Released in August 2012 by Vigil Games and published by THQ, Darksiders 2 had big shoes to fill. The original Darksiders was well-received for its unique blend of hack-and-slash combat and Zelda-inspired dungeon design. Darksiders 2 expanded on that foundation in nearly every way; larger worlds, deeper mechanics, and a new protagonist: Death himself and he’s looking as cool as heck. Critics generally praised the game for its ambitious scope and refined systems, though some lamented its overstuffed nature. Despite positive reviews, THQ's financial issues overshadowed the game's success, and it failed to reach the commercial heights it may have deserved. Over a decade later, Darksiders 2 has carved out a loyal fanbase who regard it as the best entry in the franchise.
Whether this direction was part of the plan from the start or a response to the evolving market, Darksiders 2 set the tone for a series that would reinvent itself with each installment wherein each entry shifted genres in bold new ways.
What I Liked 😃
Masterful Level Design
The dungeons in Darksiders 2 are some of the most thoughtfully crafted in the action-adventure genre. Each one feels distinct, from sun-drenched ruins to subterranean temples dripping with atmosphere. What stood out most was how naturally the level design guided me forward. Puzzles flowed into combat encounters, which seamlessly led to traversal sequences. I never felt lost or confused about where to go next, which is a thing that can be hit or miss with video games. It’s a testament to how well Vigil Games understood spatial storytelling and player guidance.
Parkour!
While the first game offered some light climbing mechanics, Darksiders 2 went all in on traversal. Death is far more agile than War, and it shows in how he navigates his world. Wall-running, pole-swinging, and precise platforming all combine to give the player a satisfying sense of fluidity. It almost feels like a puzzle in itself, figuring out how to reach the next ledge or navigate through crumbling architecture. The parkour system adds a rhythm to the exploration that I absolutely loved, especially when tied into the dungeon design.
It’s an RPG?!?
This is where Darksiders 2 completely rewrites the script. The original game was a linear action-adventure, but the sequel embraces full-blown RPG systems: gear drops with randomized stats, a talent tree with different builds, a loot grind, and a semi-open world structure. It gave the game much more replayability and player expression. Choosing between strength-based armor or boosting arcane abilities changed how I approached both combat and exploration. While Darksiders 2 is a sequel, it also felt like a completely different series at the same time.
What I Didn’t Like ☹️
Combat Chaos
For all the improvements in mobility and depth, the combat sometimes felt frustratingly chaotic. The camera often struggles to keep up, especially in enclosed areas or when multiple enemies are attacking from all sides. I found myself taking hits I couldn’t see coming, or losing track of where Death even was in the middle of particle effects and flailing enemy limbs (see above image for a great example). Lock-on helps a bit, but not enough to fix the core issue: the combat lacks clarity during intense encounters. It is extremely disappointing because Death has so many cool weapons and abilities, but using those things in combat becomes a big downer due to the lack of visibility.
Don’t Buy It, Find It
Like many RPGs, Darksiders 2 includes vendors scattered throughout the world. The problem? They’re mostly obsolete. The best gear almost always comes from looting chests or defeating enemies, which made most shop inventories feel irrelevant. I rarely spent gold unless I was desperate for potions or just cleaning out my inventory. It’s disappointing because these shops serve no purpose other than to be there because it’s a place to spend your currency and it’s also an RPG trope.
In addition to the uselessness of shops, some of the things you can buy at the shops make the game feel almost like a MMO or game with micro transactions. In Vulgrim’s shop for example, you can buy these loot “boxes” that contain random items based on their color: green, blue or purple with purple being the highest. Spend 10,000 gold pieces and you get a random Elite item. I have never enjoyed these kinds of items. I want to know what I am buying before I spend my hard earned money on it.
To be fair, lots of Vulgrim’s items are still useful and you can also buy new abilities from Thane, another guy who will take your money. The real problem shop is the one that just sells items and equipment.
Overall Thoughts 🤔
Darksiders 2 is a severely underrated game in my opinion that is not discussed enough in 2025. Vigil Games clearly had a vision for this world, and they poured their creative energy into making this sequel feel grander, more intricate, and more ambitious. It is miles ahead of the first game in almost every way, especially in its incredible level design, improved traversal mechanics, and the welcome addition of RPG depth. There’s a sense of scale and adventure here that very few action games manage to capture. Death is also one of the more visually striking protagonists in all of gaming never mind the series. The game continues to have super inventive worlds and characters. The voice acting and the sound and music are also top notch.
That said, it’s not perfect. Combat can be a visual mess, and the economy systems are underdeveloped. But those flaws are minor compared to the heights this game reaches. I also didn’t notice the bugs that were present in the original Darksiders. Whether you’re here for the lore, the puzzles, or the loot, Darksiders 2 delivers.
Where Can I Play This? 🕹️
As of 2025, Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition is available on:
PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store)
PlayStation 4 / 5 (via backward compatibility)
Xbox One / Series X|S (via backward compatibility and Game Pass rotation)
Nintendo Switch
The Deathinitive Edition includes graphical improvements, rebalanced loot, and all DLC. It’s the definitive way to experience this underappreciated gem.
I played Darksiders 2 via the Deathinitive Edition on the Xbox One. I did not do every single thing in the game, but the majority of the side quests were completed as was the main story.
Up Next 📅
Up next, we return to the Metal Gear series to play the one that started it all: Metal Gear for the MSX!