It’s your Destiny

One of the biggest shooter games in history has a sequel, writes

THERE is a huge variety of online games available today. The ones in the shooter category are usually a big hit all over the world. One of the biggest ones in the past was which was created by the same people who worked on the series. Now, the sequel is released and unlike its predecessor, it is no longer console-exclusive as it is also available on PC via Battle.net. Can it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into

and find out.

SYNOPSIS

Humanity’s last safe city has fallen into an overwhelming invasion force, led by Dominus Ghaul, the imposing commander of the brutal Cabal Red Legion. After being snubbed by the Traveler, Ghaul was dissatisfied and felt entitled to the power. He proceeded to strip the city’s Guardians of their power and forced the survivors to flee.

In fact, you start off with your Guardian kicking off the Tower. Players will venture into mysterious, unexplored worlds of the solar system to discover an arsenal of weapons and devastating new combat abilities. To defeat the Red Legion and confront Dominus Ghaul, you must reunite humanity’s scattered heroes, stand together and fight back to save the home land.

While the main attraction of the game is its multiplayer aspect, players are encouraged to complete the campaign story first as this will allow them to reach max character level, gain familiarity with the game, thus putting themselves in a more even playing grounds with other players, especially those already familiar with the previous game.

SINGLE PLAYER PORTION

The first few hours of the game will see you jumping between planets with your Guardian’s spaceship, completing quests from time to time just like what you have experienced in the first game.

This time, we have new mid-mission events that have random side quests at certain times. They add a bit of twist to the usual grind that we’ve grown accustomed to and the difficulty differs each time. They can go from completing the main quest within an allotted time to subduing powerful bosses.

Without spoiling the main storyline of the game, going through it is fairly easy. If you’re vigilant about the side quests, the game will feel a bit too easy, so much so that you will be able to take down most bosses in less than five minutes.

It should take most players from five to 10 hours to complete the game’s main storyline and in doing so, you will be unlocking the full portion of gameplay.

Think of it as a warm up to the meat of the game.

THE BEST PART

If you are interested in getting then this part would be the one you’re most interested in — its multiplayer aspect.

The game modes are split into cooperative (co-op) and competitive-style matches. In co-op matches, players can form a Fireteam to take on a more difficult iteration of the existing Story Mode missions, or take on Strike missions.

In Strike missions, players will have to navigate through a completely different style of maps than what they have seen before. There are puzzle and platforming elements included in the game so it’s not just running and gunning anything that moves but it’s also about taking a step back to experience the game like never before.

As for the competitive multiplayer section, you have Quick Play and Competitive game options. Both are the same thing, with each team having up to four players. Your goal is to essentially take down the enemies or have the best score overall as a team. The only difference here is that Competitive is more for hardcore gamers.

In the beginning, players will have access to three character classes: the speed-based Hunter, the physically strong Titan and the well-balanced Warlock.

Teams will need to have a balance of these classes instead of all flocking towards one as each of them have their own specialties and functions. For instance, Titans have the best durability compared to the other two classes, which makes them the best option if there is a need for a battle of endurance. Hunters are more suited for high mobility plays but they come with a fair trade-off of being very fragile.

Warlocks, on the other hand, walk a fine line between Hunters and Titans, and while they do not excel in one particular area, they are a beginner-friendly class. Along the way, you will also unlock more subclasses branching from these three main classes.

The game also utilises a new cluster system for character skills. Previously, players were able to pick and mix passive skills which will usually end up having overpowered or well-balanced characters depending on the situation.

Now, players will have to pick a specific skill cluster and stick to the options available for it. This means you will have to commit to a more specific character build and this will ultimately decide your play style.

Guardians are equipped with three different weapon types: kinetic, energy and power. What makes this more interesting than the previous primary, secondary and heavy slots is that each category isn’t limited to a set of specific weapon types.

You can find every weapon type in each of the categories. It may seem like a small matter but it makes it far easier to create a loadout specific to you. If you want to wield hand cannon in two slots or pack a kinetic SMG with an energy rifle, you can.

is a game that requires players to play the game often to get the best experience. There is a special event known as Raids that will have you and your Fireteam go through puzzles and subdue powerful bosses for in-game loot. • Fun to play with friends. • Mid-mission events gives thegameasenseof unpredictability. • Available on PC, PS4, and

Xbox One.

• Not as repetitive as its

predecessor.

• It’s beginner-friendly, but

hard to master.

These Raids are usually available in specific times and when the timer is up, you’ll have to wait for another Raid. If you can’t play the game often, you will be missing out on Raids and therefore, important items which can leave your Guardians weak.

CONCLUSION

is a fun game but only if you have friends to play with. The single player portion of the game serves as a warm up, especially since it poses little to no challenge. It feels more like a chore to go through rather than something you’d be excited to play. Its mutiplayer aspect makes an interesting game.

The downside here is that feels more like having a downloadable contect (DLC) expansion to the original game rather than a proper sequel with new systems and mechanics. Either way, it is still enjoyable if you’re into shooterbased games.