Ancient mythology has always provided a solid inspiration for video games so it should come as little surprise to discover that THQ’s latest next-gen epic is firmly entrenched in the realms of folklore. But does Darksiders have what it takes to fend off the hordes of similar-looking action titles? Read out Darksiders review to learn for yourself.
Darksiders – which comes courtesy of fledgling studio Virgil Games, founded by comic book maestro Joe Madureira – sees you adopting the role of War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This brooding lead character – who is best described as a dark ages Marcus Felix – incurs the wrath of both Heaven and Hell by apparently triggering an early Armageddon.
Thankfully for us gamers War is granted a reprieve and the opportunity to prove he wasn’t at fault for bringing about the end of the world, and so begins an epic 3D action adventure that liberally borrows elements from some of gaming’s most famous franchises – Zelda, God of War and Super Metroid included.
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War starts the game with a simple blade but gains other items and abilities which gradually open up more of the vast game world. This particular facet is commonplace in games like Zelda and Metroid, and to the developer’s credit the evolution of the main character is handled well. The degree of exploration involved helps to give Darksiders an additional dimension when compared to more straightforward hack and slash titles like Devil May Cry and God of War.
Despite showcasing a large world to navigate, combat still takes centre stage and for the most part it’s thoroughly compelling; intricate combinations and gory finishing moves abound, with War perfectly at ease ripping limbs off opponents and crushing skulls by the cartload.
The biggest issue is that the supernatural brawling soon loses its shock factor after several hours and despite the presence of some complex attack sequences, it never approaches the masterful quality of Sega’s Bayonetta.
Aesthetically though, Darksiders is a triumph and Madureira’s talent with gothic art is evident throughout; it’s just a shame that the well-designed characters are occasionally hampered by an overly complex plot which often descends into outright silliness. Also, despite a full-bodied cast of heroes and villains, it’s a crying shame that War himself is so dislikeable; it’s clear that the developers have attempted to create him in the Kratos mould but he lacks the charisma and menace possessed by God of War’s anti-hero.
Ultimately Darksiders is a well-constructed action title that will satisfy those of you who hanker for a spot of blood-letting; its faults are minor enough to forgive but perhaps its biggest misfortune is that it has been launched in the same week as the aforementioned Bayonetta, which unquestionably does this kind of thing with far more confidence and considerably more aplomb.
