Every Darksiders Game, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Darksiders is one of those hidden gems in the hack-and-slash genre that deserves more recognition than it gets. It’s a series that has managed to stand toe-to-toe with titans like God of War and Bayonetta, despite not having the same level of fame.

In the gaming world, there are numerous standout titles within the action-packed hack-and-slash genre. Series such as God of War, Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and Ninja Gaiden have earned a special place in gamers’ hearts and boast a rich history.

Surprisingly, there’s another contender in the same league when it comes to quality, although it lags behind in terms of popularity: namely, the Darksiders series, which is truly remarkable and worthy of being acknowledged as a must-play in its genre.

The work formerly handled by Vigil Games, now managed by Gunfire Games, is exceptionally notable within its genre and features games worthy of discussion among the top-tier hack-and-slash titles.

That being said, even if the journeys of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse are memorable in many ways, each one belongs to a different class. So, ride with me to the Judgment Day as I rank every Darksiders game.

4 Darksiders Genesis

Great Spin-off

Every Darksiders Game, Ranked

Darksiders Genesis is unique within the series as it breaks away from the conventional hack-and-slash viewpoint, yet it still managed to rank among the underestimated games of the year 2020.

Airship Syndicate skillfully transformed the original series into an impressive top-down version, meticulously embodying the distinctive elements of Darksiders while bearing a delightful resemblance to Diablo in its presentation.

This game offers engaging puzzles, smooth battles, plenty of action, and impressive bosses, effectively preserving the essence of its forerunner. As a result, it’s certainly worth considering for an exciting action-adventure journey.

Regrettably, as time passes, the gameplay of Darksiders Genesis starts to feel monotonous. Many challenges share similar solutions, making them predictable, and the controls sometimes create difficulties in handling certain situations, leading to an imperfect gaming experience overall.

Additionally, it would have been preferable if our initial encounter with Strife hadn’t been in a spin-off game. However, I can’t dismiss the fact that his team-up with War is enjoyable, engaging, and to some extent, contributed to the possibility of the fourth installment.

3 Darksiders 3

An Underrated Soul

Despite most Darksiders 3’s reviews being negative or mixed, I find myself on the side of fans who acknowledge the great value of Fury’s journey.

In essence, compared to Darksiders Genesis, it could be described as a more unpolished game. However, given that it was assigned the responsibility of revitalizing the series during a particularly challenging period, its relevance to this list is significant.

At last, when it seemed like there would be no more Darksiders installments, Gunfire Games seized an excellent chance to blend the original game’s Metroidvania structure with the rapidly growing Souls-Like style of play.

As a gamer, I must admit that some of its hack-and-slash essence has been toned down a bit. The weapon might not have the grim feel of Death’s scythe or War’s sword, but here I am, still immersed in the game. The epic boss battles, the intricate level layouts that seamlessly connect, and the visually stunning combat sequences are all still present and accounted for.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for this remarkable story. Despite being somewhat overlooked, it stands tall among its peers. The character development of Fury surpasses any other Horseman of the Apocalypse we’ve seen before, and the plot twists are nothing short of brilliant, making even its predecessors take notice. In essence, this underrated title offers more than just enjoyment – it provides a captivating experience, despite a few minor flaws.

2 Darksiders

Magnificent Beginnings

As a dedicated fan of God of War who found its exclusive release on PlayStation 3 frustrating, Darksiders managed to keep my enthusiasm for hack-and-slash genres burning bright.

By offering thrilling fight sequences, intriguing mechanical and mental challenges in its boss battles, as well as imaginative puzzles and jumping sections, this game never fails to provide a fun-filled experience, seamlessly blending captivating and exhilarating segments together.

Enhancing that with its captivating tale, unforgettable personalities, stunning progression, and an ending considered exceptional in video game annals, it becomes a nearly unparalleled masterpiece, deserving mention alongside the finest titles of its time.

It’s clear that there are strong resemblances to “God of War,” which might seem to diminish the uniqueness of “Darksiders.” However, these similarities provided an excellent foundation that ultimately shaped the distinctive character of the series as it evolved throughout the years.

1 Darksiders 2

The Hack-And-Slash Master

In all honesty, I must acknowledge that Darksiders 2 stands out to me as a brilliant example of hack-and-slash gameplay, undoubtedly deserving of the Game of the Year title in 2012 (tied with Dishonored, but let’s save that discussion for another time).

The story of death is exceptional across all aspects, distinguishing itself in every element that makes this genre appealing.

Regardless of whether it’s about fighting, solving puzzles, navigating platforms, encountering adversaries, battling bosses, having an impressive soundtrack, exploring new territories, uncovering hidden treasures, advancing through levels, or any other aspect, this dark fantasy stands unequivocally at the top.

By merging hack-and-slash style gameplay with role-playing elements and an expansive open world, it brings a uniquely refreshing experience to a traditionally restrictive genre in terms of both structure and content.

Furthermore, it aligns flawlessly with the storyline of Darksiders, delving deeper into the epic mythos of its universe and paving the way for a finale of monumental biblical significance.

Despite having repetitive missions, Darksiders 2 stands out as an exceptional hack-and-slash game, undeniably the finest in its series.

2024-12-04 16:39