Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Darksiders 3 (Xbox One) Review
Darksiders 3 returns to the apocalyptic action-adventure formula with a fresh protagonist and a stronger emphasis on exploration and combat. You play as Fury, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, tasked with hunting down the Seven Deadly Sins in a dark, ruined Earth. Though the game tries to blend metroidvania-style progression with hack-and-slash combat, it delivers a somewhat uneven but still engaging experience for fans of the series.
Gameplay & Mechanics
| Feature | Description | Verdict |
|---|
| Combat | Fast-paced melee combat focused on chaining combos and weapon switching. | Fluid and satisfying but occasionally repetitive. |
| Exploration | Semi-open world with backtracking and puzzle-solving requiring new abilities. | Encourages exploration but can feel padded. |
| Progression | Acquire new weapons, upgrades, and abilities to access new areas. | Classic metroidvania-style gating works well here. |
| Enemy Variety | Decent variety but some enemies feel recycled or easy to exploit. | Keeps combat fresh but balance issues exist. |
The combat is the games highlight, while exploration feels longer than necessary at times.
Story & Setting
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Plot: Furys mission is to capture or destroy the Seven Deadly Sins who have escaped captivity and are wreaking havoc on Earth.
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Tone: Dark, grim, and apocalyptic, with a mythological twist on biblical lore.
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Characters: Fury is a more complex, sarcastic protagonist compared to previous Horsemen; other familiar characters return, deepening lore.
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Narrative Delivery: Story unfolds through cutscenes and environmental storytelling but is secondary to gameplay.
While the story offers a solid backdrop, it never truly captivates or surprises.
Modes & Features
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Single Player: Core campaign with side quests and collectibles.
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Abilities & Powers: Fury unlocks elemental forms that change combat style and allow new exploration abilities.
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Map System: In-game map shows unexplored areas but sometimes lacks clarity.
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Collectibles: Lore items, upgrades, and hidden chests encourage thorough exploration.
No multiplayer or additional modes, keeping focus on single-player adventure.
Graphics & Presentation
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Visuals: Stylized, dark, and detailed environments with impressive lighting and effects.
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Character Design: Furys fiery look and animation are well-executed and visually striking.
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Performance: Generally stable framerate, though occasional dips occur in intense combat.
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UI: Clear and functional, though inventory management can be clunky.
The game nails a gritty, apocalyptic aesthetic that fits the tone perfectly.
Sound & Music
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Soundtrack: Heavy, atmospheric music that complements the dark setting.
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Voice Acting: Strong performances, especially by Furys voice actress, conveying attitude and emotion well.
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Sound Effects: Crisp weapon sounds, enemy growls, and environmental ambiance add immersion.
Audio effectively supports the grim atmosphere without overwhelming.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Engaging, fluid combat with multiple styles
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Strong protagonist with unique personality
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Deep exploration and metroidvania elements
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Impressive art design and visual style
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Lore-rich world with collectibles and side content
Cons
Pacing issues with excessive backtracking
Some repetitive enemy encounters
Story is serviceable but lacks emotional depth
Minor performance hiccups in intense scenes
Inventory and map systems could be more user-friendly
Final Verdict
Darksiders 3 is a solid addition to the series that fans of action-adventure and metroidvania games will appreciate. Its combat and exploration shine, even if pacing and narrative depth fall short. For players seeking a challenging, atmospheric experience with plenty of hack-and-slash thrills, its worth the ride.
Score: 7.8 / 10 Strong combat and style carry a somewhat uneven but enjoyable adventure.
