Bungie’s Destiny is one of the more hyped and marketed games in recent history, joining the likes of Titanfall and Watch Dogs. It’s the first game the studio’s made since it created Halo; the game that redefined the shooter experience on consoles. Destiny was meant to change things, to redefine the genre anew. Unfortunately, like those games, it fails to live up to the hubbub its created.

One of Destiny’s biggest problems is that it’s unsure of what it is and seems to appropriate elements from arguably better games.

It’s like Mass Effect – without the story

Destiny1

Set in a futuristic sci-fi world, Destiny tells the story of a group of Guardians  – a bunch of gun-toting errand boys (and girls!) for the Traveler; an unspecified, possibly sentient sphere that helped save humanity from The Darkness. The Traveler sacrificed itself for humanity, and now hangs in low orbit above Earth’s last standing city. The Darkness is an unspecified evil, and Destiny focuses on these Guardians and their battle to save earth from races of aliens, husks, robots and rotund soldiers, pushing back The Darkness and possibly bringing The Traveler back to life. That’s essentially all there is to the story.

Each Guardian is aided by a Ghost; a smaller, levitating AI imbued with the Traveller’s light that’s useful for hacking computers and opening doors. The source of much of the game’s narrative and exposition, the Ghost delivers its vague lines in a not-quite-robotic, not-quite-human way that’s almost allegorical of Destiny as a whole. Like The Ghost’s monotone delivery, everything seems bland and lacking personality. Nothing he says is of any real consequence, and he serves as nothing more than a weak source of plot delivery. Beyond Ghost, there’s almost no other interaction with other characters – save for a bit in the middle featuring an Awoken Queen that hints at a larger, grander story bubbling away under the surface.

Almost none of the fantastic lore is delivered within the game itself; Bungie instead expects that you load up your browser or the game’s companion app to fill in the blanks yourself.

It’s Like Borderlands – without the humour or interesting loot

Destiny2

Destiny’s story campaign, like all of its other Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes can (and should!) be played with friends, making it play very much like a 3 player Borderlands. You’ll select from one of three available classes, each with its own unique abilities that make killing things a mite easier. You’ll go about the semi-open world, shooting things that spout the numerical damage values off the top of their heads as they succumb to a hail of bullets from your increasingly powerful guns.

Only the loot isn’t quite as prevalent or interesting as the sort of ordnance you’ll find on Pandora. Yes, you’ll get guns that offer element-based damage, but unlike Borderlands where you’re almost constantly bombarded with newer and better gear you’ll have to really, really grind for the good stuff. In fact, you’ll only really get good gear once you’ve reached the game’s level cap of 20 – after which you’re expected to replay the same content over and over again with difficulty modifiers hoping to find new gear to artificially raise your level beyond the pre-set limits. If you’re used to the pace at which games like Diablo III or Borderlands dole out loot, be prepared for disappointment.

As you level up, you’ll earn new abilities and the potential to unlock a second subclass for your chosen warrior – but even this feels flavourless. Unlike most RPG’s involving skill tress, where you’re able to branch out your new skills and abilities, Destiny’s are more of a linear progression, making the usual thrill of the “ding!” just a little more mundane than it ought to be.

It’s Like Halo – without the enthralling set pieces

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Thankfully, where it matters, Destiny is quite close to excellent. The actual base shooting mechanics and even the magical class abilities all work rather well. As you’d expect with Bungie’s pedigree, they’ve nailed the shooting fundamentals to produce a game that’s got tight pew-pew action. Guns feel great, offering the sort of recoil and feedback you want from a good shooter.

The single player might not live up to Halo’s epic set pieces; mostly consisting of the sort of repetitive stuff that feels like mundane fetch quests. Each mission almost invariably ends up with you and your fellow Guardians sitting watch over your Ghost as he hacks his way through a door or computer while swarms of enemies attack. They’re missions that are designed to be repeated – and repeat them you will, to the point of nausea. It’s just a pity they’re so repetitive themselves that the wanton repetition ends up feeling like a photocopy of a photocopy.

The game’s quite excellent PvP, here called the Crucible, is where the game feels most like a regular FPS, offering an assortment of largely tried and tested competitive multiplayer types, like free-for-all and team death matches. Control adds an annex style capture-the points offering, while the newly added Salvage is a rather fun objective-based mode that has players using their Ghosts to capture relics. It’s the most imaginative in a list of otherwise safe multiplayer options.

It’s like World of Warcraft – without the social interaction

Destiny5

Though never billing itself as an MMO – Bungie itself preferring the term “shared world shooter” –  it has much of the same sort of thing you’d see in the genre, namely repetitive quests and asinine mission structure. It fails at the very basics though; there’s little to no meaningful social interaction beyond jumping in to a game with friends you’ve already made. Jump in with a bunch of strangers though and you’ll find – for better or worse – that they’re mute. Unlike other games of its ilk, which have fostered real life relationships, Destiny is not a place to make friends.

The Tower is your social hub, but there’s not an awful lot to do in it besides trade your acquired currency for gear, collect bounties or wander about aimlessly. There’s a built in clan system, which seems to only be really functional on Bungie’s website and has no meaningful bearing on the game and may as well not really exist.

But dammit, it is still fun!

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And yet, for some or other reason the game’s had its hook quite firmly in me for the 30 or so hours I’ve put in to it. Much of that is probably due to Strikes; longer and larger co-operative PvE missions that mostly dispense with pretensions of story and have you and, preferably 2 friends, embarking on a journey to vanquish some or other area of a big end level boss or two. They’re probably my favourite thing in Destiny –and they get even better after the endgame when higher level Strike playlists open up.

Something else I really quite loved with Destiny is the fact that other people who’re off doing their own thing – but within the same area as you’re in – will appear in your game, able to help you take out a group of enemies, before running off to resume their own adventure. Sometimes this sort of co-operation is made grander through public events; time-sensitive events  brouhahas that draw nearby players into an impromptu boss fight and when that aspect works, it’s indescribably cool.

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I’ll likely spend more than a few hours yet playing Strikes, and may even attempt some of the 6 player raids – but there’s little else after the endgame that’ll draw me back in. If you’re the sort who loves grinding for loot and has no problem playing the same content over and over again, you may love what Destiny has to offer. If you’re looking for some sort of meaningful narrative to tie it all together, you’re definitely looking in the wrong place.

Destiny feels like it’s laying the foundation for something greater – something that may or may not yet come. Its locales are limited, giving you just a sliver of each of the planets or moons you’ll explore. They’re beautiful, but much like the rest of the game, appear hollow and even pedestrian under inspection. I liked Destiny – but I couldn’t help feel that it could have, and should have been so much more.

Last Updated: September 15, 2014

Destiny
It’s a confused game that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be; is it an MMO, a pure shooter, or a sprawling space epic? It tries to be all of them and misses the mark on most. As much fun as it can be - especially when played with friends - Destiny ultimately crumbles under its own ambition.
7.5
Destiny was reviewed on PlayStation 4
76 / 100

172 Comments

  1. Grant [_G_] Hancock

    September 15, 2014 at 15:06

    Is there a better ‘play with friends’ fps on next gen at the moment, or near future ? Seems quite a different experience to Borderlands 1.5

    Reply

    • veggiesaurus ZA

      September 15, 2014 at 15:24

      With a couple of friends, it’s a blast. The story is ridiculous, though. Am I the only person who found 343’s narrative style in Halo 4 a breathe of fresh air?

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 15, 2014 at 15:26

        Missed out on Halo. Starting to feel like I missed out on something special.

        Reply

        • Darren Peach

          September 15, 2014 at 15:35

          Nope. You did not miss anything.

          Reply

        • Skyblue

          September 15, 2014 at 16:15

          Halo was very engrossing imo and had some of the best battle set pieces in a game. Beautiful environs, great shooting mechanics, best sci-fi soundtrack after Mass Effect and a decent enough story.

          Reply

      • The Gaming Alcoholic

        September 15, 2014 at 17:33

        I was no fan of Halo 4’s story, particularly the Covenant being shoehorned in again, BUT I did appreciate the attempt to make the Master Chief a character again.

        Actual lines of dialogue will do that.

        Reply

        • Aussious

          September 15, 2014 at 18:32

          Reach had by far the best story in the series because it was pretty much self contained.

          Reply

      • Aussious

        September 15, 2014 at 18:30

        Agreed I’ve never been a fan of Bungie’s story telling.

        Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      September 15, 2014 at 15:49

      Will start off by saying i dont play Destiny and will be commenting purely on what Ive seen, rather than played.

      Destiny being a bit more serious, seems alot more focussed around team play.
      Borderlands 2 was a great game to play with friends, but it was a story based game. the story was more important than the gameplay and that came across strongly. the presequel will probably be the same.
      The teamplay and PVP aspect from destiny feels stronger than the story, so it has more of a WoW feel to it.
      Borderlands 2 was as enjoyable solo, as it was with friends, while destiny is markedly better with friends.

      Compared to the other co-op games coming out soon, id say destiny is a no brainer.

      Reply

  2. fred

    September 15, 2014 at 15:09

    It keeps me up at night so not bad at all . At age 40 the games better be damn good to keep you awake at the controller.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:18

      It kept me awake, but after reaching level 20 and completing the story I am left asking myself, what next?

      Reply

      • Rinceable

        September 15, 2014 at 15:21

        21? *RUNS

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 15:23

          LOL, the cap is 20. Then they tell you to find gear with the light attribute and that’s when the grinding starts

          Reply

          • Rinceable

            September 15, 2014 at 15:25

            DLC in coming, cap increase #stayStrongTrevor!

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:26

            Trevor?

          • Rinceable

            September 15, 2014 at 15:31

            Yeah, he has a rage issue with Borderlands cap increase (that you have to buy it).

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:34

            Or don’t buy it. Unless your friends does, which means you have to as well. Peer presure. all it takes is one friend to buy DLC and gaming companies hooks to whole friend circle.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:36

            BECAUSE IT’S FUCKING BULLSHIT MAN!

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:42

            Aww just buy it already :P:P:P

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:50

            I did, the first one, what a stupid rookie mistake.

      • FoxOneZA

        September 15, 2014 at 15:24

        Pay $60 more to reach Level 40 ktxbye…

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 15:25

          Well the season pass is around $30

          Reply

          • FoxOneZA

            September 15, 2014 at 15:36

            Knowing Activision it will go from season pass to seasonal pass 😉

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:41

            Shhhhhh they are listening.

      • Skyblue

        September 15, 2014 at 16:17

        I am happy I never purchased this so far. We’ll see if the DLC brings any better content to make it better.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 16:18

          I would’ve done the same, I really thought there would be more than the BETA offered but at least I can still grind for better items

          Reply

          • Skyblue

            September 15, 2014 at 16:19

            Ugh, grinding. Why I stopped playing Diablo III after one playthough.

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 16:37

            Yeah, but this is grinding with guns!

          • Skyblue

            September 15, 2014 at 16:41

            The grinding in Borderlands got to me as well but probably because I SP’ed it mostly. Still need to finish it actually.

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 16:52

            Still playing the second one, it’s just so much fun. The graphics does look very dated on the PS3 though.

      • Wraith

        September 15, 2014 at 16:46

        Still amazed that you got to lvl 20 so quickly! Even after all your connection issues.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 16:52

          Didn’t sleep much, but yeah it doesn’t take that long at all to reach the level cap.

          Reply

  3. Anon A Mouse

    September 15, 2014 at 15:14

    Bungie says the game is a different beast after playing it for more than 20 hours, which also let me to believe that the game is schizophrenic.

    But I don’t play it so what do I know?

    Reply

  4. Aussious

    September 15, 2014 at 15:15

    Bungie’s worst reviewed game to date…Ouch!

    Reply

    • rollingmol

      September 15, 2014 at 15:26

      500 million budget double ouch!

      Reply

      • Aussious

        September 15, 2014 at 16:13

        Well according to Activision they’ve already made the money back.

        Reply

      • OVGrounded new game+++

        September 15, 2014 at 16:15

        480 million was for the billboards in Time Square.

        Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      September 15, 2014 at 15:45

      Yeah, that must make you so happy they left Xbox 😛

      Reply

      • Darren Peach

        September 15, 2014 at 15:57

        X Box is looking pretty good right about now….

        Reply

      • Aussious

        September 15, 2014 at 16:22

        Well not really because I also left Xbox, I was never a Halo fan but I could appreciate why it was so popular. Signing with Activision though I think creatively was a very limiting move for them. If they wanted to make a new IP they could have done that at MS they had a lot of pull over there I believe MS would have allowed it and perhaps still created 343 to focus solely on the Halo games. The thing is with Activision they have a reputation of abandoning devs should the numbers be less than what was expected.

        Reply

  5. Alien Emperor Trevor

    September 15, 2014 at 15:15

    So you think they’ll have to put a bit of work into this to keep it going for the 10 years they’ve been floating about?

    Whenever I hear the story missions described I just hear “mobile defense”.

    Reply

  6. Jac7

    September 15, 2014 at 15:16

    It’s fun and that’s what matters most. And yes, I agree with your score.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:19

      It is fun, really it is. But it is gonna need new content soon. Not as soon as Titanfall needed it but not too far off either.

      Reply

      • Jac7

        September 15, 2014 at 15:21

        I’m pretty sure we’re going to be inundated with new events and dlc soon.

        Reply

  7. Hammersteyn

    September 15, 2014 at 15:16

    I have to agree with Mister G, hehe I’m rhyming. Short easy story (last boss fight is a joke) and same strike missions over and over to grind out points for legendary items is an FPS experience I’ve never had. But
    I did play till 4 in the morning on Friday and 2 on Saturday. TLOU was he last game to have me this invested.

    It is fun and there are dark and dangerous places that I have yet to explore in free roam mode. Some of the strike missions certainly has that MMO feel to it as the battles can last longer than an hour. PVP is still something I need to get used to as I constantly get my ass handed to me. So if I can’t get my skills up soon ten I jsut won’t bother with that.

    I’m still gonna try and play this every day just for the daily story mission alone and to collect bounties. Also the level 20 cap just screams that there will be a cap increase soon. I hope we get a glimpse of the the season pass will deliver and I might buy it. Also paying R660 for a game like this on PS4 is good value. If you know how to fuck around with you router and network settings.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 15, 2014 at 15:17

      “I have to agree with Mister G, hehe I’m rhyming” you see *fixed

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 15, 2014 at 15:18

        😀

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 15, 2014 at 15:24

          I just thought of something, if he was Mister J would that make you Hammerquinn?

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:27

            Indeed it would, the relationship would be the same as well. I would stalk him and he would throw abuse and insults my way. Eventually he’d warm up and let me do all his dirty work.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:45

            Why would you want to be Darryn? O_o

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:51

            I could be the Darryn he needs, not the one he deserves

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:52

            lol

        • rollingmol

          September 15, 2014 at 15:28

          Hammer , what internet speeds do you have?

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:33

            2MB, though I probably get less than 1MB. Still fighting with my ISP

          • rollingmol

            September 15, 2014 at 15:39

            I got an 2mb line was upgraded for free last year , but I had the same problem . Just keep annoying them. Is it fast enough for destiny?

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:41

            It is, though I was disconnected three or four times when playing with other people this weekend which isn’t too bad I guess. You can just rejoin the action.

          • rollingmol

            September 15, 2014 at 15:41

            Thanks .

          • FoxOneZA

            September 15, 2014 at 15:48

            Demand a port upgrade. They’ll sort your problem if you moan enough.

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:50

            I don’t moan I demand.

            * Runs out into the streets with a red overall

    • Anon A Mouse

      September 15, 2014 at 16:09

      $20 DLC coming in December. Pay you bastard pay ;-P

      Reply

  8. Rinceable

    September 15, 2014 at 15:17

    Nice one Geoff. Sounds like quite the shallow experience as far as SP is concerned. Pity as I had hoped the story and lore would be to the same scale as Halo without having to actually dig for it.

    Reply

    • OVGrounded new game+++

      September 15, 2014 at 16:08

      Even the Mass Effect Codex in the menu system puts this game to shame.

      Reply

  9. FoxOneZA

    September 15, 2014 at 15:23

    Destiny is a lot like Liverpool FC, you just hope each time round it will get better even if it’s 25 years on o_O

    Reply

  10. OVGrounded new game+++

    September 15, 2014 at 15:24

    POPCORN TIME 🙂

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 15, 2014 at 15:26

      lol, I was thinking the same thing – so far the intro is very uneventful.

      Reply

      • OVGrounded new game+++

        September 15, 2014 at 15:27

        at 30fps

        thats 30 fluffy pops a second

        Reply

        • FoxOneZA

          September 15, 2014 at 15:46

          Halo 4 did 60fps and 720p with ease.

          Reply

          • OVGrounded new game+++

            September 15, 2014 at 16:05

            I would rather have a smooth screen at 720p. But alas it seems 1080p is now the norm. Pushing the Frame rate down like the new FORZA Horizon 2, The Witcher 3 and GTAV.

            I understand that open world games just cant handle 60fps.

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 15, 2014 at 15:49

          With optional conDRMents?

          Reply

          • Darren Peach

            September 15, 2014 at 15:55

            DRM………Yes, That sounds about right.

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:28

      LOL!

      Reply

  11. Ottokie

    September 15, 2014 at 15:25

    I really really want to play Destiny but for that I need to fork out cash for a PS4, but on the plus side I got really addicted to Warframe…which is the same…ish

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:28

      Yeah, enjoy waiting a couple of days for that item to finish crafting or buy it via microtransactions.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 15, 2014 at 15:32

        That can be annoying. My favourite one right now is 3 hours to get your Kubrow out of stasis.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 15:33

          Just buy it already 😛

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:35

            No! I will not be fooled. Besides, just another 4 days until my 2nd one is ready… wait… O_o

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:40

            It’s like, ooooooooh enough material, let me craft that gun I wanted. Then you go watch five day cricket. After that you continue playing when it’s done.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:42

            haha. I finished crafting a Nikana over the weekend, started playing with it, don’t like it. What a waste :/

          • Hammersteyn

            September 15, 2014 at 15:43

            You’d think they would have a test range where you can at least try out the guns before wasting time in it, like they have with Planetside

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 15, 2014 at 15:44

            Yes, Loadout did that, let you build up weapons incl parts one tier higher than you’d already unlocked – was very helpful.

      • Ottokie

        September 15, 2014 at 15:33

        I play it win/win, for every 20 hours played I will spend 20$, if the game keeps me entertained I will support any Dev 😛

        Reply

    • CAE9872

      September 15, 2014 at 18:41

      Warframe = GREAT!

      Reply

  12. rollingmol

    September 15, 2014 at 15:25

    Nevere played it but what put me of and I wanted to buy the game is the always online. Sounds like smart ar$$ drm to me. Problem is SA’s slow and expensive internet , makes it quite the investment to play a game like this which to be honest at 7.5 makes me pass

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:30

      Took me two days to get it working, had to mess about with my routers settings which is bullshit. Console games are supposed to work when you launch the game. Messing about with settings is something the master race does.

      Reply

      • Darren Peach

        September 15, 2014 at 15:35

        Dude, I used USB tethering via my phone on 3G………Pain.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 15:36

          O_o

          Reply

  13. TGS Babay (Umar)

    September 15, 2014 at 15:28

    SELLOUT! CORRUPT REVIEWER…….
    *Gets popcorn*

    Fair review though and fair score, great review with some awesome points. Don’t think I’m gonna get this. In all honesty while the beta was fun. The main thing I wanted was the universer. Oh man I really had a dream this was gonna be an epic space adventure…I know its fun and all but they were hyping it up to be that game and that is what I wanted 🙁

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:32

      It is epic, you visit the Earth, the Moon, Venus and Mars. Umm yeah, that’s all of them.

      Reply

      • TGS Babay (Umar)

        September 15, 2014 at 15:40

        LOL Dammit…..in anycase, lest I have people scream at me, I’ll not complain about it anymore

        Reply

      • Generic ZA

        September 16, 2014 at 14:19

        Spoiler Alert : There is that one other spot, somewhere in the deep dark recesses of space, the one with the some what narcissistic siblings that give us a hint of the more that’s to come (probably only in the DLC though)

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 16, 2014 at 14:45

          Yeah but you can’t land there far as I know

          Reply

          • Generic ZA

            September 16, 2014 at 16:11

            True that, well not yet at least.

  14. Sageville

    September 15, 2014 at 15:28

    Most points are “Its bad cause it isn’t like (Insert game / genre here)…. and yet somehow it’s still fun to play?

    I’m not sure what that even means?

    Reply

    • veggiesaurus ZA

      September 15, 2014 at 15:30

      As someone who has put in a good number of hours with the game, I agree with most of it. It’s really fun to play, but seems rather pointless. The story is awful, the missions are repetitive, and the loot is predictable. The gunplay is excellent though. Plus you can form flashmobs to dance on tables.

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 15, 2014 at 15:30

      It means it’s like the MS Office of games, each individual part isn’t as good as its competition but the overall package is better.

      Reply

      • Sageville

        September 15, 2014 at 15:45

        I like this synopsis.

        Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 15, 2014 at 15:45

        So that would make your ghost clippy?

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 15, 2014 at 15:48

          bwhahahaha

          Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:31

      Jack of all trades, master of none?

      Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      September 15, 2014 at 15:35

      It tries to be like [insert game] but fails at it.
      Despite that, it’s still fun to play.

      Reply

      • Darren Peach

        September 15, 2014 at 15:56

        Borderlands………maybe…..

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 16, 2014 at 07:39

          Well we need Borderlands on PS4, Bordelands 2 on PS3 looks kak compared to Destiny

          Reply

  15. Admiral Chief Assassin

    September 15, 2014 at 15:28

    Choo chooo all aboard the train to hypefailville

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:31

      I wouldn’t say fail, far from it. But it’s definitely not the second coming it was made out to be.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Assassin

        September 15, 2014 at 15:40

        Not saying fail in that sense, fail in the sense of the hype has failed

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 15, 2014 at 15:44

          Yup that train crashed and burned rather hard.

          Reply

        • Weanerdog

          September 16, 2014 at 12:21

          They sold a gajillion copies the hype worked exactly as they had hoped.

          Reply

    • OVGrounded new game+++

      September 15, 2014 at 16:22

      ALL ABOARD!!! The HALO 2015 Hype train is about to leave the station.
      By then this game will be forgotten and 343 Studios will be given a blank cheque by Microsoft to spend over 200mill on marketing. IT CLEARY WORKS.

      HALO 2015 CHOOOOO CHOOOOO While The Rise of Tomb Raider (released on the same month) BOMBS EPICALLY AND NO Multiplat release will be giving the green light while HALO creates lines 2 blocks around all videogame shops with people in tents like in 2008.

      Reply

  16. Darren Peach

    September 15, 2014 at 15:32

    I finished this travesty. Although, At that moment I had not realised it. At first it was cool. There was no coherent narrative or story. The missions were all cut & paste. It was very empty, Soulless. The amount of times you waited while your ghost scanned and you killed the spam was chronic. Only four locations. The marketing lied. Good thing I only paid R 250 for it. Bad thing is I traded in two superior games for it. Bungie are so overrated. I never got the whole Halo thing. It occurs to me now that they targeted a hole in the market back in the day, A FPS on the console……Ironically, The only Halo game I enjoyed was not developed by Bungie. While 7.5 is your score. I did enjoy it up until I stumbled to the end. For me I would give it 4 out of 10.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:37

      Hahaha every time your ghost hacks something it’s like, oh no here comes the bad guys again.

      Reply

      • Jaded_Reprobate

        September 15, 2014 at 15:41

        3 rounds of bad guys

        Reply

        • Asturias_Knytt

          September 15, 2014 at 22:42

          Oh no waves of enemies? Thank god I didn’t buy into the hype…

          Reply

  17. Andre Gabriel Coetzee

    September 15, 2014 at 15:32

    Dat screenshot! “Decimate The Fallen”. So metal.

    Reply

    • Viking Of Science

      September 15, 2014 at 15:40

      I don’t think Bungie know what the word “decimate” means though…. do they really want you to only kill 1/10 fallen?

      Reply

      • Weanerdog

        September 16, 2014 at 12:24

        Clearly, as decimate is what you do to your own troops to increase morale.

        Reply

  18. Darren Peach

    September 15, 2014 at 15:42

    Who thought the Cabal looked like the aliens from 5th Element ?

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 15, 2014 at 15:44

      I told my brother EXACTLY the same thing yesterday 😀

      Reply

  19. Viking Of Science

    September 15, 2014 at 15:42

    While some people were running around as space wizards, I was waging War on a Grand Scale as a Warlock: Master of the Arcane

    played a short game (12 hours) and am currently 50 turns into my second game… Paradox made an accesible 4X Strategy game…. <3

    Reply

    • Sageville

      September 15, 2014 at 15:46

      Wrong Article

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 16, 2014 at 07:39

        lol

        Reply

  20. Sk3tz0

    September 15, 2014 at 15:44

    Havent played it much only on level 9 🙁 fucking job interfers with everything i tell you.. but I played that Devils’ Liar Strike on HARD at lvl 6.. hahaha.. NEVER HAD SO MUCH FUN EVER!!!

    Reply

  21. L337J1MB0B

    September 15, 2014 at 15:45

    Always enjoy your reviews Geoff, very objective and well written.

    Reply

  22. Francois Knoetze

    September 15, 2014 at 15:49

    I agree with the review but I am still hooked. I am enthralled by the worlds created,Sometimes I would sit my ass down on venus and just watch the sky for bit. I have read a lot of the grimoire cards (personally would have loved if some of this info was in a cinematic though. But I bought it bec of the interaction with people running around and exploring/ the journey and bec I had a blast in the beta.

    It feels alive a lot of the time. sometime’s as I am just traveling around I will find some level 4’s(example) that are pinned down in a fire fight. I will then jump in, help out, jump on my sparrow and off I go to another area (humming my fake superhero tune shouting: you are welcome citizens!)

    I guess people expected too much of the game. I got what I thought `i would get. didn’t expect much story since the beta didn’t give me a good reason to believe there was a story

    Reply

    • Francois Knoetze

      September 15, 2014 at 16:07

      plus I haven’t sunk my teeth into the crucible! leaving all the good stuff till I reach level 20 and start modifying items. which will probably be tonight.

      on a side not: I completely nerded out and ordered 3 destiny tshirts from bungie 😛

      Reply

  23. William Francis

    September 15, 2014 at 15:58

    I must say that I don’t agree with you on this one Geoff. I have been itching to play every day, and get hella upset when I can’t. The game also only really starts after lvl 20, with the raids coming out tomorrow and new content almost every week. I believe it’s too early to put a score on it as we have only scratched the surface as to what it has to offer. But that’s just my opinion

    Reply

    • Darren Peach

      September 15, 2014 at 16:52

      Yeah, You may have a point. But most people form an opinion on what is first released. Mass Effect 3 was slated for that ending. Diablo 3 was a complete failure when you look at the expectations from their fan-base. This is a new IP and first impressions are it was seriously over-hyped. What the hell did they spend that huge budget on. It was not very big, The story was a complete failure. I reckon this might turn into a pay for more type game.

      Reply

      • J_Joestar

        September 15, 2014 at 19:42

        “What the hell did they spend that huge budget on.”
        Marketing?

        Reply

      • Weanerdog

        September 16, 2014 at 12:26

        The next 10 years, budget AFAIK is for entire 10 year project not just the first installment.

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 16, 2014 at 07:37

      I spent the whole weekend finishing the story and getting up to 20. I hope you are right. I want more!

      Reply

  24. Guild

    September 15, 2014 at 16:00

    The one element which I think Geoff didn’t go into too much detail is the PVP. I have 2 other games on my PS4, Ghosts and BF4. I haven’t played the single player campaigns because I don’t care for it which is the same for Destiny. I don’t care about the story. I bought the game to play against other people. I got bored of AI long time ago because they are not challenging enough as playing against a person.

    I’m enjoying doing the missions and strikes with friends and collecting what gear there is. I am looking forward to the raids but in the end I’m all for the PVP. The gameplay mechanics and entertainment level are much higher than the other FPS’s I have. That’s why I don’t care whether it is always online or whether it is not quite like Borderlands/Halo, I’m playing Destiny to fight against other guardians and I’m enjoying it.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 16, 2014 at 07:37

      I’m the yin to your yang, PVP is a bane for me. I’m just not that good. I still need to get down to the nitty gritty of the games mechanics, oh and the golden gun can eat a bag of dicks.

      Reply

      • Guild

        September 16, 2014 at 09:25

        I’m enjoying the game all round. I’m used to the PVP because of my other FPS games so I do pretty well. I’ve been a bit lazy with some of the games and just running around shotgunning everyone. But I really enjoy my sniper and popping heads off 🙂
        I finally hit lvl 20 last night. Almost finished the story mode. So now I’m grinding to get bounties done for legendary gear and I still need to try out the daily strike and harder strike modes.

        Reply

  25. MakeItLegal

    September 15, 2014 at 16:03

    so ryse and destiny got the same score … #just saying

    as for my 2 cents , i think bungie are well aware that this is STEP 1 , in a grander scheme of things ( read PAID DLC)

    i hope they come right and make the dlc free….else skip…oh wait i dont own a console

    Reply

    • OVGrounded new game+++

      September 15, 2014 at 16:17

      The level cap increase better be free.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 16, 2014 at 07:34

        It wont

        Reply

  26. Ryanza

    September 15, 2014 at 16:13

    Destiny = online DRM repetitive co-op shooter. Good shooter. Meh for everything else that’s suppose to make up a video game. With added DRM. So Destiny = a step back.

    Massive free roaming map. over 80 different enemy types. Good story. over 100 hours of gameplay. PC release. No DRM. = The Witcher 3.

    Destiny is not a good game. Hell, even Rage was better.

    A good game is coming. Don’t miss out. The Witcher 3.

    Reply

    • Guild

      September 15, 2014 at 16:14

      Does it have PVP?

      Reply

      • Ryanza

        September 15, 2014 at 16:43

        For nearly a decade. We have seen the destruction of the single player game. We have seen good single player games not focusing on things like, story, art direction, setting, mood, music, content, ect. All because of this focus on trying to get PVP in everything. Call of Duty selling millions every year. So that means that every game needs to be Call of Duty PVP in order to sell well. And with the adding of PVP to everything, now comes the addition of online DRM, which is changing what games are. Just think how much better Destiny would have been without online DRM server connection needed.

        Anyway. Just because a game doesn’t have PVP like The Witcher 3 doesn’t mean that it will be a bad game. The Witcher 3 is going to be a good game because it’s a single player game, because there is no PVP, because there is no DRM.

        Reply

        • MrChinwag

          September 16, 2014 at 09:13

          Witcher 3 will be no different from Destiny and Watch Dogs and every other next gen game thats been released with a shit ton of hype and not been to peoples satisfaction.

          Reply

          • Ryanza

            September 16, 2014 at 14:25

            Watch Dogs = amazing E3 gameplay and over hyped by media. The end result was a bland looking, shit driving, nothing new, game.

            Destiny has Bungie and a beta behind it and was over hyped by the media. The end result was the beta repeated multiple times as a full game.

            The Witcher 3. There is about 45 minutes of gameplay released. There is gameplay of the game running on Xbox One. We got to really see what the game will be like and how it will look. And then we know that CD Projekt RED will take their time to create quality, content, good story driven game.
            I don’t think the media will over hype The Witcher 3. But I can over hype it.

            I can’t wait for Cyberpunk 2077. I like to shoot shit and I can’t wait to see how a CD Projekt RED game shoots.

        • Guild

          September 16, 2014 at 09:21

          Does it have co-op?

          Reply

    • OVGrounded new game+++

      September 15, 2014 at 16:16

      Dont support DRM

      FIXED 😛

      Reply

    • L337J1MB0B

      September 15, 2014 at 16:30

      Destiny is a hollow vessel built to deliver DLC… wallets are set to raped.

      Reply

    • JuJu

      September 15, 2014 at 17:46

      So tiring.

      Reply

      • Ryanza

        September 15, 2014 at 19:04

        Why thank you for your comment directed at me. It seems that out of all the comments on here, whatever I said has resonated with you some how. My comments are not really directed at one person but however, it did create for your expression of your opinion or state of body and/or mental fatigue.

        But please do elaborate upon your comment. So we can delve at the meaning of one’s expression.

        Reply

        • JuJu

          September 16, 2014 at 11:23

          Well you do carry on with the same point that I think most people have seen and got your point. Think gamer’s can make their own decisions. But by all means carry on its your opinion and right. But the way you carry on implies that people reading these messages do not quite comprehend the first time …. its just tiring.

          One point I will agree on is I will be playing the Witcher III but not because it is DRM free but because its going to be a bloody good game.

          I also don’t see how always online means it’s DRM, in my opinion this statement is flawed. In some cases yes but not always. But that’s my opinion and interpretation you are welcome to yours.

          Reply

          • Ryanza

            September 16, 2014 at 14:10

            Activision has said that Diablo 3’s always online was online DRM.
            So now Bungie has created a always online game for Activision, and if you look at the game it is online DRM.

            I will not write these stupid comments based on your feelings about it being over done, repeated, your feelings about the point has been made, your feelings about peoples comprehension, was there anything else, ah yes, your feelings about being tired.
            I don’t really direct my comments at people. People will still do whatever they want to do.

            I never spoke much about the drm with Destiny. My comments were always positives towards Bungie. But now that I had a look at the game, I can safely “carry on” the DRM shit.

            I will always comment in a stupid way. I will always point out and say the things that others won’t say. The Witcher 3 and no DRM will always be my message of choice. Oh look, I did it again. Well was that not expected.

            Don’t support DRM. The Witcher 3 is coming.

          • JuJu

            September 17, 2014 at 08:54

            As I said your welcome to opinion and actions but for me your actions are tedious and nauseating. Its just a statement Ryan ….. 🙂

  27. Kikmi

    September 15, 2014 at 16:38

    After the beta and letting things cool off a little I think this is a pretty valid score. The beta didnt grab me as much as I wanted it too, the hype factor was off the wall, thankfully didnt get suckered in.

    TLOU on the other hand hashtag yawn.

    Reply

  28. nick

    September 15, 2014 at 16:51

    I love the fact that I can do a hard solo mission, take a break doing some patrols and then jump into the crucible before attacking a last mission or do a strike. it’s no skyrim but it’s great fun.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 16, 2014 at 07:33

      I love collecting bounties. Easy vanguard points

      Reply

  29. Aussious

    September 15, 2014 at 18:39

    So when all is said and done Titan fall won.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 16, 2014 at 07:33

      I’m not so sure, there’s a lot of playability left even after you finish the story. Plus Titanfall doesn’t have any SP or PVE to begin with.

      Reply

  30. Asturias_Knytt

    September 15, 2014 at 22:35

    Would rather take a risk on The Division then this.

    Reply

  31. Jonah Cash

    September 16, 2014 at 06:58

    Well written and good points made…. But I am giving it a 8,5 out of 10!! The game is solid enough, sure the story isn’t what everyone expected but I think a lot of people played it wrong!! I don’t think the story was made to be played one mission after the other till the end… I played Earths missions and then played PvP for a while then I explored earth again… Only then did I go to the Moon, played all it’s story missions then the raid then back to PvP… I have 50 hours of game play in and I haven’t finished the story missions yet… I am close to the Black Gate, and I can honestly say that I am eager to see the end of the story now!! So much so that I am waiting to do it!!
    The story will feel repetitive if you play mission after mission, but I don’t think that is how it should be played… Maybe that is just me 🙂
    Still the game is a hell of a lot of fun!!

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 16, 2014 at 07:32

      The story missions are easy, the daily story missions is where the challenge lies. Also I did a strike playlist mission on mars and ran into a tank! That wasn’t part of the SP O_o. Also got my first legendary helmet. +18 light. Now I can pee foam with my purple helmet. hehe. Actually I need to grind resources on Mars to upgrade it. The PVP is okay but sometimes you just get squashed in a match. I play games to win because it makes me feel good. PVP is doing the opposite in that regard.

      Reply

      • CAE9872

        September 16, 2014 at 07:39

        Don’t worry – I am pretty much the same in PvP…respawn, run around a little, die…respawn, run, die…ad infinitum. But still WHEN you do get a kill it is like WOOHOOO! I achieved something.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 16, 2014 at 07:41

          Yeah, it’s like golf. 1 out of every 5 swings you time it right. Ive learned to stick with the other guys. Let them take the first magazine of bullets then I attack.

          Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        September 16, 2014 at 08:01

        I am mostly on the right side of the win column!! I have been changing strategies in the PvP for a while and I have found a few that work on some of the maps!! The maps make a big difference in if I win or lose!!
        I haven’t got any legendary gear yet!!! So now you are way ahead again and I am away this weekend so by Monday I will be “light” years away from you again!! Dammit!!!

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 16, 2014 at 08:13

          Hehe I’m a machine when I get hooked on a game. One thing that really irks me in PVP is that golden gun 🙁

          Reply

          • Guild

            September 16, 2014 at 09:36

            Nah, the Hunter’s die to easily. I’ve taken a few of them as they power up so they lose the super ability immediately. Use a decent shotgun in close quarter maps, it works well and it will frustrate other players.

      • JuJu

        September 17, 2014 at 08:50

        What are the daily story missions you talk of? How did I miss this?

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 17, 2014 at 08:59

          When you go to orbit, it’s on the left hand side. I think it’s only after you reach level 20

          Reply

          • JuJu

            September 17, 2014 at 09:06

            Aaaah thanks much appreciated. I’m lvl 19.

  32. CAE9872

    September 16, 2014 at 07:39

    It’s a spot on review.

    Reply

  33. Pieter Kruger

    September 16, 2014 at 08:59

    Most over hyped game ever! Still, was UK’s biggest selling IP launch ever??? Sony slipped backing this game so much! Their millions of £ spent securing marketing rights and trying to make this seem to be exclusive only resulted in 10% more PS4 sales compared to Xbox one??? Fail!

    Reply

  34. Captiosus

    September 16, 2014 at 10:49

    This is a good review that highlights how this game is a hodgepodge of concepts that just don’t mesh. I think 7.5 is pretty generous though. It dawned on me while writing my own user review on Metacritic what this game reminds me of, and it’s a sad realization…

    Destiny is a next-gen version of Defiance. Both games have fun combat systems and addictive shooting elements but are marred by their head-scratching stories, convoluted leveling systems, half-assed public events, bland loot systems, poorly designed social functions, horribly balanced PVP, lackluster early end games, and developers with inflated egos about how “groundbreaking” their games supposedly are. I suppose Destiny gets a bit better marks for having more than one map but I don’t think their maps really offer much more effective playing area than Defiance did on its single map.

    Seriously, stop and really compare the two. Destiny and Defiance share all of the same problems. Those problems relegated Defiance to the bargain bin within a mere two months – and then sent it to the free-to-play market, since it was being sold like a typical subscription MMO. Unless Bungie gets a handle on these issues soon, most people will be gone the minute newer games come out this holiday season.

    Reply

  35. Deano

    September 16, 2014 at 12:33

    Review is spot on, the game is not perfect, and with extra content to hit it could get better with time.
    But overall agree with the review and score.

    The game is still fun and I don’t regret buying it, many hours of Epic PVP and strike missions ahead 🙂

    Reply

  36. nick

    September 16, 2014 at 12:59

    please bungie can we have matchmaking for hero weekly,daily’s and raids. wtf man.

    Reply

  37. Tauriq Moosa

    September 16, 2014 at 16:30

    Excellent review, Geoff. Better written than DESTINY.

    Reply

    • urrrborrr

      September 17, 2014 at 20:44

      Yeah I’m getting the sense if the writing had been better review scores would’ve shown more mercy. Check out a fiction slushpile sometime, it’s truer to say “nobody can do it” than “anybody can do it.” Basically since the birth of the video-game industry this has been a problem (company heads dictating story from positions from authority, despite the fact they have very little writing talent.)

      Reply

  38. Gerrie

    September 21, 2014 at 15:29

    This Game doesint even compare to all the games mention in this review.

    Its just a gaint Farm fest with the most un interresting reused enemies and lackluster bosses.

    Reply

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