This game is an absolute must for any self-proclaimed "gamer," and in my humble opinion is a true gamer's game. Though the game doesn't look too sharp, the sub-par graphics are more than redeemed through incredible art direction (via creative director Joe Madureira), solid and diverse gameplay, and an above-average gameplay time. The character design especially is awe inspiring.
The first thing you'll notice about Darksiders is that its mechanics are extremely derivative. At its core, it is Zelda, Devil May Cry, and God of War woven into a post-apocalyptic setting. The story/plot has its ups and downs, and you make no choices as to how it progresses, but it has some impressive highlights and the ending alone is worth the playthrough. There is much to explore and much to be found, all of which makes for an easier time in combat, but is not necessary. The combat itself is rather simple, and can be repetitive, but isn't necessarily button mashing, though it could be if you wanted it to. Multiple weapons with like sequences make fighting hordes of minions from heaven and hell alike relatively simple, with some tactics involved.
The platforming and puzzle segments can be quite difficult, and some even require a little creativity, which makes them oddly rewarding. Some of the puzzles are immense and require strategy, while others are simple or are merely carnage fests. The "finishing blows" utilized in combat, against weakened enemies, can be dazzling, and few get old. As I stated earlier, the mechanics are quite diverse by the game's end, and you'll find the mechanics used for puzzle solving and platforming sequences can be employed in combat, some to great effect. This can be frustrating, as you gain abilities playing through and simply cannot access everything from the beginning of the game. Regardless, the developers applied every mechanic at multiple junctures in the gameplay (some applications are ingenious), overall making for varied and challenging gameplay.
Yes, this game steals most of its ideas from Zelda, Devil May Cry, God of War, Tomb Raider, Portal, Panzer Dragoon, Prince of Persia, or Shadow of the Colossus, but its done incredibly well. The gameplay, coupled with art direction and a relatively well-done story, justify this game by leaps and bounds. I highly recommend it, especially considering its initial playthrough can consume upwards of 25 hours, and that is mostly unheard of in next-gen gaming.
