The Highly Anticipated Return of Darksiders: Prepare for Epic Gameplay!
The Darksiders series captivates fans with its seamless genre transitions, weaving an immersive connected story With a thirst for a new entry, it's time to embrace another thrilling adventure that may even surpass our expectations
Highlights
The Darksiders franchise has consistently changed genres with each entry, and the latest game, Darksiders: Genesis, adopts gameplay similar to Diablo and other action-RPGs.
The development teams for each game in the series have also undergone changes, with Airship Syndicate taking on the task of developing Darksiders: Genesis, demonstrating their expertise in RPGs.
Irrespective of the genre, a new Darksiders game is anticipated to adhere to the series' high quality standards, offering immersive and engaging single-player experiences with well-crafted gameplay and entertainment value.
Since its introduction in 2010, the Darksiders franchise has been a consistently present but often overlooked staple in the gaming industry. However, one aspect that deviates from its usual consistency is the genre of each game, which changes from title to title. Starting with Darksiders 2 in 2012, the series transitioned from its clear God of War influence to a full-fledged Legend of Zelda-style action-adventure game. The third installment veered into the realm of Soulslike gameplay. The most recent addition, Darksiders: Genesis, returns to the franchise's original narrative roots while embracing Diablo-like gameplay and perspective, similar to other action-RPGs.
Interestingly, the development responsibilities for each Darksiders game have also shifted with each installment. Vigil Games developed the first two games in the series, while Darksiders III enlisted the talents of Gunfire Games (known for Remnant: From the Ashes and Remnant 2). Airship Syndicate took charge of Darksiders: Genesis' development. Airship Syndicate has proven their proficiency in creating classic turn-based RPGs with titles like Battle Chasers: Nightwar and Ruined King: A League of Legends Story. This opens up the opportunity for the studio to tackle the Darksiders franchise once again, this time within the boundaries of a pure RPG framework.
How Darksiders Could Work as a Classic Style RPG
The Darksiders series has always incorporated RPG mechanics, including character progression, gear upgrades, and stat allocation. These subtle mechanics altered players' approach to combat encounters and dungeon exploration in the first game, which drew inspiration from God of War. With each new installment, the series has embraced RPG elements more fully, paving the way for a definitive Darksiders 4 that would not only conclude the overarching narrative but also fulfill the potential of its predecessors.
What makes this RPG particularly exciting is that the party of heroes is already established within the series' lore. Controlling all four horsemen, who are now reunited and ready to bring the tale that began in 2010 to a close, would fit perfectly in an RPG developed by Airship Syndicate, known for creating games in a similar style. Each of the horsemen has their own unique abilities and playstyle, akin to the iconic Warriors of Light from the Final Fantasy series. Moreover, Airship Syndicate has already demonstrated their ability to faithfully translate Joe Madureira's distinctive art style into digital form with their RPG, Battle Chasers: Nightwar.
Regardless of Genre, a New Darksiders May Hit the Quality 'Sweet Spot'
The Darksiders franchise has shown its ability to explore different genres while maintaining a consistent level of quality. Although it may not impress critics, Darksiders consistently receives solid aggregate scores in the 70s and 80s. Beyond 2023, there is a strong argument for games that prioritize concise, focused experiences and provide a satisfactory amount of gameplay and entertainment.
No matter the genre of the next potential Darksiders game, it is assured that it will meet the established standard of quality seen in the previous titles. In an era dominated by live-service, always-online, and massive open-world games that can consume over 100 hours of playtime, there is a distinct appeal to linear, single-player experiences that offer enjoyable thrills in manageable doses. The Darksiders franchise has consistently fulfilled this desire, and the time has come for a conclusion to the saga that began 13 years ago.
Darksiders: Genesis is available now for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
