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The Darksiders franchise, rescued from oblivion by THQ Nordic (formerly Nordic Games), returns with Darksiders Genesis, a prequel that explores the origins of the apocalypse depicted in the original game. This installment, however, deviates from the numbered sequels, offering a fresh, top-down isometric perspective and a focus on exhilarating shoot ’em up action. Developed by Airship Syndicate, Darksiders Genesis raises the question: does this new direction compromise the core identity of the series?

A Fresh Take on Familiar Combat

Darksiders Genesis introduces a significant shift in gameplay. The isometric viewpoint, a departure from the close-up, cinematic style of previous entries, may initially feel disorienting, especially with the retention of the original control scheme. Whether wielding Strife’s ranged arsenal or engaging in melee with War, the game demands a period of adjustment. However, once mastered, the fast-paced combat, especially in co-op mode, becomes a thrilling adrenaline rush.

Darksiders Genesis – Gameplay

War returns with his signature brutal strength and the iconic Chaoseater, delivering weighty attacks and impactful combos reminiscent of the first Darksiders. His combat style emphasizes careful timing and powerful counter-attacks, crucial for surviving higher difficulty levels. In contrast, Strife, armed with his dual pistols, Mercy and Redemption, offers a ranged approach. With seven different ammunition types, from electricity to laser blasts, Strife controls the battlefield from a distance, justifying the game’s elevated perspective.

This duality in combat styles transcends the typical shoot ’em up label. Strife’s gameplay leans toward classic top-down shooters, while War delivers a hack-and-slash experience akin to Diablo III or Path of Exile. This blend creates dynamic and engaging battles, encouraging players to strategically switch between characters based on the situation.

Co-op: The Heart of the Experience

Darksiders Genesis shines brightest in co-op mode. Airship Syndicate expertly crafts a shared experience, from the spectacular, large-scale battles to the occasional cooperative puzzles. Character roles are distinctly defined based on their unique skills, ensuring a cohesive and engaging journey. The inclusion of split-screen local co-op, reminiscent of the Lego games, adds another layer of enjoyment. Solo players can seamlessly switch between War and Strife, mirroring the mechanics of the Trine series.

Darksiders Genesis – Co-op Gameplay

Furthermore, Darksiders Genesis boasts high replayability. Each level contains secrets unlockable only with abilities acquired later in the game, encouraging exploration and rewarding thorough players. The Creature Core system adds another layer of depth. By collecting cores from defeated enemies, players can customize War and Strife’s abilities and stats, creating diverse builds and playstyles.

Staying True to the Darksiders Legacy

Despite the new mechanics and genre shift, Darksiders Genesis retains the core essence of the series: action-packed combat interwoven with exploration and puzzle-solving. The intricately designed levels, clever puzzles, and the new combat perspective enhance, rather than detract from, the Darksiders experience.

Darksiders Genesis – Environment

The game presents a satisfying challenge, requiring players to adapt and utilize both characters effectively, especially when overwhelmed by hordes of enemies.

Strife: The Wisecracking Horseman

Contrary to initial impressions, Strife is not simply a Dead Pool clone. While he possesses a sharp wit and a penchant for humor, he also displays the necessary gravitas befitting a Horseman of the Apocalypse. His jokes and playful banter provide welcome levity, making him a refreshing contrast to the stoic War. While his personality could have been explored further, his quips and interactions with War add a unique dynamic to the game.

Darksiders Genesis – Character Interaction

The visual and auditory presentation is another highlight. The stunning character designs, epic environments, and the varied, engaging soundtrack contribute significantly to the overall experience, a notable improvement over Darksiders III.

Solo Play Shortcomings

The focus on co-op does impact the solo experience, which can feel tedious at times, particularly in the first half of the game. The constant switching between War and Strife, while necessary, highlights the lack of an AI companion.

Darksiders Genesis – Combat

The pacing also suffers from a scarcity of enemies in early levels, diminishing the sense of constant action often found in top-down action games. The game’s isometric perspective and camera angles create challenges with depth perception, leading to frustrating platforming sections and environmental interactions. Technical issues, such as graphical glitches, occasional bugs, and a cumbersome control scheme, further detract from the overall polish.

Conclusion

Darksiders Genesis successfully delivers a fresh and engaging take on the Darksiders formula. The dynamic combat, engaging co-op experience, and stunning presentation create a thrilling adventure. While the solo experience and some technical shortcomings hold it back from perfection, Darksiders Genesis revitalizes the franchise and offers a compelling prequel to the apocalyptic saga. The game ultimately proves that even with a new perspective, the spirit of Darksiders remains strong.