2: The Final Shape delivers a compelling and emotionally charged narrative that effectively concludes the long-running saga. The expansion is celebrated for its mature storytelling and character development, with many reviewers, including TheSixthAxis and GamesRadar+, acknowledging its epic and poignant nature. While there are some criticisms regarding predictability and character inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment is that the story succeeds in providing a fitting and memorable conclusion to the Destiny franchise, making it a noteworthy entry in the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is largely praised for its engaging mechanics, innovative Prismatic subclasses, and thrilling combat. Critics highlight the diverse missions and solid campaign, but some point out issues with repetitive gameplay and class balance. Overall, it's a strong entry in the looter shooter genre, blending light and dark elements for a customizable experience, despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Destiny 2: The Final Shape has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its engaging mechanics and innovative features. Many reviewers, such as God is a Geek, highlight the "sublime" moment-to-moment action, emphasizing the game's exceptional shooting and movement mechanics that stand out in the genre. The introduction of the Prismatic subclasses is a common point of acclaim, with CGMagazine noting the "solid campaign experience" and Game Informer appreciating the added complexity and depth these new abilities bring to the gameplay. Critics like MeuPlayStation and IGN Brasil also commend the variety of missions and activities, which keep players engaged and allow for diverse playstyles, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game. However, some criticisms have emerged regarding the gameplay experience. Gameliner points out that certain elements can feel repetitive over time, which may detract from the excitement that the game initially offers. Additionally, IGN Brasil mentions that while the Prismatic subclass allows for interesting combinations, the Titan class has been perceived as weaker, potentially limiting the overall balance among character classes. TheSixthAxis also notes that while the campaign is excellent, the difficulty spike in the final boss fight may frustrate some players, suggesting that not all aspects of gameplay are perfectly calibrated. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Destiny 2: The Final Shape delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, with the majority lauding its innovative mechanics and engaging combat. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub celebrate the game's ability to blend light and dark elements, creating a fresh and customizable experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetition and class balance, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, affirming that the game stands as a significant achievement within the looter shooter genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a visual tour de force, earning rave reviews for its stunning graphics and immersive environments. Critics laud the artistic brilliance of locations like the Traveler and The Pale Heart, highlighting the blend of familiar and surreal elements that create breathtaking vistas. While there are minor critiques about a lack of groundbreaking innovation, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers celebrating the game's unique aesthetics and quality design. Bungie has delivered an impressive visual experience that enhances both the narrative and gameplay, making it a high point in the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Destiny 2: The Final Shape have been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, who highlight the game's artistic achievements and immersive environments. Game Informer praises the new destination inside the Traveler as "artistically striking," noting the combination of familiar locations with surreal elements. Similarly, Gameliner and God is a Geek commend the beauty of The Pale Heart, with the latter specifically mentioning the "wonderful visual variety" that enhances the gameplay experience. Critics from IGN Brasil and IGN France also emphasize the uniqueness of the environments and enemies, with the latter highlighting the lush and nightmarish aesthetics that enrich the overall experience. The visuals are described as "stunning" and "gorgeous" by multiple reviewers, including MeuPlayStation and TheSixthAxis, who appreciate the creative body horror elements and breathtaking vistas that showcase Bungie's commitment to quality. While the consensus is largely positive, there are some critiques worth noting. However, the reviews provided do not explicitly mention any significant negative aspects of the graphics and visual design. Instead, they focus on the strengths of the game's visual presentation, which suggests that any potential shortcomings may be minimal or subjective. The XboxHub mentions that the game maintains high visual standards, implying that while the visuals are impressive, they are consistent with the expectations set by previous entries in the series. This could suggest a lack of groundbreaking innovation in visual design, but it does not detract from the overall quality. Overall, the critics collectively celebrate the graphics and visual design of Destiny 2: The Final Shape, with the majority agreeing that it represents a high point in the series. The combination of stunning environments, unique aesthetics, and creative design elements has created an immersive experience that resonates with players. Critics like GamesRadar+ and GAMINGbible highlight the game's vibrant and surrealistic visuals, while Malditos Nerds praises the level design and visual effects. This strong consensus indicates that Bungie has successfully delivered an impressive visual experience that enhances the narrative and gameplay of Destiny 2: The Final Shape.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

music and sound design

Description unavailable

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are praising the voice acting in Destiny 2: The Final Shape, particularly Nathan Fillion's return as Cayde-6 and Keith David as Zavala, citing emotionally engaging performances that enhance the game's narrative. While the majority celebrate the high-quality voice work, some fans are concerned about changes to certain character voices, which may impact long-time players' emotional connections. Overall, the consensus highlights strong performances that honor character legacies while advancing the story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Destiny 2: The Final Shape has garnered significant praise from multiple critics, highlighting the performances of returning actors such as Nathan Fillion and Keith David. CGMagazine commends the return of Fillion as Cayde-6 and David as Commander Zavala, noting that they handle their characters with the care and respect they deserve. God is a Geek emphasizes Fillion's portrayal as "pitch-perfect and emotionally engaging," which resonates with players who have followed the character's journey. Additionally, IGN Brasil and TheSixthAxis echo these sentiments, with IGN Brasil praising David's performance as maintaining the essence of Zavala while contributing to a memorable and emotional narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting elevates the game's storytelling, with GAMINGbible and Multiplayer.it affirming the high quality of performances that enhance the overall experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting, particularly concerning character changes. TheXboxHub notes that while Nathan Fillion's return as Cayde-6 is a highlight, the replacement voice for Zavala is acknowledged as different, which may not sit well with all fans. This sentiment is echoed by God is a Geek, who points out that some characters' voices have changed, potentially impacting the emotional connection for long-time players. While these changes are well-executed, they may still leave some players feeling a sense of loss or adjustment as they adapt to the new interpretations. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Destiny 2: The Final Shape is of high quality and significantly enhances the game's narrative depth. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GAMINGbible emphasize the emotional weight brought by performances from returning actors, while acknowledging the challenges posed by character voice changes. Ultimately, the majority sentiment leans toward appreciation for the voice acting, with many believing it successfully honors the legacy of the characters while pushing the narrative forward.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are largely praising Destiny 2: The Final Shape for its rich replayability, enhanced by new features like Prismatic subclasses and varied post-campaign activities. Reviewers highlight its engaging content and cooperative play incentives, making it a must-play for fans. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay and potential limitations on long-term engagement suggest that while the expansion revitalizes the experience, some players might find it lacking over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Destiny 2: The Final Shape is predominantly positive among critics. Many reviewers highlight the expansion's extensive replayability due to new mechanics, such as the Prismatic subclasses and Transcendence mechanics, which enhance gameplay diversity. Critics like Game Informer and IGN France emphasize the variety of post-campaign activities, including missions, special quests, and high-tier challenges, which keep players engaged long after completing the main storyline. Additionally, MeuPlayStation notes the abundance of content and challenges that encourage players to revisit the game, especially in cooperative play, which is a significant draw for the community. However, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may affect long-term engagement. Gameliner mentions the repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements, suggesting that while there are grinding opportunities, they might not sustain interest over time. CGMagazine also raises concerns about the longevity of nostalgia-driven content, indicating that some aspects may not age well. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it notes that while the game offers significant replay value, some players may find the structure limiting, which could hinder their overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Destiny 2: The Final Shape provides a wealth of replayable content that caters to both new and returning players. The introduction of new mechanics, activities, and a robust episodic structure has been well-received, with many reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub, deeming it a must-play for fans of the franchise. Despite some concerns regarding repetitive gameplay and structural limitations, the overall impression is that the expansion successfully revitalizes the Destiny experience, ensuring players have ample reasons to dive back into the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Destiny 2: The Final Shape is overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the opinions of various critics. Many reviewers, including CGMagazine and God is a Geek, lauded the expansion for its emotional storytelling and engaging gameplay, highlighting it as a significant and satisfying conclusion to the franchise's saga. Critics such as Game Informer and TheSixthAxis noted the complex gameplay mechanics and extensive replay value, which contribute to the game's longevity and appeal, especially for long-time fans. The expansion's ability to evoke nostalgia while introducing new content was also emphasized, with IGN France calling it a "dream come true" for Destiny enthusiasts. Overall, the expansion has been described as impactful and well-constructed, marking a high point in the series. However, some criticisms were noted across the reviews, primarily focusing on certain convoluted systems and minor technical performance issues. Game Informer mentioned the complexity of some gameplay systems as a drawback, while Gameliner pointed out repetitive elements that could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, while many critics praised the new content, some, like Multiplayer.it, acknowledged that the expansion still carries some of the longstanding limitations of the franchise. These critiques suggest that while the expansion excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws, which may affect the experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a remarkable addition to the series that successfully wraps up a decade-long narrative journey. The majority of reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and GamesRadar+, agree that it stands as one of the best expansions in the franchise, offering a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and emotional depth. This strong endorsement from critics indicates that, while there are areas for improvement, the expansion is a worthy experience for both veteran players and newcomers alike, solidifying its place as a significant milestone in the Destiny universe.

TL;DR

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a critically acclaimed expansion, praised for its emotional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic elements that conclude the franchise's saga. While some reviewers noted complex systems and minor performance issues, the overall sentiment is that it's a standout addition—heralded as one of the best expansions in the series, blending nostalgia with innovation and emotional depth. Despite a few flaws, it promises a rewarding experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

MONSTER

Reviews

70 reviews found

100

Dexerto

Jun 13, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is praised as not only the best Destiny expansion but also one of the best gaming experiences, offering a sentimental and satisfying conclusion to a decade of storytelling. The expansion is celebrated for its ability to bring players together and create a collective gaming moment.

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100

Twinfinite

Jun 10, 2024

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

Destiny 2 The Final Shape is a masterpiece, setting a high standard for future DLCs.

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100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jun 10, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is highly praised as the best version of the reviewer's favorite and most played game. The expansion is described as impactful, emotional, and well-constructed, marking the end of a significant storytelling journey in the Destiny universe.

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100

PCGamesN

Jun 14, 2024

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

The review concludes by praising Destiny 2: The Final Shape as one of the all-time FPS game greats, with renewed passion and excitement for the future, ultimately cementing its status in the genre.

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COGconnected

Jun 19, 2024

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

The Final Shape is Bungie's best work in the Destiny era, setting a new bar for live service expansions and proving Bungie's excellence in the industry.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Jun 10, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is praised as one of the best expansions Bungie has produced, particularly appealing to long-time fans. The emotional weight of the story, engaging gameplay, and overall delivery are highlighted as strong points.

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Gaming Nexus

Jun 28, 2024

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

The Final Shape is considered a strong addition to the Destiny franchise, ranking among its high points despite some imperfections and bugs. It is praised for its storytelling and gameplay enhancements.

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IGN France

PlayStation 5

Jun 12, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is praised as a dream come true for Destiny fans, offering a memorable destination, engaging campaign, poignant story, and exciting new powers, with hopes for continued quality in future content.

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Malditos Nerds

Xbox Series X

Jul 1, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is one of the best expansions, offering a nostalgic yet solid adventure with new content that sets a new quality standard for the franchise.

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But Why Tho?

Jun 17, 2024

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape delivers on its promise of an emotional and exhilarating finale to a decade-long story. While some loose ends remain, the direction of the finale is praised as truly great.

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