Darksiders Series Faces Intensifying Criticism | Combat Mechanics and Puzzles Under Fire
A growing coalition of gamers expresses discontent with the Darksiders series, pointing fingers at Darksiders 2 and 3 for frustrating puzzles and inconsistent combat. Players are vocal about their grievances, igniting debates across various forums.
Aesthetic Meets Outrage
While Darksiders 2 is lauded for its atmosphere and art style, many feel Darksiders 3 significantly falters in these areas. One player stated, "Darksiders 3 just sucks across the board," highlighting the stark contrast in player experiences from the earlier entry.
Key Issues Raised by Players
Three major themes resonate among the community:
Puzzle Design: Many gamers believe the puzzle mechanics are excessive and poorly explained. "Since when can I set fire to random puddles that kill tornadoes!?" expresses one frustrated player who turned to online guides after struggling with in-game challenges.
Combat Mechanics: The combat in Darksiders 3 is criticized for its unpredictability. One user noted, "You can’t force Souls-like combat into a reflexive ARPG and expect it to work," emphasizing the mismatched mechanics that hinder gameplay. Others mention poor enemy telegraphing, leading to frustrating encounters.
Navigation Problems: Players lament the absence of a map in Darksiders 3, calling it a design flaw. An exasperated player explained, "If you ever put Darksiders 3 down for a while, good luck remembering what you were doing last. I’ve never seen navigation this bad in a game."
"I’ll never touch these games again," lamented a player looking longingly at Darksiders: Genesis in their library.
Mixed Sentiments Echoed Across Forums
While some fans defend the series, others remain harsh critics. A user stated, "Darksiders 2 is one of the best games with environmental puzzle design. It’s just a masterpiece," juxtaposed with many agreeing that Darksiders 3 missed the mark.
Compounding Complaints
Topics in these discussions cover the sprawling nature and pacing of Darksiders 2, as one player felt the game overstayed its welcome. Meanwhile, discussions of Darksiders 3 label it as a failed hybrid, with many questioning its fundamental design decisions.
Notable Quotes
"No map? Seriously? Just find the little skull on your compass."
"They tried to spin it as a way to keep people more immersed, but it was clear while playing that the game didn’t get the time it needed."
Key Insights from the Community
✖️ Many players argue the puzzles in both games are excessive and frustrating.
⚔️ Combat in Darksiders 3 criticized for unpredictability and poor balancing, especially in enemy behavior.
🗺️ The lack of navigation tools creates challenges for players attempting to progress.
What does this backlash mean for the franchise's future? As feedback pours in, developers may feel pressure to implement changes. With discussions brewing about Darksiders 4, fans are eager to see if their voices will influence the design and mechanics of future releases.