Darksiders II PlayStation 3
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. Digital Chumps
    Aug 14, 2012
    94
    Another powerhouse from Vigil Games, Darksiders II is a must have.
  2. InsideGamer.nl
    Aug 15, 2012
    93
    War is obviously outclassed by big brother Death. The agility of Death makes the combat feel more fluid and makes the platforming more fun. The addition of several RPG elements is a step forward in the franchise and the length, of at least twenty hours (forty if you want to get all collectibles and do all the side missions), will make sure you'll be spending a long time in the world of Darksiders 2.
  3. Games.cz
    Sep 3, 2012
    90
    A sequel to the unfairly often ignored Darksiders title has surpassed expectations and proved it belongs among the best gaming titles of the year. Minor flaws disappear when you get to the actual gameplay that's going to take you on a fantastic journey you are not going to forget for a very long time. Darksiders II is a great mix of genres fit not only for the everlasting dreamers.
  4. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Aug 28, 2012
    90
    In other words, even when this punished, superior sequel is kicking our ass and crushing our soul, it still feels fair, fun, and rewarding as hell. [Oct 202, p.80]
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  5. Eurogamer Portugal
    Aug 27, 2012
    90
    There are no doubts that Darksiders II is one of the action/adventure games of the year.
  6. PSX Extreme
    Aug 14, 2012
    90
    The combination of many different gameplay types melded into a cohesive style results in a heady experience, and one you don't want to end. There are a few problems with the technical solidarity and I'm not all that impressed with the story, but everything else, from the art design to the music to the silly high fun factor surrounding the combat and exploration; it creates an undeniably appealing package.
  7. Game Revolution
    Aug 14, 2012
    90
    Darksiders II is fantastic, well worth your money, and even more worthy of your time. Death is an investment that pays back dividends, in coins, gems, armor, and blood. It's high praise that Darksiders II is comparable to Batman: Arkham City and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
  8. Game Informer
    Aug 14, 2012
    90
    One of the most polished aspects of the game is environment traversal. Death can run along walls and leap between pillars much like the Prince of Persia. These platforming-like sequences add an element of verticality to exploration, and are used extensively to unearth hidden areas.
  9. Playstation Universe
    Aug 14, 2012
    90
    Darksiders II is an exhilarating action-RPG set in an enormous game world. Featuring an addictive loot system, tons of side quests, and rich gameplay, Darksiders II easily deserves a spot alongside the other greats of the genre.
  10. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Aug 14, 2012
    90
    That's what Darksiders II is all about, exploration and an epic quest. I also applaud the team at Vigil Games for taking the risks that it did with the focus of this title and the scale to which it is built.
  11. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Aug 13, 2012
    90
    The overwhelming feeling that shines through in Darksiders II is that this is an all-or-nothing bet that's been painstakingly crafted by a team who's all too well aware of the price of failure. Clearly there's been a lot of love put into this. So, should you cross over to the dark side of this underworld, one more time? Grinding nether-regions for 20 hours straight has never been this satisfying. [Issue#72, p.70]
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  12. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 14, 2012
    89
    Darksiders 2 adds a lot of variety compared to the original. The RPG elements are decent fun, but what really stands out is the superb musical score composed by Jesper Kyd. [Sept 2012]
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  13. Impulsegamer
    Aug 15, 2012
    89
    In the end, DARKSIDERS II may not be a perfect game but it's a fun game that works on almost all levels.
  14. GamesBeat
    Aug 14, 2012
    89
    This is a polished, well constructed gaming experience with few glaring errors.
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  15. Gamers' Temple
    Aug 14, 2012
    88
    The visual artistry is second to none, the combat is tight and fun, and the world is massive, but Darksiders II isn't the game it could have been.
  16. ZTGD
    Aug 14, 2012
    87
    The game sounds great as well. All of the characters are well voiced, and the background music, whether light ballad or mournful cello works very well. The clashing of weapons and the sound of scythe meeting bone really add to the combat, making it that much more fun to take down your enemies.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 337 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 63
  3. Negative: 10 out of 63
  1. now
    10
    Open world the most beautiful by a long story Alllab wonderful graphics stunning all this and more and grandmother in this Alllabh It's more than a game she is the best I think it will be a game-General and I think that's the opinion of many people so Saqimha 10/10 because they deserve it more what I liked GPU + Audio+ Thriller has surpassed Part I stages… Full Review »
  2. JoeGuy
    9
    Amazing game! Gorgeous characters and world design, great voice work and a real old school dungeon crawler feel with all the modern day bits from classic's like Zelda, Prince of Persia and Devil May Cry all thrown into the mix. You can quite readily approach the game at your own pace. Choosing to go off and pilfer and loot forgotten chests to your hearts content or follow the quest line and learn new abilities as you level up, earn ever improving weapons and armor and progress through this great tie in of a story to it's predecessor. Outside of the main game you have the new Arena mode which allows you to fight against wave after wave of enemies for increasingly better loot , be warned however, if you die you lose everything. This can really force you to up your game and gives the Arena a great sense of urgency, making each battle increasingly tense. The feeling when you know you've earned a great reward and chosen to risk it all for the taste of something even sweeter is invigorating and how a game should be enjoyed. The combat indecently is very satisfying and pacey. Gone is the brute force and strength of War and in it's place a new sleeker combat system. If I were to liken it to something, then it would be a 'Devil May Cry light' style of combat. You have your standard enemy grapple and main dual wielded weapons, intended for quick combos, pummeling your enemy before you dodge out of range again. Death is a lean combatant, he cannot parry or block enemy strikes so dodging will become your friend here. You also wield a heavier and incidentally slower secondary weapon which deals greater damage and can break through some tougher enemies defenses that Death's scythes cannot. A ranged pistol will soon become your ever present companion also, good for quick bursts of ranged damage. The pistol is less of a focus in Death's combat in comparison to his other weapons, the pistol being more integral to the games vast puzzles, which you frequently encounter along Deaths journey through conveniently parkour friendly architecture. Death will encounter environmental blockages he must traverse with an assortment of talents, from wall running, to climbing, to a ghostly grapple; swinging from point to point. All sprinkled with certain environmental items and golem helpers . Death can also often be found blowing holes in wall after wall with a toss of a bomb and a quick shot from the hip of your pistol, opening a new passage. Puzzles will reveal areas unreachable through standard adventuring and will reap the player rewards such as hulking chest which Death rips open in a triumphant smash of nether world magic to poor more loot into you hulking inventory or the ever elusive quest keys, which can be found throughout dungeons or as rewards from defeating the games many bosses. A boss battle in Darksiders II joins a rank of so few, that only games of the caliber of Shadow of the Colossus and Dark Souls can hope to rub shoulders with what's been accomplished in this game. Gone are the quick time events of old and anew we find a game where each Boss encountered is as gleeful and exhilarating to the player to enjoy as it clearly was for the creators to craft. Enemies will employ varyied tactics hoping to stop Death in his quest to reap them. Each encounter is compelling, often lasting several minutes and challenges the player to adapt, track the enemies patterns and discern how best to tackle these determined and monstrous opponents. These enemies may be the highlight of the game, but as Death you find yourself in a world so vast you will need to travel great distances to reach these encounters. Compared to the original, the game world and the playground Death now inhabits has grown in spades. Totaling between 3 and 4 times it's predecessor. The environments are richly varied and detailed, the occasional muddy textures will be forgiven in the wake of such a masterfully crafted world. Death will not be alone on his journey. He can summon his trusty stead outside of cities and traverse the games many environments in a flash. The game offers a quick travel system also, making some task far less trivial and hastening you towards your next encounter. Many players may want to take the extra time to travel the land my horse back however. The music is exquisite and finds that balance so few games can find in allowing the music dip seamlessly into the background as you feel it express your adventure, your trials emote the world, it's environments. Death's journey through the game brings many joys to the player. The game seems to scream at the top of it's lungs it's unashamed to borrow from it's peers whole hardheartedly and concoct a new formula, blending the old with the new. When Death's adventure comes to a close, you will have learned many facts and stories about the world you inhabit. However, this is a game demanding to be played again, going so far as to offering a Game+ mode for those who have completed it… Full Review »
  3. mz1234
    10
    I will not say anything more for my friend but it is impressive and a great
    Exceeded his expectations a significant improvement from Game of     Death The first is poking cold arrogant and a lot more active than the war which was like a tank, such as credit steadfast person increase over the death of muscle on the other hand depends on the Shuffle comes next in the battle of killing is wonderful, and focus on the skill tree RPG and customization is also a personal story line, and the epic feel immersed in it. To record the music in the game is the best place I heard alive in the game is a big compliment from the madness of Joe is not a must buy game for all lovers of adventure has… Full Review »
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