Preview: Darksiders 2

Platforms:Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Developer: Vigil Games.
Publisher: THQ
Release date: June 2012

As any gamer will tell you he/she has certain franchises they value above all others. One  on my list is Darksiders. A fantastic game marred only by a combat system that could have been deeper (I'm not a fan of one button combat systems, much more prefer systems akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden). The art style was one of the things that set War's journey of revenge apart from other titles of the year. One could see the comic book feel oozing from every part of the game, right down to the finishing moves which wouldn't have looked out of place if they had been performed panel by panel.

And now the series gears up for its sequel Darksiders 2. The story runs parallel to that of the original and this time you take the reigns of another Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Death.
After War is framed for causing the Apocalypse prematurely, Death sets out to the realm of the dead to clear his brother's name and uncover a conspiracy stretching from heaven to hell.

Right of the bat one can see the differences between War and his sibling. Whilst war felt like a towering brute of armor, smashing any demon or angel brave enough to throw a look at him. Death on the other hand is much more volatile, violent, reckless,fast but above these traits one can see he is considerably more controlled.

Combat has been given a overhaul, Death dual wields two scythes which he can put together to from one big ass scythe. Other weapons showcased in the trailers include; a hammer, throwing weapons and the portal gun'ish trinket, the Voidwalker makes a return.
Death has various armor sets, each granting unique traits which coupled with the new skill trees introduce a heavy side of role playing into the game.
Vigil games has said that play styles will be much wider than in the previous game. Interviews showcased a tank character capable of taking heavy damage and deal equal amounts thanks to a large axe shaped scythe. Also on the table are specs that make death fast and nimble, slicing and dicing in between dodges and one that greatly increases his magic attacks.

Pair these new elements with much bigger boss fights, loot drops, gold and Joe Mad's signature art style and Michael Wincott (of The Crow fame) voicing Death, this promises to be the most badass ride of 2012 and Death may finally herald the series into the recognition it deserves.