Introduction
Released on September 4, 2018, *Destiny 2: Forsaken* is a major expansion for the popular online-only multiplayer first-person shooter game, *Destiny 2*. Developed by Bungie, this expansion introduced a host of new content, including a new campaign, locations, gear, and the highly anticipated Gambit mode. With a darker tone and a gripping storyline, *Forsaken* aimed to rejuvenate the player base and address many of the criticisms aimed at the base game and its previous expansions.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of *Destiny 2: Forsaken*, including its gameplay mechanics, story, new features, and overall reception by the gaming community and critics.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat and Abilities
*Destiny 2* has always been praised for its tight and responsive combat mechanics, and *Forsaken* builds upon this solid foundation. The expansion introduces new Super abilities for each subclass, offering players fresh ways to engage in combat. These new abilities are not just visually impressive but also add significant depth to the gameplay. For example, the Warlock’s Nova Warp allows for teleportation and explosive damage, while the Hunter’s Blade Barrage unleashes a flurry of explosive knives.
New Weapons and Gear
*Forsaken* brings a wealth of new weapons and gear to collect, each with unique perks and abilities. The new weapon archetypes, such as the bow, add a layer of tactical diversity to combat. Bows, in particular, offer a satisfying blend of precision and power, making them a favorite among many players. Exotic weapons like the Ace of Spades and the Two-Tailed Fox further enhance the arsenal, each bringing distinct playstyles and strategies.
Gambit Mode
One of the standout additions in *Forsaken* is the Gambit mode, a hybrid PvE/PvP activity that pits two teams against each other in a race to defeat enemies and summon a powerful Primeval boss. The twist comes with the ability to invade the opposing team’s arena, creating intense and strategic encounters. Gambit has been lauded for its innovative design and has become a staple activity for many players.
Story and Narrative
A Darker Tone
*Forsaken* takes a much darker tone compared to previous expansions. The story begins with the shocking death of fan-favorite character Cayde-6 at the hands of the rogue Fallen leader, Uldren Sov. This sets the stage for a tale of revenge and justice, as players embark on a quest to hunt down Uldren and his eight Barons.
Engaging Campaign
The campaign in *Forsaken* is one of the most engaging and well-paced in the *Destiny* series. Each Baron presents a unique challenge and requires different strategies to defeat. The missions are diverse, ranging from intense firefights to more puzzle-oriented encounters. The story’s emotional weight and character development add a layer of depth that was previously lacking in *Destiny 2*.
The Dreaming City
The Dreaming City, introduced in *Forsaken*, is one of the most visually stunning and content-rich locations in the game. This endgame destination is filled with secrets, powerful enemies, and a rotating curse cycle that changes the environment and available activities each week. The Dreaming City offers a wealth of content for players to explore long after the main campaign is complete.
New Features and Improvements
Quality of Life Changes
*Forsaken* brought numerous quality of life improvements to *Destiny 2*. The new Collections and Triumphs systems provide a way for players to track their progress and achievements. Weapon random rolls returned, adding a layer of excitement to loot drops, as players can now hunt for the perfect set of perks.
Enhanced Endgame
The endgame content in *Forsaken* is robust and varied. The Last Wish raid, set in the Dreaming City, is one of the most challenging and rewarding raids in the series. It features intricate mechanics, tough enemies, and epic boss battles. Additionally, the Blind Well activity offers a horde-mode experience that is both fun and challenging.
Reception and Reviews
Critical Acclaim
*Forsaken* received widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. Many praised it as a turning point for *Destiny 2*, addressing many of the issues that plagued the base game and previous expansions. The darker narrative, engaging campaign, and wealth of new content were frequently highlighted as standout features.
IGN’s Destin Legarie called *Forsaken* “an expansion that *Destiny 2* desperately needed,” giving it a score of 8.5/10. He praised the new supers, Gambit mode, and the Dreaming City, stating that they provided a much-needed depth and variety to the game.
Game Informer’s Matt Miller also gave *Forsaken* a high score of 9/10, highlighting the compelling story and the sense of discovery in the Dreaming City. He noted that *Forsaken* “revitalized *Destiny 2* in a way that few expansions ever do.”
Player Reception
The player community also responded positively to *Forsaken*. Many players felt that the expansion brought back the sense of mystery and excitement that was missing from the game. The return of random weapon rolls and the addition of meaningful endgame content were particularly well-received.
On platforms like Reddit and various gaming forums, players shared their experiences and praised the expansion for its content and improvements. The new weapons and gear, the challenging raid, and the engaging Gambit mode were frequently cited as reasons for the expansion’s success.
Conclusion
Destiny 2: Forsaken* is a landmark expansion that breathed new life into the franchise. With its darker tone, engaging campaign, and innovative new features like Gambit mode, it addressed many of the issues that plagued the base game and previous expansions. The Dreaming City and the enhanced endgame content provided players with a wealth of activities to enjoy long after the main story was complete.
The positive reception from both critics and players is a testament to the quality and impact of *Forsaken*. It not only revitalized *Destiny 2* but also set a new standard for what an expansion could achieve. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, *Destiny 2: Forsaken* offers an experience that is both thrilling and
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main storyline of *Destiny 2: Forsaken*?**
The main storyline of *Forsaken* revolves around the player’s quest for revenge after the murder of Cayde-6 by Uldren Sov and his eight Barons. Players hunt down each Baron, leading up to a final confrontation with Uldren.
What new subclasses and abilities were introduced in *Forsaken*?**
Forsaken* introduced new Super abilities for each subclass. For example, the Hunter received the Blade Barrage, the Warlock got the Nova Warp, and the Titan received the Thundercrash. These new abilities add more diversity and options for players in combat.
What is Gambit mode, and how does it work?**
Gambit is a hybrid PvE/PvP mode where two teams compete to defeat enemies and collect motes to summon a powerful Primeval boss. Teams can invade each other’s arenas to disrupt progress, adding a strategic element to the mode.
What is the Dreaming City, and why is it significant?**
The Dreaming City is a new endgame location introduced in *Forsaken*. It is visually stunning and offers a rotating curse cycle that changes the environment and available activities weekly. It is filled with secrets, powerful enemies, and activities like the Blind Well and the Last Wish raid.
How did *Forsaken* improve the endgame experience in *Destiny 2*?**
Forsaken* enhanced the endgame experience by introducing challenging activities like the Last Wish raid and the Blind Well. It also added the Dreaming City, a rich and ever-changing location with secrets to uncover and powerful enemies to defeat.
What are some of the standout new weapons and gear in *Forsaken*?**
Some standout weapons in *Forsaken* include the Ace of Spades, a powerful hand cannon, and the Two-Tailed Fox, a rocket launcher that fires two rockets simultaneously. The expansion also introduced bows as a new weapon archetype, adding a unique tactical element to combat.
How did the community respond to *Forsaken*?**
The community responded very positively to *Forsaken*. Players appreciated the darker narrative, engaging campaign, and wealth of new content. The return of random weapon rolls and the addition of meaningful endgame activities were particularly well-received.
