PLAYED ON: PC via Steam
"Nobody makes my fate but me" - Cayde 6
I’ll be honest, I never thought I would still be playing this game even after I dropped out of it multiple times. I hopped into Destiny 2 just before The Witch Queen was released and played through all the older DLCs. I was intrigued by the lore this franchise has, and it felt the right time for me because I loved The Witch Queen DLC, when it finally launched. Bungie were on a hot streak with their storytelling. And then, well, we know how Lightfall turned out. 2023 was one of the worst years for Bungie and Destiny 2 as a lot of players (including me) dropped the game, for a while. But I still had some hope as the final DLC had to be perfect as it was tasked to conclude a decade-old story in the best way possible. So here we are!
I took my time in completing the campaign for The Final Shape, and wow, what a ride it’s been! As someone who’s been with the series for the past 3 years (but also dove into the whole Destiny lore since the first game) this expansion feels like the perfect culmination of the journey. It’s packed with content, rich stories, and some really cool gameplay updates. Here’s a laid-back look at why I think this expansion is the best that Bungie has put out, yet.
The Final Shape excels in its storytelling, drawing players into the mysterious Pale Heart destination within the Traveler. It’s a place filled with memories and symbolism, bringing back familiar locations in a fresh way. The linear progression of the campaign is a nice change, making the journey feel meaningful, especially as we face off against the enigmatic Witness.
Seeing characters like Crow, Zavala, and Cayde again adds so much depth. Their memories shape the environment and the story, creating an emotional and immersive experience. The themes of Light, Darkness, and our relationships with our Ghosts and each other add layers of intrigue and meaning.
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One of the coolest new additions is the Prismatic subclass. It lets us mix and match elements from different subclasses, which opens up so many fun and creative playstyles. It’s not a total game-changer, but it definitely makes things more interesting. Combat is invigorated by the introduction of the Dread faction, whose focus on crowd control presents fresh challenges and forces players to adapt their tactics.
Even after the main campaign, there’s so much to do. The Pale Heart is packed with activities, collectibles, and secrets that encourage exploration. The new Overthrow activity and the revamped Pathfinder objectives keep the rewards coming and give us plenty of reasons to stay engaged. The new weapons are awesome and worth pursuing. There’s a great variety that keeps combat fun and interesting, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different loadouts.
Of course, it’s not all perfect. Some story elements, like Zavala’s character progression, feel a bit rushed. The Vanguard’s infighting happens a little too quickly for my taste. The new Pathfinder system, while generally an improvement, has its critics. It sometimes forces us into modes we might not want to play.
TSHC Score: 9/10
Destiny 2: The Final Shape represents a high point in the series, offering a compelling and cohesive experience that celebrates the game's history while setting the stage for its future. The rich narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and wealth of post-campaign content make it a must-play for fans. Despite a few minor issues, The Final Shape is a fitting and triumphant conclusion to the "Light and Darkness" saga.
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