Games That Ask You to "Press Start" But Will Accept Other Buttons

Developed by Vigil Games, Darksiders puts players in control of War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as he attempts to find out who caused a premature Apocalypse while battling both Angels and Demons on a dead Earth.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1206426" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.1958146487294" data-width="669" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 669px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:119.6%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1206426"><img alt="War and his steed, Ruin." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg 669w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4344/1206426-1.jpg 535w" sizes="(max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px" data-width="535"></a><figcaption>War and his steed, Ruin.</figcaption></figure><p>Darksiders is an action adventure game released for the <a href="/xbox-360/3045-20/" data-ref-id="3045-20">Xbox 360</a> and <a href="/playstation-3/3045-35/" data-ref-id="3045-35">PlayStation 3</a> on January 5, 2010 in North America; for the <a href="../../pc/60-94/" rel="nofollow">PC</a>, the game was released in September 24, 2010 in North America . Darksiders is <a href="/vigil-games/3010-6304/" data-ref-id="3010-6304">Vigil Games</a>' debut title, and is published by <a href="/thq/3010-15/" data-ref-id="3010-15">THQ</a> (in North America and Europe) and <a href="/konami-corporation/3010-87/" data-ref-id="3010-87">Konami</a> (in Japan). The game is loosely based on the book of Revelations in the Bible. Vigil took the concepts of the <a href="/horsemen-of-the-apocalypse/3015-4533/" data-ref-id="3015-4533">Four Horsemen</a>, the Apocalypse, Heaven and Hell, Angels and Demons, among other references, and created their own take and mythology on them.</p><p>Darksiders tells the story of <a href="/war/3005-997/" data-ref-id="3005-997">War</a>, one of the Four Horsemen who is blamed for the destruction of humanity in a premature battle between Heaven and Hell. The game sold well, estimated at 1.2 million units worldwide in the four weeks after release. Its success has led not only to a <a href="/darksiders-ii/3030-29941/" data-ref-id="3030-29941">sequel</a>, but also a planned film adaptation being written by Darksiders creator <a href="/joe-madureira/3040-27284/" data-ref-id="3040-27284">Joe Madureira</a>.</p><p>The game received generally positive reviews. It obtained 83% on Gamerankings on both console platforms and 82% on PC; whilst on Metacritic the game obtained 82% on PS3 and 83% on both the PC and Xbox 360 platforms. Critics lauded the game for being the "dark <a href="/the-legend-of-zelda/3025-9/" data-ref-id="3025-9">Zelda</a>" that <a href="/nintendo/3010-90/" data-ref-id="3010-90">Nintendo</a> will never make; praising the voice acting, combat, environments, and puzzle design.</p><p>Notably, the Watcher is voiced by <a href="../../mark-hamill/72-3248/" rel="nofollow">Mark Hamill</a>. Additionally of note is the initial screen tearing issue that the Xbox 360 version suffered from (now fixed via a patch). Because of this, and minor framerate issues, the PlayStation 3 version had a <i>slightly</i> better initial reception.</p><h2>Story</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14440/1441036-darksiders_01_lg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1441036" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.59" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:59.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14440/1441036-darksiders_01_lg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1441036"><img alt="War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and his sword." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14440/1441036-darksiders_01_lg.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14440/1441036-darksiders_01_lg.jpg 800w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14440/1441036-darksiders_01_lg.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and his sword.</figcaption></figure><p>Darksiders tells the story of War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (the others being <a href="/strife/3005-11418/" data-ref-id="3005-11418">Strife</a>, <a href="/fury/3005-3436/" data-ref-id="3005-3436">Fury</a>, and <a href="../../death/94-11419/" rel="nofollow">Death</a>), and his role in the aftermath of a premature Armageddon. Upon receiving a summon for the end times to begin, War throws himself into the midst of the battle between angels and demons and quickly finds out that he is the only Horsemen to have arrived on Earth. While fighting against both sides, War mysteriously loses his powers and is eventually beaten by one of the Destroyer's chosen, <a href="/straga/3005-14546/" data-ref-id="3005-14546">Straga</a>. Confused and defeated, War is brought before the <a href="/the-charred-council/3005-18025/" data-ref-id="3005-18025">Charred Council</a>, a neutral governing body responsible for upholding the ancient truce between Heaven and Hell, until the day the Kingdom of Man is strong enough to do battle in the end war. They maintain the balance of power between the three kingdoms, and the Horsemen are their enforcers.</p><p>The Charred Council summarily charges War with the untimely destruction of the Kingdom of Man, disregarding the Council's law, and upsetting the Balance. For his actions, War is sentenced to death. Rather than consign himself to oblivion, War demands he be sent back to the realm of Earth to discover who was behind the Apocalypse, so that he may clear his name, and restore his rightful status as a Horseman. If he should fail, the Council's justice would be satisfied.</p><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1087645" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.5875" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:58.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1087645"><img alt="The Watcher." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="The Watcher." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1087645-942006_20090721_screen004.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>The Watcher.</figcaption></figure><p>Agreeing to these terms the Council grants War the use of his sword, <a href="/chaoseater/3055-3483/" data-ref-id="3055-3483">Chaoseater</a>. Before he can leave however, War is saddled with 'The Watcher', a demon entity who will act as the eyes and ears of the Charred Council, and with whom rests the power to destroy War at a whim. Upon returning to Earth, War discovers that 100 years have passed since the Apocalypse, and sets out on his quest to discover the truth behind what happened to his fellow Horsemen, why the Apocalypse was brought about early, and to what end these actions have been set in motion.</p><p>Earth is now a desolate wasteland, barely resembling its former shape. Humankind has long since crumbled, due to <a href="/the-destroyer/3005-14094/" data-ref-id="3005-14094">The Destroyer</a>'s army of demons. War begins his journey and soon meets Vulgrim, a Soul Trader who specializes in equipment, but also dabbles in information. He tells War to seek out the fallen demon <a href="/samael/3005-3129/" data-ref-id="3005-3129">Samael</a>. Threatened by his great power, the Destroyer had Samael imprisoned, and if War sets him free, he would be inclined to help his endeavor.</p><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294612" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.56120527306968" data-width="531" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 531px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.1%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294612"><img alt="Tiamat, the first of the Four Chosen." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg 531w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Tiamat, the first of the Four Chosen." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg 531w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294612-48160_tiamat_fly_by_531x298_custom.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Tiamat, the first of the Four Chosen.</figcaption></figure><p>To gain access into the Black Tower of the Destroyer, Samael tells War that he needs to fight the Four Chosen of The Destroyer, the tower guardians, and bring him their hearts. Along the way, Samael grants War some abilities to help him complete his quest. He even helps War tap into his dormant powers and assume his chaos form, at the expense of the Watcher getting a gauntlet to the face.</p><p>War sets out to find each of the Four Chosen. The first is <a href="/tiamat/3005-12513/" data-ref-id="3005-12513">Tiamat</a>, the bat queen. On the path to the second of the Four Chosen, War meets Ulthane, an Old One and a legendary weapon-smith. After a small Pigeon (angel) killing contest, he asks War to prove himself by killing <a href="/the-griever/3005-14640/" data-ref-id="3005-14640">the Griever</a>, second of the chosen. Upon his return, War finds that Ulthane has made him a gun; Mercy.</p><p>On his journey to find the <a href="/the-stygian/3005-14548/" data-ref-id="3005-14548">Stygian</a>, third of the Chosen, War comes across a demon arena. After some fighting, the demon leader emerges riding on War's former mount, the shadowy steed Ruin. War manages to defeat the demon lord but Ruin, not recognizing his friend and master, proceeds to attack him and knocking him around. The Watcher orders War to kill Ruin seeing as he seems to have lost his mind, but he refuses, and instead sets his sword aside and stands his ground. Ruin proceeds to charge at War and at the last second phases through him, having recognized him again. Thusly mounted, War becomes a Horseman again.</p><p>Before his fight with the last of the tower guardians, <a href="/silitha/3005-14547/" data-ref-id="3005-14547">Silitha</a> the Broodmother, she tells War that Samael was misleading him; the Chosen were not guarding the tower, but in fact were guarding against Samael's return to power. That power which the Destroyer stripped and placed inside the hearts of the Chosen. She warned that if Samael regains his power, War would find a bigger threat in him than all of the Chosen combined. War foolishly ignores her and proceeds with the fight.</p><p>After War returns all the Chosen's hearts to Samael, he boasts that he has become like a god, that he could kill War in an instant if he so chooses. Yet he still grants War passage to the Black Tower as promised as he empathizes with War's quest for revenge. Samael opens a portal to the tower and just before War steps through, the Horseman declares that they will meet again.</p><p>Finally in the Black Tower, War finds Azrael, the Angel of Death, imprisoned inside. He reveals everything about the events that led up to the premature battle between Heaven and Hell, about Abbadon's and Ulthane's involvement. Abbadon, Lord of the Hellguard angels, decided to launch a premature strike on the forces of hell and enlisted the others' help to break six of the seven seals that would start the final battle. The seventh, which if broken would call the Horsemen, was to be left intact. He was sure that his armies would decimate the forces of Hell before the war even began, and they would reforge the seals as if nothing had happened. It would look like Hell had started the war and Heaven responded. After all, who would the Council believe; Heaven's word or that of the "Prince of Lies"? However, they were surprised to discover that by the time the Hellguard arrived on Earth, the entire military might of Hell had already arrived, and thus, butchered the Hellguard before the rest of Heaven's armies could arrive, thereby winning the war in the name of Evil.</p><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294613" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.55034482758621" data-width="725" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 725px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:55.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294613"><img alt="Azrael leads War into the Garden of Eden." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg 725w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Azrael leads War into the Garden of Eden." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg 725w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294613-azrael.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Azrael leads War into the Garden of Eden.</figcaption></figure><p>With these developments, War decides his deal with the Charred Council is complete; he was innocent. The Watcher decides otherwise, that War must do his duty to restore Balance and kill Azrael for breaking the Law of the Council. Instead, War proceeds to free Azrael, and defeat <a href="/straga/3005-14546/" data-ref-id="3005-14546">Straga</a>, last and most powerful of the Chosen. Afterwards, Azrael takes him into the Garden of Eden to seek the Tree of Knowledge. There, War is granted the "gift" of truth and receives a vision. He sees the events that lead to the Apocalypse, the fate of Abbadon, and things that are yet to come.</p><p>When Abbadon was killed by Straga, he was surrounded in darkness and a mysterious, sinister female voice gave him the choice to "Serve in Heaven, or rule in Hell?". Abbadon chose the latter and took up the mantle of the Destroyer, now leading the forces of Hell and guarding the seventh seal. War also sees <a href="/uriel/3005-17037/" data-ref-id="3005-17037">Uriel</a> (Abbadon's second-in-command, who harbors romantic feelings for him and blames War for his death) leading the remaining Hellguard against the Destroyer, and failing. War is shown that the Charred Council foresaw Abbadon's plan for a preemptive strike. They needed to quell Abbadon's defiance but could not send the Horsemen against him and the others without proof since the seals were reforged. The Horsemen would see it as murder, not justice. War was known for his temper and pride, and the Council framed him knowing that he would "slaughter everyone in his way" to clear his name. Finally, he sees himself being killed, stabbed in the back by a large blade. As War recovers from the vision, he finds the handle of the same blade in his hand.</p><p>Azrael provides one more piece of wisdom before War sets out to face the Destroyer; the only weapon capable of killing The Destroyer is the Armageddon Blade. The same blade the angels used to break the seals, and Ulthane's greatest work. It was shattered by the Destroyer and hidden in the realm of shadows, War needed to gather the pieces and bring them back to Ulthane to make it anew. During the search for the pieces, War is confronted by Uriel, who challenges him to an ancient pact, an unbreakable vow that will not end until one of them has died by the other's hand. War defeats Uriel in combat, but spares her life to keep her as an ally - for now. Whether or not he wants to, eventually he is going to have to kill her or be killed <i>by</i> her to break the spell upon them.</p><p>With the completed Armageddon Blade in hand, Azrael sends War to face the Destroyer, a massive fiery dragon.</p><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png" data-ref-id="1300-1294618" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.43483275663206" data-width="867" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 867px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:43.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png" data-ref-id="1300-1294618"><img alt="The Destroyer." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png 867w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png 480w"><noscript><img alt="The Destroyer." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png 867w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/7465/1294618-picture_1.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>The Destroyer.</figcaption></figure><p>Abbadon offers that War join him, arguing the corruption of the Council and that he will be pursued by both Heaven and Hell. He gives War the same choice that he was given "Serve in Heaven, or rule in Hell?", to which War answers: "I choose what once a coward did not", and proceeds to fight, victoriously. Having killed Abbadon, War reaches for the seventh seal, but the Watcher constrains him and taunts him as he takes the Seventh Seal out of his reach, War's ticket to freedom. Seeing what is happening, Uriel stabs War in the back - simultaneously breaking the hold the Watcher has over him and fulfilling their death pact - and then breaks the Seventh Seal during a strike on the Watcher. In addition to severing the Watcher's right arm, breaking the Seventh Seal summons the Four Horsemen: this means that War is resurrected, all of his strength and power restored. Free of the Charred Council's control, War stands up and kills the Watcher. Now an enemy of Heaven, Hell, <i>and</i> the Charred Council, Uriel asks if he will fight the entire universe alone. War lifts the broken seal in his hand saying; "No. Not alone." Three comets streak across the sky, signalling the arrival of the other three Horsemen.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>The combat centres primarily on powerful combos and specialty fatalities. War can equip a gear item alongside his primary weapon, allowing him to switch on the fly between the Crossblade and the Abyssal Chain, for example. Using powerful combos allows War to fill his Wrath Meter which he can then use to unleash powerful Wrath attacks. Wrath attacks include the Blade Geyser attack, where War stabs the ground and makes half-a-dozen blades come up from the ground and damage enemies around him; Stone Skin, which decreases the damage War takes, and increases the damage he dishes out; Immolation, which causes everything War touches to become engulfed in flames; and Pestilence, which slowly saps away surrounding enemies' health. War can also use special fatalities. For instance, War can jump from demonic bat to demonic bat, killing each one without touching the ground. War will also perform more stylized fatalities on bosses and mid-bosses without the need for the derivative quick time events. It should also be noted that War is actually invulnerable during these execution animations. The player can use this to advantage, interrupting the attacks of enemies in order to slow down the combat a little. An example of such an execution is shown in the Church dungeon area where War fights The Jailor, a massive hulk of flesh that smashes cages on the ground. War must attack with the Crossblade, targeting multiple weak points on his body to expose the smaller creature that is controlling the behemoth.</p><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1045010" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.50869565217391" data-width="920" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 920px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:50.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1045010"><img alt="Combat in Darksiders." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg 920w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Combat in Darksiders." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg 920w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1045010-darksiders_04.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Combat in Darksiders.</figcaption></figure><p>Environments in Darksiders are split between large hub areas that offer plenty of room for exploration and smaller, interior dungeon-like areas such as a subway system, derelict buildings and a church that is set up as a demon's central base of operations. War will traverse each of these dungeons killing bosses and mini-bosses to progress throughout the game as well as retrieving gear items. Gear items are featured equipment which War needs in order to open new areas within the large open hubs.</p><p>New equipment can also be purchased by selling souls collected by War's Soul Harvest ability to a Soul Trader Demon, Vulgrim. This demon will trade souls and artifacts, the only applicable currency in a post-human world, for new abilities, weapons and armor. These souls can be collected primarily in combat, but can also be found through exploration. Weapons can also be customized by collecting upgrades throughout the game. These upgrades can be equipped and swapped between War's arsenal of weapons. Armor can also be upgraded into the Abyssal Armor by finding the ten pieces throughout the game (the new armor is immediately worn by War upon finding the final piece). With this new armor, War also changes in appearance, from his red, blue, and black, to a more bad-ass gray and black with red-eyes. Health and Wrath capacity can also be increased by collected containers scattered throughout the world, defeating main bosses, and from Vulgrim.</p><p>Weapons and armor aren't the only thing at War's disposal, for he can call on his spectral steed, Ruin. War is able to summon and dispel him on the fly with the touch of the shoulder buttons, and enables him to traverse areas he could not on foot. Ruin has access to a dash ability. War's sword attacks also increase drastically in power while he is on Ruin. War's sword, Chaoseater, accumulates chaos as he kills enemies. Once it is full, he can then transform into a large and powerful form (his Chaos Form), for a limited time, and can lay waste to most enemies with ease.</p><h2>Souls</h2><p>There are three types of souls that can be found in the world of Darksiders, and they can either be found inside <a href="/treasure-chest/3055-517/" data-ref-id="3055-517">chests</a> (the type of soul inside each chest will be clearly identifiable by its color), or collected from enemies upon their defeat:</p><ul><li><b>Green Souls</b> - these fill the <u>Health</u> bar.</li><li><b>Yellow Souls</b> - these fill the <u>Wrath</u> meter.</li><li><b>Blue Souls</b> - the game’s form of <u>Currency.</u></li></ul><h2>Enemies</h2><h3>Angels</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543740" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.94444444444444" data-width="900" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 900px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:94.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543740"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 900w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 900w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543740-angel_champion.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>The Lords of Heaven are far less numerous on Earth than their demonic enemies, and they have been fighting to take back the dead Earth ever since the Apocalypse. Normally the Lightsiders are only the enemies of evil, so they would ignore a neutral party like a Horseman, but they think War is personally responsible for the End of Days, and they're none too pleased about it.</p><ul><li><b>Angel Soldier</b> - Airborne soldiers, armed with a <a href="/halberd/3055-1192/" data-ref-id="3055-1192">halberd</a>.</li><li><b>Angel Champion</b> - Champions of <a href="/heaven/3035-25/" data-ref-id="3035-25">Heaven</a> that still roam the skies, sworn to fight <a href="/hell/3035-24/" data-ref-id="3035-24">Hell</a>'s legions by vengeance.</li><li><b>Angelic Beast</b> - Angels use these as a form of heavy support. <a href="/war/3005-997/" data-ref-id="3005-997">War</a> can 'hijack' the Beast to fly to otherwise unaccessible areas.</li><li><b>Storm Warden</b> - Heaven's flying squadron, they carry Redemption Cannons.</li><li><b>Dark Angels</b> - Fallen Angels corrupted by <a href="/the-destroyer/3005-14094/" data-ref-id="3005-14094">the Destroyer</a>'s dark power.</li></ul><h3>Demons</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1547456" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.1215277777778" data-width="576" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 576px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:112.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1547456"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" data-width="570" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg 576w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg 570w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg 576w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1547456-wraith_02.jpg 570w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" data-width="570"></noscript></a></figure><p>The Dregs of Hell, enemies of everyone else in the universe. These Darksiders won the premature End War and now control the dead Earth, battling the forces of good, the representatives of neutrality, and each other, in a never-ending quest for more power.</p><ul><li><b>Ashworm</b> (or <u>Ashcoil</u>)-- Huge creatures that lurk beneath the ashes of the dead in the Ashlands.</li><li><b>Baby Ashworm</b> - Smaller killable ashworms.</li><li><b>Abyssal Rider</b> - Dark riders, the Destroyer's cavalry.</li><li><b>Broodling</b> - Little spiders, the demonic offspring of <a href="/silitha/3005-14547/" data-ref-id="3005-14547">Silitha</a>.</li><li><b>Brood Guardian</b> - Large spiders with a hard carapace that must be removed with War's Abyssal Chain before they can actually take damage.</li><li><b>Shadowcaster</b> - A snakelike Demon with sorcerous powers.</li><li><b>Duskwing</b> - Giant bats driven by a thirst for blood, they gather around Tiamat.</li><li><b>Fallen</b> - Large winged demons able to fly, a twisted version of the Angels they once were.</li><li><b>Gholen</b> - Enormous creatures with flaming hands; they are able to rip up sections of road and throw cars.</li><li><b>Minion</b> - Pack hunters who chase down their prey and attack with their clawed hands. There are several types of Minions.</li><li><b>Phantom Guard</b> - Fallen angels who still bear the stunted and useless stumps of their wings, and bear sharp blades. They form the backbone of Hell's legions.</li><li><b>Swarm</b> - Earth's locusts transformed into something bigger and terrifying. They are considered to be the Griever's pets.</li><li><b>Shadow Lurker</b> - Invisible entities resembling a large eye; they often trap Tormented Gates. Although they are incredibly physically weak and are personally defenceless, War cannot directly attack them until he's fulfilled the conditions of the challenge that protects each Lurker.</li><li><b>Trauma</b> - massive creatures, even slightly bigger than Gholens. Trauma has gigantic crushing claws.</li><li><b>Wraith</b> - Creatures masked in shadow. They float on the wind, looking for prey.</li><li><b>Grappleclaw</b> - A very dangerous foe; they are large and brutish, fast and deadly, and can certainly take chuncks out of the health bar given the chance.</li><li><b>Goremaw</b> -- Hand-like demons that hang from ceilings.</li></ul><h3>Undead</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543743" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75810185185185" data-width="864" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 864px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543743"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 864w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 864w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1543743-undead.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>The reanimated corpses of the dead, these mindless creatures seek nothing except the destruction of any and all creatures who aren't evil. They don't get around much since all the humans died hundreds of years ago and only demons are left on the Earth, leaving the undead without much to do... until War arrives, that is.</p><ul><li><b>Wicked</b> - Those evil humans who were not taken when the Rapture came, now wander the <a href="/earth/3035-65/" data-ref-id="3035-65">Earth</a> in their torment.</li><li><b>Skeletal Warriors</b> - Skeletons armed with enormous swords or axes who seek to rend War in twain. Though their weapons remain in the environment after they are killed, they cannot be interacted with by War.</li><li><b>Undead Shield Lord</b> - Skeletons in huge ornate armor, able to deal and take massive amounts of damage using their armor.</li><li><b>Rot Mauler</b> -- A hulking, decaying zombie; it emits <a href="/deadly-gas/3015-3541/" data-ref-id="3015-3541">toxic gas</a> and can take a large beating. It is a very, very good idea to keep away from these guys, taking them out with the Crossblade, or, if possible, Mercy.</li><li><b>The Jailer</b> - Later in the game, this former <a href="/mini-boss/3015-420/" data-ref-id="3015-420">mini-boss</a> starts appearing as a powerful common enemy in the Dry Road area.</li><li><b>Gentleman Zombie</b> - Visually identical to one of the Wicked, the Gentleman Zombie, also known as "Wicked K", wears a top hat, has a cigarette holder dangling from his mouth, and carries a cane. He appears in four locations throughout the game, and then only after a different requirement is met for each one. Speaking in a British accent, he challenges War to duels, at which he is surprisingly adept, using his cane as a sword and his hat as a projectile weapon. Defeating the Gentleman gains War enormous amounts of souls.</li></ul><h3>Mini-Bosses</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543723" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.63194850789936" data-width="1709" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1709px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:63.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1543723"><img alt="Uriel." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 1709w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Uriel." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 1709w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1543723-darksiders_uriel.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Uriel.</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>The Phantom</b> <b>General</b> -- <a href="/samael/3005-3129/" data-ref-id="3005-3129">Samael</a>'s jailer and the leader of the Phantom Guard.</li><li><b>The Jailer</b> -- Before becoming a powerful "common" enemy, he is a mini-boss.</li><li><a href="/ulthane/3005-14549/" data-ref-id="3005-14549"><b>Ulthane</b></a></li><li><b>Abyssal Gladiator</b></li><li><b>Ash Titan</b> -- Before facing the Stygian, the player has to have a one on one encounter with this gigantic Ashworm.</li><li><b>The Brood Mother</b> -- Silitha's Guardian.</li><li><b>The Three Guardians</b></li><li><b>Shadow War</b> -- A dark mirror of <a href="/war/3005-997/" data-ref-id="3005-997">War</a> himself, immune to all of his sub-weapons and gadgets and capable of any of his sword moves - up to and including Chaos Form.</li><li><a href="/uriel/3005-17037/" data-ref-id="3005-17037"><b>Uriel</b></a></li></ul><h3>The Chosen</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1550986" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.625" data-width="1440" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1440px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:62.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1550986"><img alt="Silitha, the Fourth of the Chosen." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 1440w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Silitha, the Fourth of the Chosen." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 1440w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550986-darksiderspc_2010_10_04_23_57_36_24.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Silitha, the Fourth of the Chosen.</figcaption></figure><ul><li><a href="/tiamat/3005-12513/" data-ref-id="3005-12513"><b>Tiamat, the Bat Queen</b></a></li><li><a href="/the-griever/3005-14640/" data-ref-id="3005-14640"><b>The Griever, Mistress of the Underground</b></a></li><li><b><a href="/the-stygian/3005-14548/" data-ref-id="3005-14548">The Stygian, King of the Ashworms</a></b></li><li><b><a href="/silitha/3005-14547/" data-ref-id="3005-14547">Silitha, the Broodmother</a></b></li><li><a href="/straga/3005-14546/" data-ref-id="3005-14546"><b>Straga, First of the Chosen</b></a></li><li><a href="/the-destroyer/3005-14094/" data-ref-id="3005-14094"><b>The Destroyer</b></a></li><li><b><a href="/abaddon/3005-14550/" data-ref-id="3005-14550">Corrupted Abaddon</a></b></li></ul><h2>Weapons and Gear</h2><p><i>Darksiders</i> has a variety of different weapons and items to collect while playing, weapons can be equipped with enhancements which improve the weapon in a manner of ways. There are also four Legendary Enhancements that are much more powerful and are said to represent each of the four horsemen.</p><h3>Weapons</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1036069" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.9120122417751" data-width="1307" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1307px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:191.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1036069"><img alt="Chaoseater." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px" data-width="334" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 1307w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 1004w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 334w"><noscript><img alt="Chaoseater." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 1307w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 1004w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1036069-war_sword_concept.jpg 334w" sizes="(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px" data-width="334"></noscript></a><figcaption>Chaoseater.</figcaption></figure><p><b>Primary Weapons</b></p><ul><li><a href="/chaoseater/3055-3483/" data-ref-id="3055-3483">Chaoseater</a> - War's signature weapon, an incredibly ancient sword full of powerfully destructive magic.</li><li><b>Armageddon Blade</b> - A sword of Heaven, meant to be crafted at the End of Days, but used prematurely to break the Seven Seals and trigger the early Apocalypse.</li></ul><p><b>Secondary Weapons</b></p><ul><li><b>Scythe</b> (or <b>The Harvester</b>, which will replace the Scythe if the player inputs a GameStop pre-order code.) - A powerful weapon similar to that used by War's brother Death, the Scythe is both slower and weaker than the Chaoseater, but its wide, sweeping arcs make it the perfect weapon for dealing with large groups of enemies.</li><li><b>Tremor Gauntlet</b> - Even more focused on dealing damage to a single enemy than Chaoseater, the Tremor Gauntlet is also used to solve puzzles, as it can strike the ground with such force as to cause minor earthquakes that shatter crystals.</li></ul><h3>Gear</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2570658" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg" data-size="medium" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5751953125" data-width="1024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:57.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2570658"><img alt="War using his hand gun, Mercy." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 1024w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="War using his hand gun, Mercy." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 1024w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/14989/2570658-mercy.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>War using his hand gun, Mercy.</figcaption></figure><ul><li><a href="/hook-shot/3055-383/" data-ref-id="3055-383"><b>Abyssal Chain</b></a> - Fires a grappling chain that attaches to enemies and other environmental objects. Smaller objects are pulled towards War, while larger objects pull War towards them.</li><li><a href="/boomerang/3055-76/" data-ref-id="3055-76"><b>Crossblade</b></a> - A finely crafted throwing blade that can attack multiple targets. Returns to War's hand after being thrown. Can be charged up and will spin on one targeted enemy, causing extra damage. Can link between multiple enemies, or multiple environmental objects; e.g. hit fire and then a bomb to set the bomb on fire.</li><li><b>Earthcaller</b> - A masterfully carved horn whose call awakens ancient gates. In combat this can be used to stun enemies, but it is otherwise entirely useless.</li><li><b>Mask of Shadows</b> - Allows War to see into the Shadow Realm, revealing things that are hidden from the mortal world such as chests and bridges.</li><li><b>Mercy</b> - Originally the weapon of the horseman Strife and left to War on earth, it is a rapid-firing hand gun that has unlimited supernatural rounds. Damage can be increased with an item from Vulgrim, the storekeeper.</li><li><a href="/aperture-science-handheld-portal-device/3055-50/" data-ref-id="3055-50"><b>Void Walker</b></a> - Truly an instrument of mythical proportions, the void Walker opens gateways between our realm and beyond. Functions fairly straightforwardly; fire at one interactive site to create a portal, then fire at another to create a second portal with a link between them. This can be charged prior to firing to create an accelerated exit portal (shoots the character out at extra speed).</li></ul><h3>Weapon Enhancements</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1554353" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.3833333333333" data-width="180" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 180px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:138.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1554353"><img alt="The Tremor Gauntlet." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px" data-width="180" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg 180w"><noscript><img alt="The Tremor Gauntlet." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554353-tremor_gauntlet.jpg 180w" sizes="(max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px" data-width="180"></noscript></a><figcaption>The Tremor Gauntlet.</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Bane</b> - Generates Wrath naturally over time</li><li><b>Carnage</b> - Boosts chaos gained from the Chaoseater and allows all weapons to generate chaos.</li><li><b>Hellfire</b> - Boosts weapon damage on strikes and inflict additional fire damage over time</li><li><b>Bloodthirst</b> - Leeches weapon damage and converts it to health</li><li><b>Ravager</b> - Drastically increases damage inflicted with enironmental weapons and increases chances to get souls when destroying objects.</li><li><b>Reaper</b> - Boosts the amount of souls acquired from enemies, if equipped to the Scythe it will reward War with additional souls.</li><li><b>Combat Lore</b> - Boosts weapon experience gained during combat and increases War's armor level.</li><li><b>Weapon Master</b> - Boosts the damage inflicted by the weapons attack.</li></ul><h3>Legendary Enhancements</h3><ul><li><b><a href="/war/3005-997/" data-ref-id="3005-997">War</a>'s Glory</b> - Drastically increases weapon damage and Chaos gained by all melee weapons (Chaoseater gets an extra boost) while also drastically increasing the amount of weapon experience gained with any weapon. Also increases the duration of Chaos Form.</li><li><b>Strife's Offering</b> - Boosts weapon damage while also generating more Wrath and Chaos on killing blows. Also drastically increases projectile attack damage and increases War's defense against projectile attacks.</li><li><b>Fury's Embrace</b> - Wrath is leeched on every weapon strike and Wrath power damage is increased in addition to a boost of Wrath gained on killing blows. Also reveals all world maps and items on the map.</li><li><b>Death's Blessing</b> - Drastically increases weapon damage while also leeching damage and converting it to health. Greatly increases the amount of souls acquired from objects and creatures with additional soul rewards when assigned to the Scythe/Harvester.</li></ul><h3>The Abyssal Armor</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1551142" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.52188552188552" data-width="1485" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1485px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:52.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1551142"><img alt="The Abyssal Armor in all its dark splendour." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 1485w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="The Abyssal Armor in all its dark splendour." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 1485w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1551142-abyssal_armor.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>The Abyssal Armor in all its dark splendour.</figcaption></figure><p>The Abyssal Armor is a special set of armor whose 10 pieces that comprise it are spread through across 10 different chests throughout the world of Darksiders. This dark grey armor is much more resistant to attacks than War's regular armor and on top of it, it also gives life upon all successful attacks, making the player nearly invincible. However, during cut-scenes War appears wearing his normal outfit, which is somewhat jarring.</p><h2>Abilities</h2><p>War loses his powers at the beginning of the game, but will slowly get them all back. These come in three varieties:</p><h3>Passive</h3><p>Curiously, neither of the passive abilities were War's originally; both are gifts from the demon Samael to aid War on his quest..</p><ul><li><b>Chronomancy</b> - allows War to slow down time.</li><li><b>Shadowflight</b> - allows War to glide for a limited amount of time after performing a double jump.</li></ul><h3>Wrath Consuming</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1554352" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1554352"><img alt="The Blade Geyser in action." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 1024w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="The Blade Geyser in action." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 1024w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1554352-blade_geyser.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>The Blade Geyser in action.</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Affliction</b> - War summons serpent-like creatures to aid him in combat.</li><li><b>Blade Geyser</b> - War slams the ground beneath and blades sprout all around him, harming any enemies in range and pushing them back.</li><li><b>Immolation</b> - this allows for War to set himself on fire, thus causing enemies who come within melee range to catch on fire themselves, causing damage.</li><li><b>Stoneskin</b> - War's skin becomes... stone; this makes him more resistant to any kind of damage while also improving his dealt damage.</li></ul><h3>Chaos Consuming</h3><ul><li><b>Chaos Form</b> - striking opponents with the Chaoseater causes the Chaos gauge to fill up and when it is full, War can activate his Chaos Form, which is undoubtedly War's most powerful ability. When under the Chaos Form, War is completely invulnerable and inflicts massage damage to anyone who stands in his way. The Chaos Form is limited to the time Chaos gauge take to deplete itself upon activation. It can be prematurely cancelled, but this will cancel all remaining Chaos; it cannot be saved.</li></ul><h2>Chapters</h2><p>The game is divided in 6 Chapters, plus a Prologue. Each location in every Chapter is introduced to the player by means of an on-screen title.</p><p>Here's a list of all Chapters, plus the locations contained in them.</p><h3>Prologue</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1550999" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.625" data-width="1440" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1440px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:62.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1550999"><img alt="Darksiders' World Map" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 1440w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Darksiders' World Map" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 1440w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/6/62890/1550999-darksiderspc_2010_10_05_22_37_31_66.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Darksiders' World Map</figcaption></figure><ul><li>City Streets</li><li>Seraphim Hotel</li><li>The Crossroads</li><li>The Library</li><li>The Scalding Gallow</li><li>The Choking Grounds</li><li>The Broken Stair</li></ul><h3>Chapter 1</h3><ul><li>Twilight Cathedral</li></ul><h3>Chapter 2</h3><ul><li>Drowned Pass</li><li>Anvil's Ford</li><li>The Hollows</li></ul><h3>Chapter 3</h3><ul><li>The Dry Road</li><li>Ashlands</li></ul><h3>Chapter 4</h3><ul><li>The Road to the Iron Canopy</li><li>Iron Canopy</li></ul><h3>Chapter 5</h3><ul><li>The Black Throne</li></ul><h3>Chapter 6</h3><ul><li>Eden</li></ul><h2>Development</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294624" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.4833333333333" data-width="300" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 300px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:148.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1294624"><img alt="Joe Madureira, the creative director of Darksiders." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-width="300" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg 300w"><noscript><img alt="Joe Madureira, the creative director of Darksiders." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/7465/1294624-joe_madureira.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-width="300"></noscript></a><figcaption>Joe Madureira, the creative director of Darksiders.</figcaption></figure><p>The original concept for the game came from comic book creator Joe "Joe Mad" Madureira. The game went into development about five years before its release. After founding Vigil Games, the designers were very drawn to the concept of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Although the full development cycle didn't begin until two years later, many ideas and concepts came up during this two year period.</p><p>Most of the gameplay ideas that many consumers and critics said appeared to be taken from other games such as <a href="/god-of-war/3025-244/" data-ref-id="3025-244">God of War</a> and <a href="/the-legend-of-zelda/3025-9/" data-ref-id="3025-9">Zelda</a> were initially designed before the release of said games, according to development director of Vigil Games, <a href="/david-adams/3040-7052/" data-ref-id="3040-7052">David Adams</a>. Adams also stated that they did not have the specific intention to be similar to any other game, nor did they have any particular game that served as a source of inspiration. Instead, Vigil simply wanted to make a darker and more mature action adventure game.</p><p>According to post-release developer interviews, a significant amount of gameplay elements were removed before completion, mostly due to space or time constraints. These included items such as the Venom of Apollyon (described as "like a sticky grenade"), a dungeon based on light and dark themes, and an item which allowed the player to control undead armies. Another idea that was cut was Vigil's initial idea of a four-player co-op game, which they quickly found was "ridiculous."</p><p>Due to the cancellation of their own game, THQ contracted <a href="/silicon-knights-inc/3010-1004/" data-ref-id="3010-1004">Silicon Knights</a> to help Vigil out with asset creation during development of the game.</p><h2>Voice Talents</h2><ul><li>War - <a href="/liam-obrien/3040-97533/" data-ref-id="3040-97533">Liam O'Brien</a></li><li>The Watcher - <a href="/mark-hamill/3040-3248/" data-ref-id="3040-3248">Mark Hamil</a></li><li>Vulgrim - <a href="/phil-lamarr/3040-89594/" data-ref-id="3040-89594">Phil LaMarr</a></li><li>Samael - Vernon Wells</li><li>Azrael - <a href="/keith-szarabajka/3040-31078/" data-ref-id="3040-31078">Keith Szarabajka</a></li><li>Abaddon - <a href="/troy-baker/3040-93651/" data-ref-id="3040-93651">Troy Baker</a></li><li>Uriel - <a href="/moon-bloodgood/3040-15122/" data-ref-id="3040-15122">Moon Bloodgood</a></li><li>Tiamat - <a href="../../lani-minella/72-1961/" rel="nofollow">Lani Minella</a></li><li>Silitha - Lani Menella</li><li>Straga - <a href="/troy-baker/3040-93651/" data-ref-id="3040-93651">Troy Baker</a></li><li>Ulthane - <a href="/jb-blanc/3040-89365/" data-ref-id="3040-89365">JB Blanc</a></li><li>Charred Council - <a href="/fred-tatasciore/3040-63568/" data-ref-id="3040-63568">Fred Tatasciore</a></li><li>Tortured Gates - <a href="/troy-baker/3040-93651/" data-ref-id="3040-93651">Troy Baker</a></li></ul><h2>Warmastered Edition</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png" data-ref-id="1300-2873384" data-ratio="1.4227799227799" data-width="1554" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1554px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:142.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png" data-ref-id="1300-2873384"><img alt="Warmastered Edition key art" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px" data-width="449" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 1554w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 1349w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 674w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 449w"><noscript><img alt="Warmastered Edition key art" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 1554w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 1349w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 674w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/21/217562/2873384-dswme_key-artwork.png 449w" sizes="(max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px" data-width="449"></noscript></a><figcaption>Warmastered Edition key art</figcaption></figure><p>A remastered version of the game from Nordic Games for the subsequent console generation arrived at the end of 2016 on PS4, Xbox One, Wii U and PC specifically. Reformed German developer Kaiko handled the porting work, previously doing the same for <a href="/legend-of-kay-anniversary/3030-49000/" data-ref-id="3030-49000">Legend of Kay Anniversary</a>.</p><p>The "Warmastered Edition" features native 1080p resolution, double the texture resolutions, improved and reworked rendering, better shadow rendering quality, post-processing effects, 60fps "in moment to moment gameplay" (PS4, Xbox One, PC, 30fps for WiiU).</p><h2>Soundtrack</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1540016" data-size="small" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1540016"><img alt="Album Cover" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg 800w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg 640w"><noscript><img alt="Album Cover" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg 800w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/6/62890/1540016-darksiders_ost_cover.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Album Cover</figcaption></figure><p>The official soundtrack for <i>Darksiders</i> was made available for purchase on March 8, 2010. The music for the game was composed by <a href="/cris-velasco/3040-84757/" data-ref-id="3040-84757">Cris Velasco</a>, Mike Reagan, and Scott Morton. Velasco and Reagan previously helped compose the music for the first two <i>God of War</i> games. Unusually for a game score, the <i>Darksiders</i> soundtrack features a major spoiler, in the form of calling the final boss fight music "Battle with Abaddon", instead of "Battle with the Destroyer", something that irritated and annoyed most fans.</p><table><tbody><tr><th>Track No.</th><th>Song Title</th><th>Running Time</th></tr><tr><td>01</td><td><b>Darksiders Theme</b></td><td>03.51</td></tr><tr><td>02</td><td><b>Battle with Silitha</b></td><td>01.53</td></tr><tr><td>03</td><td><b>Strange Moment</b></td><td>01.05</td></tr><tr><td>04</td><td><b>Battle with Straga</b></td><td>02.00</td></tr><tr><td>05</td><td><b>Eden</b></td><td>02.03</td></tr><tr><td>06</td><td><b>Flight Path</b></td><td>02.36</td></tr><tr><td>07</td><td><b>Keeping Pace</b></td><td>02.21</td></tr><tr><td>08</td><td><b>Battle with Greaver</b></td><td>02.01</td></tr><tr><td>09</td><td><b>Epic Moment</b></td><td>01.40</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td><b>Empowered</b></td><td>03.32</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td><b>Nex Sacramentum</b></td><td>02.25</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td><b>Battle with Tiamat</b></td><td>02.04</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td><b>Chaos Eater</b></td><td>01.31</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td><b>Light Combat</b></td><td>01.41</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td><b>Flight Over Ruined Eden</b></td><td>01.49</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td><b>In Prophecy</b></td><td>01.30</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td><b>Prison Break</b></td><td>02.07</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td><b>Rescue Ruin</b></td><td>02.28</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td><b>Vulgrim</b></td><td>01.37</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td><b>Battle with Abaddon</b></td><td>03.33</td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td><b>War's Theme</b></td><td>01.24</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td><b>Uriel</b></td><td>01.17</td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td><b>End Credits</b></td><td>04.04</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>PC System Requirements</h2><table><tbody><tr><th>Minimum</th><th>Recommended</th></tr><tr><td><ul><li><b>Operating System:</b> Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, Windows 7</li></ul><ul><li><b>Processor:</b> AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3800 2.4Ghz, Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0Ghz Processor</li><li><b>RAM Memory:</b> 1 GB (Windows XP), 2 GB (Vista / Windows 7)</li><li><b>Graphics Card:</b> ATI Radeon X1900 or NVIDIA GeForce 8800/GeForce GT220 with 256MB of Video RAM</li><li><b>DirectX®:</b> DirectX 9.0c</li><li><b>Hard Drive:</b> 12GB free hard drive space</li><li><b>Sound Card:</b> DirectX 9.0C compatible sound card</li></ul></td><td><ul><li><b>Operating System:</b> Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, Windows 7</li><li><b>Processor:</b> AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Dual Core 2.60Ghz, Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Dual Core 2.13Ghz</li><li><b>RAM Memory:</b> 2 GB (Windows XP), 3 GB (Vista / Windows 7)</li><li><b>Graphics Card:</b> ATI Radeon HD 3870 or NVIDIA GeForce GTS 240 with 256MB of Video RAM</li><li><b>DirectX®:</b> DirectX 9.0c</li><li><b>Hard Drive:</b> 12GB free hard drive space</li><li><b>Sound Card:</b> DirectX 9.0C compatible sound card</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Hellbook Edition</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1421522" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.67811158798283" data-width="932" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 932px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:67.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1421522"><img alt="Darksiders: Hellbook Edition" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 932w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Darksiders: Hellbook Edition" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 932w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1048/1421522-036f910cde8b115ff3648e4bc64b9fed.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Darksiders: Hellbook Edition</figcaption></figure><p>Along with a regular release for the PC, THQ announced a ridiculously-named HellBook Edition containing a few extras.</p><ul><li>Artbook</li><li>Comic Book</li><li>Art Cards</li><li>Official Soundtrack</li></ul><h2>External Links</h2><ul><li>Official Website: <a href="http://www.darksiders.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.darksiders.com</a></li><li>Community Website: <a href="http://community.darksidersvideogame.com/" rel="nofollow">http://community.darksidersvideogame.com</a></li></ul>

<p> Disgaea 5's story focuses on the traveler Killia as he attracts various demon overlords in his fight in a war against Void Dark.  Changes from previous games include a new curry shop, which grants bonuses based on various ingredients the player adds together, and a new Chara World, which is now played much like a board game.</p>

Embers of Mirrim is an adventure platformer whose main character can split into light and dark versions that are independently controlled.

All Images, Creative Bytes, PAX South 2017 Booth, PAX South 2017

Eternal Ring is a first-person RPG developed by From Software and published by Agetec, released on the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

<h2>Overview<br /></h2><p>In Eternal Ring you play as Cain Morgan, a young soldier and magician who is able to combine and use magic rings to perform spells. Cain Morgan is sent to the "Island of No Return" by the King of Heingaria to track down a legendary artifact called the Eternal Ring and the research team sent to recover it.   <br /><br /></p><h2>Gameplay<br /></h2>The game is viewed in a first-person perspective. Playing as Cain, the player needs to traverse the island and the ruins underneath, solving puzzles and recovering rings. The rings are Cain's main source of combat power, as they allow him to use spells of varying elements and effects to defeat enemies and progress through areas.<br /><br /><h2>Characters</h2> <h3>Main Characters</h3> <p><b>Cain Morgan</b> - The protagonist of the story. He was found wandering on a battlefield by his adoptive father Gillian and was raised to become a soldier in the Heingarian army. His past is clouded in mystery.  <br /> <br /><b>The Research Team</b> - Most of the research team are alive when Cain first encounters them, though tragic events will eventually see all of them dead.  <br /> <br /><b>Lyla</b> - Another visitor to the island, and the last of the ancient people (the Solcians) who used to live there, Lyla is the deuteragonist of the game. She only occasionally helps Cain, regarding him with some suspicion as he is an enemy of her adoptive country.  <br /> <br /><b>Soulus the Immortal</b> - The Solcians' most important project, and their undoing, was the creation of the perfect, immortal human. Born without emotions, including compassion, Soulus in his larval form has been eternally sealed away inside the game' eponymous ring. <br /><br /></p> <h3>Monsters</h3> <p>  ·         Dragons</p> <p>  ·         Lizard Man</p> <p>  ·         Gargoyles</p>

Geneshift is a top-down shooter featuring vehicles, skill usage and weapons played in online multiplayer, online co-op and a singleplayer campaign.

<p> </p><h2>Overview</h2><p>Geneshift is a <a href="/top-down-perspective/3015-788/" data-ref-id="3015-788">top-down</a> shooter. It can played in <a href="/online/3015-559/" data-ref-id="3015-559">online multiplayer</a> and in a <a href="/campaign/3015-4011/" data-ref-id="3015-4011">campaign</a>, both singleplayer and <a href="/cooperative-play/3015-108/" data-ref-id="3015-108">online co-op</a>. There are 6 multiplayer game modes including <a href="/capture-the-flag/3015-25/" data-ref-id="3015-25">Capture the Flag</a>, Checkpoint Racing and <a href="/zombie/3015-79/" data-ref-id="3015-79">Zombie Survival</a>. The game features a skill system inspired by the <a href="/diablo/3025-148/" data-ref-id="3025-148">Diablo</a> series and <a href="/useable-vehicles/3015-2603/" data-ref-id="3015-2603">vehicles</a> similar to <a href="/grand-theft-auto-2/3030-10593/" data-ref-id="3030-10593">GTA2</a>. There are 24 weapons and 10 official maps on the multiplayer servers.</p><p>Geneshift launches on <a href="/pre-release-public-testing/3015-7541/" data-ref-id="3015-7541">Steam Early Access</a> on the 27th of April 2017. A demo can be downloaded from the official website. The demo provides limited access to the game, including only the first stage of the campaign and 1 of the 6 online game modes. However players of the demo have access to all skills, weapons, vehicles and chemicals in the game.</p><p> </p><h2>Campaign Story &amp; Gameplay</h2><p>The campaign tells the story of a <a href="/zombie/3015-79/" data-ref-id="3015-79">zombie outbreak</a>. The protagonist and the AI side-kick "Knickers" play as scientists who try to prevent the outbreak from spreading after their laboratory was attacked. The gameplay in the campaign involves fighting zombies as well as enemy AI guards - the so called "Rebels" who released the zombies. As players progress they <a href="/exploration/3015-767/" data-ref-id="3015-767">discover</a> <a href="/unlockables/3015-1414/" data-ref-id="3015-1414">unlocks</a> such as new <a href="/superpowers/3015-3757/" data-ref-id="3015-3757">skills</a>, <a href="/upgradeable-weapons/3015-133/" data-ref-id="3015-133">weapons</a> or <a href="/useable-vehicles/3015-2603/" data-ref-id="3015-2603">vehicles</a>. Once unlocked a player is able to purchase this weapon or unlock this skill for the rest of the campaign. These unlocks carry over into the hardcore and insane <a href="/difficulty-level/3015-183/" data-ref-id="3015-183">difficulty</a> play throughs as well.</p><p>The combat against enemy AI guards comes in two main flavors. The first is direct combat, where the AI fires back at you on sight and attacks with skills and weapons. The second is a <a href="/stealth/3015-24/" data-ref-id="3015-24">stealth</a> mechanic, where the AI can not see you unless you stand inside their <a href="/line-of-sight-stealth/3015-5689/" data-ref-id="3015-5689">line of sight</a>, thus alerting them. The various skills you unlock can be used to bypass these stealth guards, such as <a href="/invisibility/3015-317/" data-ref-id="3015-317">Invisibility</a> or <a href="/teleportation/3015-8/" data-ref-id="3015-8">Teleportation</a>.</p><p>The campaign also includes a <a href="/currency/3015-575/" data-ref-id="3015-575">cash system</a>, where extra cash is earned by killing guards in a <a href="/combo/3015-18/" data-ref-id="3015-18">combo</a>. This extra cash can be used to buy stronger weapons or vehicles, and is typically saved till the end of each stage to fight against the <a href="/bosses/3015-229/" data-ref-id="3015-229">final boss</a>.</p><p> </p><h2>Multiplayer Gameplay</h2><p>The gameplay in all Geneshift game modes revolves around 4 key areas: weapons, skills, vehicles and chemicals. Each <a href="/matches/3055-3019/" data-ref-id="3055-3019">round</a> typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The core gameplay loop involves killing enemies, this awards cash and <a href="/experience-points/3015-39/" data-ref-id="3015-39">experience</a>, and this is then used to buy weapons, vehicles and chemicals, or unlock skills. Some servers have a "permanent" option which allows experience and skills to carry across from one server to another. An option for <a href="/ranked-match/3015-4628/" data-ref-id="3015-4628">ranked servers</a> is also possible, awarding players ranks based on an ELO rating system. More details on the 4 key areas are as follows:</p><ul><li><b>Weapons:</b> There are 24 weapons in Geneshift, including <a href="/pistol/3055-59/" data-ref-id="3055-59">pistols</a>, <a href="/explosives/3055-91/" data-ref-id="3055-91">explosives</a>, <a href="/shotgun/3055-114/" data-ref-id="3055-114">shotguns</a> and <a href="/sniper-rifle/3055-67/" data-ref-id="3055-67">snipers</a>. Weapons are arranged in a 3x8 grid, where there are 8 weapon classes and 3 tiers per class. Each tier becomes more powerful, but more expensive to purchase. For example the rifle class starts with the <a href="/ak-47/3055-187/" data-ref-id="3055-187">AK47</a> selling for $1000, the <a href="/m4-carbine/3055-622/" data-ref-id="3055-622">M4A1</a> selling for $3000, and finally the Seek Rifle selling for $10,000. The $10,000 weapons are typically called "superweapons".</li><li><b>Vehicles:</b> There are 10 vehicles which also vary in price. Some vehicles come with special abilities, such as the Torpedo, which can detonate a <a href="/car-bomb/3055-1183/" data-ref-id="3055-1183">car bomb</a>, destroying the car and anything near it. Other vehicles allow allies to sit in passenger seats and fire weapons out the windows.</li><li><b>Chemicals:</b> There are 10 chemicals which also vary in price. Chemicals act in a similar way to <a href="/base-building/3015-1307/" data-ref-id="3015-1307">buildings</a> in an RTS game. They are placed permanently into the map, resulting in a circular area on the ground that provides long-term benefits. This is different to weapons or vehicles, which are typically destroyed or stolen if you die with them. An example of one chemical is the Sonar Cells, which will reveal any enemies who stand on-top of it. This Sonar Cells will last for the duration of the round. One important aspect of chemicals is that they are invisible to enemy players. So an enemy may be standing in your Sonar Cells and not know it. This results in a game of misinformation, where players must try deduce the location of enemy chemicals based on observing their behavior, but never actually see them to be sure. If you correctly guess where an enemy chemical is, you can use the Neutralizer chemical to try destroy it.</li><li><b>Skills:</b> There are 33 skills in the game split into <a href="/skill-tree/3015-382/" data-ref-id="3015-382">3 skill trees</a>, Physical, Mental and Cybernetic. The Physical tree features more <a href="/tank/3015-438/" data-ref-id="3015-438">tankish</a> skills and focuses on higher defense. The Mental tree is more like an <a href="/assassin/3015-1321/" data-ref-id="3015-1321">assassin</a> and focuses on agility. The Cybernetic tree is like a <a href="/spellcaster/3015-3518/" data-ref-id="3015-3518">mage</a> and focuses on raw damage output. Players earn <a href="/skill-points/3015-2220/" data-ref-id="3015-2220">skill points</a> as they kill enemies and gain experience. They are then free to invest these points however they please across all 33 skills. Skills in Geneshift also provide a benefit as well as a penalty. The penalty actively harms the caster in some way, and is there to balance against the benefit and provide a more fair competition between players of different skill levels. For example the Vampirism skill has a benefit of <a href="/life-drain/3015-589/" data-ref-id="3015-589">life steal</a>, but a penalty of reduced weapon damage.</li></ul>

From Torn Banner Studios, creators of Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, Mirage: Arcane Warfare is a magic and melee-focused multiplayer FPS. Expected to release in 2016

Plantera is a game about growing fruit bearing trees in a garden and collecting gold.

A sandbox-style RPG supporting up to 4 players in randomly generated 3D worlds with the goal of going through portals to progress to more difficult worlds and boss fights.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Portal Knights is an action-RPG developed by <a href="/keen-games/3010-1828/" data-ref-id="3010-1828">Keen Games</a> and published by <a href="/505-games/3010-277/" data-ref-id="3010-277">505 Games</a> for <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>, <a href="/xbox-one/3045-145/" data-ref-id="3045-145">Xbox One</a>, <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a>, and <a href="/nintendo-switch/3045-157/" data-ref-id="3045-157">Nintendo Switch</a>.</p><p>The game was first released on Steam Early Access on February 25th 2016.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>Portal Knights is a game based around mining, farming and combat to progress and upgrade the character. The game supports third-person and first-person combat and resource gathering. </p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC</h3><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">PC Minimum</th><th scope="col">PC Recommended</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>OS: 64bit Versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10</li><li>Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 8450 Triple-Core Processor (3 CPUs), ~2.1GHz or Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.0 GHz</li><li>Memory: 4 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 470 (1Gb VRAM) / ATI Radeon TM HD 6870 (1Gb VRAM)</li><li>DirectX: Version 11</li><li>Network: Broadband Internet connection</li><li>Storage: 2 GB available space</li><li>Sound Card: On Board</li></ul><p> </p></td><td><ul><li>OS: 64bit Versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10</li><li>Processor: AMD FX 8120 @ 3.1 GHz or Intel i3 2100 @ 3.10 GHz</li><li>Memory: 4 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 750ti, ATI Radeon™ HD 7850</li><li>DirectX: Version 11</li><li>Network: Broadband Internet connection</li><li>Storage: 2 GB available space</li><li>Sound Card: On Board</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><h2>External Links</h2><ul><li><a href="http://www.portalknights.com" rel="nofollow">Portal Knights Official Site</a></li></ul>

A Samurai Warriors spin-off based on the life of Yukimura Sanada.

Racing game with procedural tracks where the player takes on smuggling contracts in the world of Dirah.

<h2><strong>Overview</strong></h2><p>SmuggleCraft is a procedurally generated hovercraft racing RPG developed by Happy Badger Studio.</p><p>SmuggleCraft is no ordinary racing game. With an immersive narrative featuring multiple endings, combined with epic hovercraft driving mechanics, SmuggleCraft plays like no racing game ever before. Fulfill smuggling contracts to receive credits and parts to upgrade the fully customizable hovercraft and be the fastest Smuggler on Dirah. But spend wisely, as Smugglers must pay off a large debt to Garmuk before long, or else their space dust.</p><p>SmuggleCraft is currently in Pre-Alpha stage, and is expected to release in 2017 for PS4, Mac, PC and Linux. Local</p><h2><b>Gameplay</b></h2><p>Players take control of a hovercraft, to traverse the epic terrain of Dirah. Smugglers are faced with a large debt you owe to Garmuk. Pay him before long, or else face a fate most foul. To receive credits to pay off the debt, smugglers will fulfill contracts. These contracts can range anywhere from a simple delivery to a towing mission. Once a contract is selected, your mission begins and smugglers jump right into Hovercraft racing.</p><p>The tracks are procedurally generated, so no two races are alike. If the hovercraft's energy runs out or your ship gets destroyed before reaching the finish line, the mission results in failure. There are "boost" orbs throughout the tracks that give a boost the hovercraft and refill your energy. There are also various collectables along the track to increase the ships energy and shields. Environmental hazards and caltrops can be found on the tracks, and colliding with either will lower the hovercraft’s shields, which can lead to ship destruction.</p><p>Successfully completing a contract will award the smuggler with credits and/or ship parts. After a successful smuggle, some missions require a choice between betraying or fulfilling the contract. Doing so will result in a different set of rewards, and can have a lasting effect on the narrative.</p>

Spellspire is a mashup of a word game and a role-playing game. Spell words to blast fiends!

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time is the fourth game in the Star Ocean series. The game takes place 400 years after the third game, Star Ocean: Blue Sphere.

<h2>Setting and Story<br /></h2>Star Ocean: Till The End of Time is set in the far future, over four hundred years after the earlier games in the franchise. Earth is part of the Pangalactic Federation, a large government organization that spreads across many planets in the galaxy. Magic powers are granted to humans through the power of Symbology, which was called Heraldry in the previous games in the series. The Hero, Fayt Leingod, is on vacation with his parents and friend Sophia Esteed, when it is attacked by alien forces and he's forced to flee. He is separated from family and friends as he boards an escape pod and crashes on an underdeveloped planet. While there, he meets other offworld inhabitants, who search for him for reasons unknown, and he finds himself on an epic adventure that spans many planets and worlds.<br /><br /><h2>Gameplay<br /></h2>This game is a Japanese console role playing game with quite a few large differences from other games of its genre. It's largely action based with direct control over characters' movements and actions in battle, unlike popular genre series like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Both HP and MP are vital to characters' survival as well, as death can occur from lack of either of those commodities. Last of all, instead of the normal 99 or 100 levels that a  character can gain, Star Ocean characters can level up all the way to 255. <br /> <br />Characters can attack in quite a few different ways. They have basic attacks and skills, which come in strong and weak varieties. Weak attacks can be parried, whereas strong attacks break the opponent's guard. Skills are set in strong and weak slots, and also long and short range slots, which modify when you are able to use that skill in battle. Skills can also be set multiple tiems in multiple slots, however you have a limited amount of 'capacity points' with which to set skills. Skills can take HP and/or MP from the user, so players must be vigilant in order to avoid overusing them. There are also passive skills which can be learned through use of SP gained upon levelling up, and the passive skills range from increases maximum HP to increasing physical attack power. The game also contains a feature called 'cancel bonus', which increases the power of your attacks should you successfully link an attack to a battle skill or a battle skill to another battle skill. <br />   <br />Outside of battle, gameplay consists of exploration of various environments in order to find items and complete the map, which nets varying items as well, such as figurines which can increases or sometimes even decreases your running speed inside and outside of battle. Battles are not random; like many other games of its type, encounters are represented as onscreen enemies. The characters are in a typical sort of battle arena when they come into contact with the enemy, and that is where battles occur. The player can also obtain key items that affect the environment and open up new areas, such as the Disintegration Hammers. <br /> <br />The game also features a very in-depth synthesis system, allowing the user to combine different items to make new ones. There are multiple areas of synthesis such as Cooking, Alchemy, Engineering and Smithing, and the party members all have different strengths and weaknesses in these different areas of synthesis. The player can also recruit NPC's to perform synthesis for them, and station them in different synthesis workshops throughout the game world. These recrtuitable NPC's usually work against you on a sort of 'popularity leaderboard' which you either ascend or descend based on the quality of your synthesis, however recruiting them takes away their competition. In addition to this, any items made through synthesis can be added to shops for a price determined by the quality of te item, giving you the option of simply buying the item instead of synthesising it again. However, for it to be added to shops, you must first use the patenting system to patent it.<br /> <br /> <br />As of July 2006 Star Ocean: Till the End of Time has sold 630,000 in US and 533, 373 in Japan. <br /><h2>Characters<br /></h2><br /><u><b>Fayt Leingod:</b></u> A seemingly normal (aka lazy) college student from earth, he is sucked into a universe-spanning journey by what seems to be mere chance. Fayt fights in battle with a sword, and is the game's main character.<br /><br /><u><b>Sophia Esteed:</b></u> A childhood friend of Fayt's who accompanies him on his travels. She is considered a member of the family, and refers to Fayt's parents as "aunt" and "uncle". <br /><br /><h3> <u>Cliff Fittir</u>:  </h3>Although appearing brutish on the outside, Cliff is soon found to be smarter than he looks. Cliff meets Fayt not long into his travels and decides to go with him. Cliff uses his bare hands and feet in close combat.<br /><br /><u><b>Nel Zelpher:</b></u> An agent for the kindgom of Aquios, Nel is a specialist in infiltration and spying. She is put on a mission with the rest of the party, and decides to join them. <br /> <br /><h3><u>Maria Traydor:</u></h3> A mysterious blue haired girl who appears to have an interest in Fayt. She is the leader of an organization called Quark, and she wields a gun in battle, and also can use minor symbology.<br /><br />There are other, minor, playable characters in the game. You can choose several of them to join your party, closing off access to others.<br /><h2>Soundtrack</h2> <h3><br /></h3> <h3><i><b>VOLUME 1</b></i> </h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358510-cover_l.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-358510" data-size="large" style="width: 400px" data-ratio="1" data-width="400" data-embed-type="image"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358510-cover_l.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-358510"><img alt="Volume 1 of the Soundtrack" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358510-cover_l.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358510-cover_l.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" data-width="400"></a><figcaption>Volume 1 of the Soundtrack</figcaption></figure><h3>Disc One</h3>01 - The Dawn of Wisdom<br />02 - Into the Undiscovery Ocean<br />03 - Fly by Contact<br />04 - Starless Wavelets<br />05 - Imbalance<br />06 - Misted Moon<br />07 - Lakes and Marshes With Doubt<br />08 - Fallen Leaves - Flute Ver.<br />09 - Chrysanthemum in Winter<br />10 - The Desolate Smell of Earth<br />11 - Dreams<br />12 - Till the End of Time<br />13 - Sail Against the Wind<br />14 - Take off From Home<br />15 - Into a Storm not Memorized<br />16 - The Outbreak of War<br />17 - March for Glory<br />18 - Requiem for a Saint<br />19 - Stafflower in the Castle Town<br />20 - Collapse of Frailty<br />21 - Lively Step<br /><br /><br /><h3>Disc Two</h3>01 - Ice Crystal<br />02 - The Future of Blood-Stained Blade<br />03 - Calm Mind Reflected in the Pupil<br />04 - Reflected Moon<br />05 - Manifestation<br />06 - So Alone, Be Sorrow - Piano Ver.<br />07 - Imperial Garden<br />08 - So Alone, Be Sorrow<br />09 - Influence of Truth Appearance<br />10 - Brass Wings<br />11 - Like Squashing Grape<br />12 - Interval of Freezed Time<br />13 - Fallen Leaves<br />14 - Dark Flare<br />15 - Divine Indignation<br />16 - Despair Road<br />17 - Brilliant Future<br /><b>Bonus Track</b><br />18 - Brass Wings (Another Ver.)<br /><br /><h3><i><b>VOLUME 2</b></i> </h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358511-cover_li.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-358511" data-size="large" style="width: 400px" data-ratio="1" data-width="400" data-embed-type="image"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358511-cover_li.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-358511"><img alt="Volume 2 of the Soundtrack" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358511-cover_li.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5317/358511-cover_li.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" data-width="400"></a><figcaption>Volume 2 of the Soundtrack</figcaption></figure><h3>Disc 1<br /></h3>01 - Cutting Edge of Notion<br />02 - Victory Bell<br />03 - Expiration<br />04 - Malicious Fingers<br />05 - Fly Away in the Violet Sky<br />06 - Frightened Eyes<br />07 - The Divine Spirit of Language<br />08 - Pert Girl on the Sandy Beach<br />09 - Gaiety Company<br />10 - Evil Shade Crept<br />11 - Rust Color<br />12 - Bracing Forest Wind<br />13 - Let's Creation !!<br />14 - Bird's Eye View<br />15 - What's up?<br />16 - Adventurous Spirit<br />17 - I am the No.1!<br />18 - Around in the Wilderness<br />19 - Robe under Cover of Darkness<br />20 - So Alone, Be Sorrow - Rhythm Ver.<br />21 - Preemptive Attack<br />22 - Moon Base<br /><br /><br /><h3>Disc Two<br /></h3>01 - Twisted Base<br />02 - People Inside a Fence<br />03 - Air Harmony<br />04 - Bitter Dance<br />05 - Powerbroker<br />06 - The Virtual Image<br />07 - Mission to the Empty Space<br />08 - Do Evil<br />09 - Moody Goddess<br />10 - Highbrow<br />11 - Star Ocean Forever - Jazz Ver.<br />12 - Mission to the Deep Space<br />13 - The Incarnation of Devil<br />14 - Confidence in the Domination<br />15 - The True Nature of All<br /><b>Bonus Track</b><br />16 - Moody Goddess (Another Ver.)

StarCrawlers is an RPG similar to classic dungeon crawlers but in a futuristic, sci-fi setting.

All Images, Indie Megabooth, PAX Prime 2014, PAX Prime 2014 Booth

Fantasy SRPG Utawarerumono gets a sequel over a decade since the original's release.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Utawarerumono: Mask Of Deception is a <a href="/visual-novel/3015-2029/" data-ref-id="3015-2029">visual novel</a> RPG developed by <a href="/aquaplus/3010-5037/" data-ref-id="3010-5037">Aquaplus</a>, as well as <a href="/sting-entertainment/3010-1636/" data-ref-id="3010-1636">Sting Entertainment</a>, that was released in Japan simultaneously for the <a href="/playstation-3/3045-35/" data-ref-id="3045-35">PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a>, and <a href="/playstation-vita/3045-129/" data-ref-id="3045-129">PlayStation Vita </a>on September 24, 2015. The game is a sequel to the 2002 <a href="/eroge/3015-4955/" data-ref-id="3015-4955">eroge </a>title, <a href="/utawarerumono/3030-23670/" data-ref-id="3030-23670">Utawarerumono</a>, although Mask Of Deception does not feature any adult content. <a href="/atlus-usa-inc/3010-6490/" data-ref-id="3010-6490">Atlus USA</a> eventually localized the PlayStation 4 and Vita editions of Mask Of Deception on March 23, 2017 in the United States, marking the first time a game in the franchise had ever been officially released outside of Japan.</p><p>Before Mask Of Deception's release, Aquaplus announced plans to produce a third title in the franchise. The third Utawarerumono's scenario was written simultaneously with Mask Of Deception and the game was formally announced as <a href="/utawarerumono-futari-no-hakuoro/3030-51676/" data-ref-id="3030-51676">Utawarerumono: Mask Of Truth</a> during Aquaplus' 20th Anniversary event and was released in 2016.</p><h2>Adaptations</h2><p>Similar to the previous entry in the series, Utawarerumono: Mask Of Deception received a 25 episode anime adaptation in October of 2015 produced by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Fox" rel="nofollow">White Fox Ltd</a>, who created the game's opening animation as well. The anime was simulcasted in English on <a href="http://www.crunchyroll.com/utawarerumono-the-false-faces" rel="nofollow">Crunchyroll</a> under the name <em>Utawarerumono: The False Faces</em> and was later released on home video by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentai_Filmworks" rel="nofollow">Sentai Filmworks</a> in 2017</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Originally called Slasher Vol 1: Summer Camp, Friday the 13th: The Game is an asymmetrical multiplayer game. One player takes on the role of classic horror icon Jason Voorhees, while seven others play the role of camp counselors trying to survive and slay Jason.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Friday the 13th: The Game is an <a href="/asymmetric-gameplay/3015-7566/" data-ref-id="3015-7566">asymmetrical multiplayer</a> game featuring the slasher villain Jason Voorhees from the films of the same name. The gameplay style is 1v7 multiplayer, where one player takes on the role of <a href="/jason-voorhees/3005-1266/" data-ref-id="3005-1266">Jason Voorhees</a> as he stalks down seven camp counselors to slaughter. Meanwhile, the seven camp counselors will be tasked with trying to survive in <a href="/camp-crystal-lake/3035-759/" data-ref-id="3035-759">Camp Crystal Lake</a>, while also attempting to slay the slasher.</p><p>Originally, the game was announced as Slasher Vol 1: Summer Camp. Its original premise was that players would choose to either take on the role of six to eight teenage counselors on the site of Camp Forest Green or a stalking killer roaming through the woods. The objective as the counselors was to survive the night, while the killer's objective is to commit bloody murder against the counselors. The focus of the game was on multiplayer, and the "map" for Camp Forest Green is set up in an arena style.</p><p>Slasher Vol 1: Summer Camp was announced in October 2014. Kane Hodder, the original actor of Jason Voorhees, was announced as being involved with the project in February 2015. The rebranding of Slasher Vol 1 to Friday the 13th: The game was announced in October 2015.</p><p>The game will utilize <a href="/unreal-engine-4/3015-2551/" data-ref-id="3015-2551">Unreal Engine 4</a> for its development.</p><h2>Development</h2><h3>"Countdown"</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.png" data-ref-id="1300-2786726" style="width: 1195px" data-ratio="0.41589958158996" data-width="1195" data-embed-type="image"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:41.6%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.png" data-ref-id="1300-2786726"><img alt="The countdown teaser image." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.png 1195w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/1/19306/2786726-summercampcountdown.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>The countdown teaser image.</figcaption></figure><p>On September 19th, the <a href="http://summercampgame.com/" rel="nofollow">official Summer Camp website</a> was updated with a countdown timer, and an announcement was also made on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/summercampgame" rel="nofollow">official Facebook page</a>. The image on the page features a VCR with a countdown timer (originally starting at 24 days), as well as a VHS cassette being loaded into the VCR that read "Summer Camp" on the label.</p><h3>Rebranding and Kickstarter Launch</h3><p>On October 12th, 2015, <a href="/gun-media/3010-8755/" data-ref-id="3010-8755">Gun Media</a> announced that they would be rebranding Slasher Vol 1: Summer Camp to become Friday the 13th: The Game, an officially-licensed adaptation of the film franchise starring Jason Voorhees. The game would still retain its asymmetrical multiplayer mode, where one player takes on the role of Voorhees and seven others take on the roles of teenage campers being chased down by him.</p><p>Alongside the announcement, a Kickstarter funding campaign was launched, looking to raise $700,000 to make the game. Stretch goals include a single player campaign and the return of Tommy Jarvis (the main protagonist from three of the Friday the 13th movies).</p><p>Kane Hodder, the actor best known for portraying Jason Voorhees, will be returning to perform motion capture for the character in the game. Alongside him, Sean S. Cunningham (director of the first Friday the 13th) will serve as a consultant on the game, and horror legend Tom Savini will serve as executive producer as well as designing the kills that Jason will perform in the game.</p>

A first-person shooter that is attempting to blur the line between single player and multiplayer, developed by The Farm 51.

<h2>Development</h2><p>The graphics are being designed with an experimental piece of technology called Thorskan, created by Polish company <em>Better Reality</em>, that can scan real environments and recreate them in 3D.</p><p>The game's story involving the perception of reality was heavily inspired by films such as <em>The Matrix</em> and <em>The Butterfly Effect</em>. The personal stories within the <a href="/silent-hill/3025-356/" data-ref-id="3025-356">Silent Hill </a>franchise--specifically the first two releases--was also stated to be an inspiration.</p>

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Revelator continues off of <a href="/guilty-gear-xrd-sign/3030-42679/" data-ref-id="3030-42679">Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-</a> with new characters and adjustments to previous characters and mechanics. All characters from SIGN return in Revelator.</p><p>A special demo version of Revelator was made available to those who pre-ordered the game through PlayStation 4 PSN for the Japanese, North American, and European regions. The demo includes an arcade story, local versus, and training modes. Kum and Raven were offered as free DLC unlocks for the first week of release for all versions.</p><h4>Rev 2</h4><p><strong>Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2</strong> is an update to -Revelator-. Unlike -SIGN-, Rev 2 is a <a href="/downloadable-content/3015-329/" data-ref-id="3015-329">downloadable content</a> pack with a separate release optionally for those who do not already own Revelator</p><h3> </h3><h2>Characters</h2><ul><li><a href="/sol-badguy/3005-1071/" data-ref-id="3005-1071">Sol Badguy</a></li><li><a href="/ky-kiske/3005-1965/" data-ref-id="3005-1965">Ky Kiske</a></li><li><a href="/elphelt-valentine/3005-32719/" data-ref-id="3005-32719">Elphelt Valentine</a></li><li><a href="/ramlethal-valentine/3005-29128/" data-ref-id="3005-29128">Ramlethal Valentine</a></li><li><a href="/sin-kiske/3005-4187/" data-ref-id="3005-4187">Sin Kiske</a></li><li><a href="/leo-whitefang/3005-32720/" data-ref-id="3005-32720">Leo Whitefang</a></li><li><a href="/may/3005-3466/" data-ref-id="3005-3466">May</a></li><li><a href="/chipp-zanuff/3005-3465/" data-ref-id="3005-3465">Chipp Zanuff</a></li><li><a href="/millia-rage/3005-2070/" data-ref-id="3005-2070">Millia Rage</a></li><li><a href="/zato-1eddie/3005-3345/" data-ref-id="3005-3345">Zato-1</a></li><li><a href="/potemkin/3005-3467/" data-ref-id="3005-3467">Potemkin</a></li><li><a href="/i-no/3005-1818/" data-ref-id="3005-1818">I-No</a></li><li><a href="/slayer/3005-3344/" data-ref-id="3005-3344">Slayer</a></li><li><a href="/venom/3005-1478/" data-ref-id="3005-1478">Venom</a></li><li><a href="/axl-low/3005-3362/" data-ref-id="3005-3362">Axl Low</a></li><li><a href="/faust/3005-1791/" data-ref-id="3005-1791">Faust</a></li><li><a href="/bedman/3005-28317/" data-ref-id="3005-28317">Bedman</a></li></ul><h4>New to Revelator</h4><ul><li><a href="/dizzy/3005-2653/" data-ref-id="3005-2653">Dizzy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/johnny/3005-2054/" data-ref-id="3005-2054">Johnny</a></li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/jack-o/3005-32071/" data-ref-id="3005-32071">Jack-O'</a></li><li><a href="/jam-kuradoberi/3005-1480/" data-ref-id="3005-1480">Jam</a></li><li><a href="/kum-haehyun/3005-33519/" data-ref-id="3005-33519">Kum Haehyun</a></li><li><a href="/raven/3005-32941/" data-ref-id="3005-32941">Raven</a></li></ul><h4>New to Rev. 2</h4><ul><li><a href="/answer/3005-34250/" data-ref-id="3005-34250">Answer</a></li><li><a href="/baiken/3005-2522/" data-ref-id="3005-2522">Baiken</a></li></ul>

<p>Rime is a cel-shaded open world adventure game that allows the player to explore an ancient civilization. After originally partnering with Sony to release the game, Tequila reacquired the rights to Rime in March 2016, continuing to work on the game on their own.</p>

Street Fighter II comes to the Switch with new modes and characters.

<p><strong>Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers</strong> is the first <a href="/street-fighter/3025-331/" data-ref-id="3025-331">Street Fighter</a> game (excluding <a href="/virtual-console/3015-2925/" data-ref-id="3015-2925">Virtual Console</a> releases) to hit a <a href="/nintendo/3010-90/" data-ref-id="3010-90">Nintendo</a> home console since <a href="/street-fighter-alpha-2/3030-19134/" data-ref-id="3030-19134">Street Fighter Alpha 2</a> on the <a href="/super-nintendo-entertainment-system/3045-9/" data-ref-id="3045-9">Super NES</a>. The marketing for the game heavily relies on Street Fighter returning to Nintendo, and the <a href="/street-fighter-ii/3025-1795/" data-ref-id="3025-1795">Street Fighter II</a> series' ubiquitousness on the Super NES.</p><p>Ultra Street Fighter II is built upon <a href="/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix/3030-20616/" data-ref-id="3030-20616">Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix</a>, but differs from the previous installment in several ways. The most noticeable addition is two "new" characters - the first added to Street Fighter II since <a href="/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo/3030-1251/" data-ref-id="3030-1251">Super Turbo</a> - in <a href="/ryu/3005-103/" data-ref-id="3005-103">Evil Ryu</a>, who debuted in Street Fighter Alpha 2, and <a href="/ken-masters/3005-212/" data-ref-id="3005-212">Violent Ken</a>, who has only ever been previously playable in <a href="/svc-chaos-snk-vs-capcom/3030-8521/" data-ref-id="3030-8521">SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom</a>.</p><p>Ultra Street Fighter II also includes "Way of the Hado", a first-person mode where players use the Joy-Con halves to throw <a href="/hadouken/3015-668/" data-ref-id="3015-668">Hadouken</a> at <a href="/shadaloo/3015-2812/" data-ref-id="3015-2812">Shadaloo</a> soldiers as Ryu.</p>

Block Zombies! is a voxel based dual-stick zombie shooter for the XBLI.

<p>Block Zombies! combines dual-stick shooting zombie killing with charming voxel based visuals. Game is relative simple. It has minimal story and two simple objectives. These being: destroying a mysterious crystals and killing Alpha Zombies. New crystal's are showed in games minimap. These can be destroyed by draining them when standing close-by. This being a dual-stick shooter there are plenty of enemies. IE. zombies. Each of these crystal are naturally guarded by flock of zombies that need to be killed or avoided to get closer access to the crystal. After destroying a crystal three large Alpha zombies must be killed that appear near-by. These also guarded with even more zombies. Environment between the objectives is filled with zombies that will chase the player similarly to <a data-ref-id="3030-8720" href="/dead-rising/3030-8720/">Dead Rising</a> games. After completing both objectives a new crystal and new set of alpha zombies appear. Opposition zombies naturally getting tougher and faster as the game goes on. If players life bar is completely emptied the action will resume from the last checkpoint which are created from previous crystal locations.</p><p>Small RPG element with items, ammunition and weapon upgrades can be collected from the dead zombies. All weapons except for pistol has perishable ammo.</p><p>Block Zombies! is available for <a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Block-Zombies/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258550a59" rel="nofollow">80MS points</a> from the Xbox Live Marketplace.</p>

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Kung Fury: Street Rage is a two-button beat 'em up style action game developed and published by <a href="/hello-there-ab/3010-11099/" data-ref-id="3010-11099">Hello There AB</a> for <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>, <a href="/mac/3045-17/" data-ref-id="3045-17">Mac</a>, <a href="/iphone/3045-96/" data-ref-id="3045-96">iPhone</a>, <a href="/ipad/3045-121/" data-ref-id="3045-121">iPad</a>, <a href="/android/3045-123/" data-ref-id="3045-123">Android</a>, and <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a>.</p><p>The game is based on the short film <em>Kung Fury</em>.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>In Kung Fury: Street Rage there are only two buttons used; a right attack and a left attack. Enemies will come towards the player from one of these directions and the correct attack button must be pressed while they are in range. If the enemy is out of range the player will miss and be open to an attack.</p><p>There are also boss stages in the game which will let the player move left and right using the attack buttons rather than just being used for attacks.</p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC Minimum</h3><ul><li>Operating System: Windows 8 (32/64-bit)/Windows 7/Vista/XP</li><li>Processor: 1.7 GHz Processor or better</li><li>Memory: 1 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Direct X 9c compatible video card with minimum 512 MB RAM</li><li>DirectX: Version 9.0</li><li>Storage: 100 MB available space</li></ul><h3>Mac Minimum</h3><ul><li>Operating System: Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or newer</li><li>Processor: 1.7 GHz Processor or better</li><li>Memory: 1 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Direct X 9c compatible video card with minimum 512 MB RAM</li></ul>

A third person action adventure game with an Ico-esque friendship mechanic between the titular girl and robot.

Bakumatsu Rouman Tokubetsu Ben: Gekka no Kenshi - Tsuki ni Saku Hana, Chiri Yuku Hana

SNK's spiritual successor to their Samurai Shodown series, taking place during mid-19th century Japan.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2209885" data-ratio="1.2632241813602" data-width="794" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 794px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:126.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2209885"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg 794w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg 759w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/14/146021/2209885-last_blade_3.jpg 506w" sizes="(max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px" data-width="506"></a></figure><p>The Last Blade (known in Japan as <em>Bakumatsu Rouman: Gekka no Kenshi</em>, loosely translated to "Bakumatsu Romance: Swordsman of the Moon Luster", and known in Korea as <em>The Last Soldier</em>) is a 2D historical-fantasy weapon-based fighting game developed and released by <a href="/snk/3010-616/" data-ref-id="3010-616">SNK</a> for <a href="/arcade/3045-84/" data-ref-id="3045-84">arcades</a> (running Neo Geo MVS hardware) on December 5, 1997.</p><p>Set in mid-19th century <a href="/japan/3035-37/" data-ref-id="3035-37">Japan</a>, The Last Blade chronicles the tale of <a href="/kaede/3005-6150/" data-ref-id="3005-6150">Kaede</a>, an avid swordsman seeking to avenge the death of his master by his foster brother <a href="/moriya-minakata/3005-6149/" data-ref-id="3005-6149">Moriya</a>, only to find out that a gate between the human world and <a href="/hell/3035-24/" data-ref-id="3035-24">the demon world</a> has risen.</p><p>The game borrows many elements from the mid-'90s entries of SNK's other historical-fantasy fighting game series <a href="/samurai-shodown/3025-8/" data-ref-id="3025-8">Samurai Shodown</a>, including a control scheme accustomed to weaponry and multiple gameplay styles (one for rapid combos and one for heavier strikes). It would receive a sequel a year later, titled <a href="/the-last-blade-2/3030-7564/" data-ref-id="3030-7564">The Last Blade 2</a>.</p><p>The game was later released for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/neo-geo/3045-25/" data-ref-id="3045-25">Neo Geo AES</a> on January 29, 1998 and was ported to both the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/neo-geo-cd/3045-59/" data-ref-id="3045-59">Neo Geo CD</a> on March 26, 1998 and <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">Sony PlayStation</a> on February 25, 1999 (exclusive to Japan). The original game was digitally re-released by <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/d4-enterprise-inc/3010-1808/" data-ref-id="3010-1808">D4</a> for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/wii/3045-36/" data-ref-id="3045-36">Wii</a> (via <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/virtual-console/3015-2925/" data-ref-id="3015-2925">Virtual Console</a>) on June 7, 2012, and by SNK Playmore (ported by <a href="/dotemu/3010-7701/" data-ref-id="3010-7701">DotEmu</a>) for the <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a> (via <a href="/steam/3015-718/" data-ref-id="3015-718">Steam</a>) on August 31, 2016. It was included in some <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/humble-bundle/3015-6612/" data-ref-id="3015-6612">Humble NEO GEO Bundles</a> starting in late 2015 for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>, <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/mac/3045-17/" data-ref-id="3045-17">Mac</a>, and <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/linux/3045-152/" data-ref-id="3045-152">Linux</a> (both downloadable, with <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/emulation/3015-1587/" data-ref-id="3015-1587">ROMs</a> included, and on modern <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/browser/3045-140/" data-ref-id="3045-140">browsers</a>). The game was also included alongside its sequel in the 2006 Japan-exclusive <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/bakumatsu-roman-gekka-no-kenshi-12/3030-17655/" data-ref-id="3030-17655">Bakumatsu Rouman: Gekka no Kenshi 1+2</a> compilation for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/playstation-2/3045-19/" data-ref-id="3045-19">PlayStation 2</a>.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>The game is a typical 2D fighting game with characters from the Edo period. Unlike many fighting games, you use weapons as your attacks. Each character is outfitted with their own type of weapon or fighting style. The characters must battle there way through each fighter and then confront a final boss and are awarded their own personal ending.</p><p>The game consists of two fighting modes, Speed mode which allows players to chain several attacks that will build up your meter for a desperation attack or build a speed combo. Power mode allosw you to attack harder but the build up for your special takes longer. However, if you are able to fill the bar you can perform a desperation attack that does a great amount of damage to your opponents</p><p>The button layout is weakest attack (A), stronger attack (B), kick (C), and deflect (D). Using the D button, players can interrupt otherwise damaging attacks by stunning their opponents, leaving them open for an attack. You may also perform "cancel" moves into your desperation moves.</p><h2>Characters</h2><ul><li><a href="/kaede/3005-6150/" data-ref-id="3005-6150">Kaede</a></li><li><a href="/moriya-minakata/3005-6149/" data-ref-id="3005-6149">Moriya Minakata</a></li><li><a href="/yuki/3005-5096/" data-ref-id="3005-5096">Yuki</a></li><li><a href="/amano/3005-5261/" data-ref-id="3005-5261">Hyo Amano</a></li><li><a href="/juzoh-kanzaki/3005-5104/" data-ref-id="3005-5104">Juzoh Kanzaki</a></li><li><a href="/akari-ichijou/3005-5105/" data-ref-id="3005-5105">Akari Ichijou</a> (has a hidden <a href="/ponta-akari/3005-34798/" data-ref-id="3005-34798">Tanooki doppelganger</a> in the PS1 version)</li><li><a href="/okina-genbu/3005-23317/" data-ref-id="3005-23317">Genbu no Okina</a></li><li><a href="/shigen/3005-5262/" data-ref-id="3005-5262">Shigen Naoe</a> (has a hidden Puppet doppelganger in the PS1 version)</li><li><a href="/lee-rekka/3005-23316/" data-ref-id="3005-23316">Lee Rekka</a></li><li><a href="/zantetsu/3005-5264/" data-ref-id="3005-5264">Zantetsu</a></li><li><a href="/keiichiro-washizuka/3005-3894/" data-ref-id="3005-3894">Keiichiro Washizuka</a></li><li><a href="/shikyoh/3005-19812/" data-ref-id="3005-19812">Shikyoh</a></li><li>Musashi Akatsuki (sub-boss, only playable with cheat codes)</li><li><a href="/shinnosuke-kagami/3005-23318/" data-ref-id="3005-23318">Shinnosuke Kagami</a> (final boss, only playable with cheat codes)</li><li><a href="/kojiroh-sanada/3005-23319/" data-ref-id="3005-23319">Kojiroh Sanada</a> (hidden character exclusive to the PS1 version)</li></ul><p> </p>

Take the fight to evil Russian robots using a rocket-powered self-adapting battlesuit in this innovative third-person shooter from Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Announced via a trailer on Spike TV's GameTrailers TV, Vanquish was developed by <a href="/platinumgames/3010-6319/" data-ref-id="3010-6319">PlatinumGames</a>. <a href="/shinji-mikami/3040-32999/" data-ref-id="3040-32999">Shinji Mikami</a>, creator of <a href="/resident-evil/3025-397/" data-ref-id="3025-397">Resident Evil</a> and <a href="/god-hand/3030-5888/" data-ref-id="3030-5888">God Hand</a>, directed the game, while <a href="/atsushi-inaba/3040-40595/" data-ref-id="3040-40595">Atsushi Inaba</a> worked on production. The game was released on October 19 in North America, October 21 in Japan and October 22 in Europe for <a href="/xbox-360/3045-20/" data-ref-id="3045-20">Xbox 360</a> and <a href="/playstation-3/3045-35/" data-ref-id="3045-35">PlayStation 3</a>. A demo was released on Xbox Live and Playstation Network early in September.</p><p>The game was unveiled at Tokyo Game Show. It does not feature any co-operative or competitive multiplayer modes.</p><p>The game was innovative in several ways, much like <a href="/resident-evil-4/3030-1578/" data-ref-id="3030-1578">Resident Evil 4</a> before it. It improved upon the <a title="Cover system" href="/cover-system/3015-55/" data-ref-id="3015-55">cover system</a>, where in contrast to previous cover-based shooters, the cover in Vanquish is easily <a title="Destructible environment" href="/destructible-cover/3015-112/" data-ref-id="3015-112">destructible</a>. The game also penalizes the player's ranking for the number of times they have taken cover, though its most important innovation is the <a href="/knee-sliding/3015-5921/" data-ref-id="3015-5921">power-slide </a>mechanic that allows the player to slide into and out of cover at high speeds, or in <a title="Bullet time" href="/bullet-time/3015-78/" data-ref-id="3015-78">bullet time</a>.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>The gameplay in Vanquish resembles closely that of Gears of War 2 from a mechanical standpoint. Where it differs is that it runs at a much faster pace, everything players can do in Gears they can do in Vanquish, but at about 100 times the speed. The <a href="/augmented-reaction-suit/3055-3952/" data-ref-id="3055-3952">Augmented Reaction Suit</a> (ARS) offers three main abilities to aid players in taking down enemies, these are as follows:</p><ul><li><b>Power Slide:</b> Use the ARS energy to <a href="/knee-sliding/3015-5921/" data-ref-id="3015-5921">slide</a> at rocket speeds while shooting enemies, using melee during this move will execute a deadly melee attack that kills most enemies in one hit and significantly damages those it doesn’t.</li><li><b>Melee Attacks</b>: Depending on what weapon have equipped, Sam will do different melee attacks. If players successfully land a melee attack of any kind, it will completely drain their ARS energy and overheat the suit.</li><li><b>AR Mode</b>: Augmented Reality is Vanquish’s way of saying slow motion. When using slow, the suit's energy will drain, if drained completely while using AR mode, the suit will overheat.</li></ul><h3>Weapons</h3><p>Sam carries the Battlefield Logic ADaptable Electronic (BLADE) Weapons System that is capable of duplicating any weapon found on the battlefield. Players can hold three weapons at any time in Vanquish along with the two grenade types, explosive and EMP. Grenades instantly detonate when thrown while power sliding. Every weapon can be upgraded, by collecting an upgrade chip that will instantly upgrade whatever weapon is currently equipped. The other way to upgrade weapons is to collect weapons players have when they have full ammo for them, this method is the only way to upgrade grenades. Below is a list of the weapons found in the game.</p><ul><li>Assault Rifle: A great all round weapon, the accuracy over long distances makes an ideal weapon for all situations and the high magazine capacity makes it very useful for boss enemies that require a body part to be damaged first as it allows ammo in more powerful weapons to be saved.</li><li>Heavy Machine Gun: Has a slower rate of fire than the standard assault rifle but is far stronger bullet-for-bullet. It loses a significant amount of accuracy over long range, it is extremely effective against bosses when used in AR mode as the player can deal huge damage very quickly.</li><li>Shotgun: Absolutely devastating at close range and stuns Romanovs, allowing the player to easily move around the back and attack the weak point. A great trick when using a machine gun in AR mode is to swap quickly to the shotgun to deal massive damage then quickly swap back to the machine gun to cancel the pump of the shotgun.</li><li>LFE gun: A single shot weapon the deals massive damage if used correctly, the centre of the energy ball needs to connect with an enemy in order for it to be most effective. The LFE gun can also knock Romanovs off their feet and send them backwards to create distance between them and the player.</li><li>Lock on Laser: This weapon has a delay in order to lock on to a target, once locked it will fire 4 shots at once which can target four separate enemies or be used to deal more damage to a single target which makes it a great choice for enemies with a lot of health.</li><li>Sniper Rifle: This only really serves its intended purpose, it must be reloaded every after shot but each bullet is very powerful. A headshot can take out grunt enemies instantly and it is especially useful for taking down turret using enemies.</li><li>Rocket Launcher: A single shot weapon that can lock on to a target and the rocket will track it. The lock on and reload speed will be significantly improved once the weapon is upgraded. It can be used to deal huge damage to bosses although it is very useful against groups of dangerous enemies.</li><li>Disk Launcher: This weapon is extremely effective against Romanovs as it can dismember their head and arms with a single shot. Its melee attack is also devastating and can expose the unknown boss’s weak point instantly.</li><li>Grenade: Are very effective against groups of enemies, they can also be triggered manually if the player shoots them. Triggering AR mode then shooting the grenade can make better use of its blast radius.</li><li>EMP: Will disable enemies momentarily, allowing the player to deal massive damage to a single foe. EMPs will instantly kill the flying enemies if thrown while they are airborne, they are also extremely useful against the bogey's.</li></ul><h3>Tri Weapon Pack</h3><p>For pre-ordering the game players gained access to an exclusive pack of three weapons which were later made available for download for 160 Microsoft Points. The three weapons are:</p><ul><li>Boost Machine Gun: A perfect blend of the heavy machine guns firepower and the assault rifles accuracy, this is compensated by a much smaller clip. It only has 15 shots until forcing players to reload.</li><li>Anti - Armour Pistol: This pistol has the power of the shotgun and the accuracy of the sniper rifle. One shot will cripple most grunt enemies if not kill them and the rounds will stun larger enemies such as the Romanovs.</li><li>Laser Cannon: An extremely powerful energy based weapon, requires a small delay until the beam is fired. This weapon is fueld by the ARS energy, so using it too much at once will overheat the suit, but it essentially has infinite ammo as long the ARS has energy.</li><li>All of these weapons are upgradable in the same manner as the standard weapons, the Laser Cannon's charge and suit drain replace the standard ammo upgrades that other weapons have.</li></ul><h2>Story</h2><p>Vanquish is set on far-future Earth where its populations has reached critical levels, creating a shortage of resources and real estate. To solve this problem, United States of America has launched SC-01 Providence, a self-sustaining space station that harnesses solar energy and is capable of supporting millions of people inside a fully functional eco-system. Meanwhile, <a href="/victor-zaitsev/3005-15960/" data-ref-id="3005-15960">Victor Zaitsev</a> of the Order of the Russian Star leads a coup in Russia. His first act as their new leader is to promptly declare war on USA by capturing Providence and turning its solar generators into a giant death ray. He destroys San Francisco with the warning shot, threatening to destroy New York next unless the USA surrenders unconditionally.</p><p>America responds by sending <a href="/sam-gideon/3005-15661/" data-ref-id="3005-15661">Sam Gideon</a>, a DARPA agent and the game's protagonist with a battalion of US marines, led by <a href="/robert-burns/3005-15663/" data-ref-id="3005-15663">Robert Burns</a>, to take back the station and stop Victor. Sam is also entrusted with a secret mission to rescue the scientist responsible for the space-station, <a href="/francois-candide/3005-15962/" data-ref-id="3005-15962">Dr. Francois Candide</a> and help him disable the death ray before it could be used again. The storyline is treated with a playful tone, often satirizing the events of other popular sci-fi shooters and delving into cliches from an ironic point of view.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>Vanquish was the result of the poorly received game called <a href="/god-hand/3030-5888/" data-ref-id="3030-5888">God Hand</a> that was created by the now defunct <a href="/clover-studio/3010-3345/" data-ref-id="3010-3345">Clover Studio</a>. Although it was considered to be a cult classic by many, God Hand did not sell well and Mikami believed that it was because he had too much creative freedom. As a result, he decided to make a game that will appeal to a wider audience by making a mainstream action game. This attempt at broader appeal is partially evident in the fact that <a href="http://platinumgames.com/2010/10/25/narrative-design-in-vanquish/" rel="nofollow">English is the lead language on Vanquish</a>, even though the developers fully acknowledge the fact that many of their fans have "a preset bias towards the Japanese language track for whatever reason."</p><p>The game is confirmed by Mikami to be a <a href="http://s1.zetaboards.com/The_Board_2/topic/3694998/1/" rel="nofollow">spiritual successor</a> to <a href="/pn03/3030-16637/" data-ref-id="3030-16637">P.N.03</a>, a stylish sci-fi action game that received lukewarm reviews. Mikami said the reason P.N.03 was considered inferior was because of time constraints from Capcom and he couldn't design the gunplay the way he originally intended to. He added by saying that one of the reasons he loves partnering with <a href="/sega/3010-62/" data-ref-id="3010-62">Sega</a> (publisher of Vanquish) is due to to the freedom the Sega gives him. The result of Platinum's departure from Capcom and relationship with Sega can be seen in Vanquish. The graphics of Vanquish were partially inspired by the Casshern animated television series.</p><p>Game development started in 2007, and the game was released on October 19th, 2010.</p><h3>Demo</h3><p>A playable demo was released for Vanquish on August 31st in North America and September 2nd in Japan and Europe for both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. The demo puts the player in the shoes of Sam Gideon and his suit as the American troops battle Russian forces in Act 1, Scene 3 of the full game, and ends with a boss battle against a large, transforming, prototype mech called the Argus.</p><h2>Reception</h2><p>Vanquish was widely acclaimed by critics, with many reviewers praising the game's visuals, gameplay, innovation, fast pace, and over-the-top style, though some also criticized its short length, lack of multiplayer, mediocre plot, and corny dialogue.</p><p>Vanquish has received <a title="Game of the Year" href="http://gaming.wikia.com/wiki/Game_of_the_Year" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Game of the Year</a> awards from the Classic Game Room, Zavvi, and <i>TGN Times</i>. <i>X360</i> gave it the "Best Shooter" award, and GamesRadar gave it an award for Most "Oh Shit" Moments Per Minute. IGN gave it the "Best Sci-Fi Game" award. GameSpot gave the game the awards for "Best Game No One Played" and "Best Original Game Mechanic" for its <a href="/knee-sliding/3015-5921/" data-ref-id="3015-5921">rocket-sliding</a> game mechanic, which acts as both a defensive escape and an offensive setup, opening up new gameplay possibilities for action games.</p><p>The game has set a new trend, with its influence seen in recent shooter games that have incorporated similar sliding-boost mechanics. Some of the games that appear to have incorporated similar mechanics include <a href="/first-person-perspective/3015-330/" data-ref-id="3015-330">first-person</a> shooters such as <a title="Bulletstorm" href="/bulletstorm/3030-30088/" data-ref-id="3030-30088">Bulletstorm</a>, <a title="Crysis 2" href="/crysis-2/3030-26754/" data-ref-id="3030-26754">Crysis 2</a>, <a title="Killzone 3" href="/killzone-3/3030-30431/" data-ref-id="3030-30431">Killzone 3</a>, and <a href="/titanfall/3030-42860/" data-ref-id="3030-42860">Titanfall</a>, and third-person shooters such as <a href="/gunslinger-stratos/3025-2891/" data-ref-id="3025-2891">Gunslinger Stratos</a> and Sega's own <a title="Binary Domain" href="/binary-domain/3030-33304/" data-ref-id="3030-33304">Binary Domain</a>.</p><p> </p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC</h3><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">PC Minimum</th><th scope="col">PC Recommended</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 (8.1)/ 10</li><li>Processor: Intel Core i3 (2.9 GHz) or AMD equivalent</li><li>Memory: 4 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Dx9 compliant video card with 1 GB VRAM (Nvidia GeForce 460 or AMD Radeon 5670)</li><li>DirectX: Version 9.0c</li><li>Storage: 20 GB available space</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Operating System: Windows 7 / 8 (8.1)/ 10</li><li>Processor: Intel Core i5 (3.4 GHz) or AMD equivalent</li><li>Memory: 8 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Dx11 compliant video card with 2 GB RAM (Nvidia GeForce 660 Ti or AMD Radeon R9 270)</li><li>DirectX: Version 9.0c</li><li>Storage: 20 GB available space</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

ADK's signature fighting game series returns with new historical warriors, new gameplay techniques, and a revamped Death Match mode.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2924839-wh2.png" data-ref-id="1300-2924839" data-ratio="1.0132325141777" data-width="529" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 529px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:101.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2924839-wh2.png" data-ref-id="1300-2924839"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2924839-wh2.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/87790/2924839-wh2.png 529w" sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" data-width="631"></a></figure><p>World Heroes 2 is a 2D fighting game developed and released by <a href="/alpha-denshi-co-ltd/3010-1807/" data-ref-id="3010-1807">ADK</a> for <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/arcade/3045-84/" data-ref-id="3045-84">arcades</a> (running Neo Geo MVS hardware) on April 26, 1993.</p><p>The direct sequel to <a href="/world-heroes/3030-18554/" data-ref-id="3030-18554">World Heroes</a>, World Heroes 2 adds six new playable fighters (along with one new final boss) and an overhauled "Death Match" mode (changing the dual <a href="/health/3015-130/" data-ref-id="3015-130">lifebar</a> system to one large tug-of-war meter and adding a KO-recovery system similar to wrestling games). Other gameplay additions including <a href="/taunting/3015-498/" data-ref-id="3015-498">taunts</a>, throw reversals, and the ability to reflect projectiles. Much of the game assets, including the backgrounds, were later used in <a href="/world-heroes-2-jet/3030-16064/" data-ref-id="3030-16064">World Heroes 2 Jet</a>.</p><p>Along with a release for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/neo-geo/3045-25/" data-ref-id="3045-25">Neo Geo AES</a> (on June 4, 1993), the game was ported to the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/turbografx-cd/3045-53/" data-ref-id="3045-53">PC Engine CD-ROM²</a> (requiring the Arcade Card add-on) on June 1994 exclusively in Japan by <a href="/hudson-entertainment-inc/3010-419/" data-ref-id="3010-419">Hudson Soft</a>. It was also ported by <a href="/saurus-co-ltd/3010-5066/" data-ref-id="3010-5066">Saurus</a> to the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/super-nintendo-entertainment-system/3045-9/" data-ref-id="3045-9">Super Nintendo Entertainment System</a> on July 1994 in Japan and on September 1994 in North America (published by <a href="/takara-co-ltd/3010-110/" data-ref-id="3010-110">TAKARA</a>). It was also ported to the <a href="/neo-geo-cd/3045-59/" data-ref-id="3045-59">Neo Geo CD</a> (complete with an <a href="/redbook-audio/3015-6487/" data-ref-id="3015-6487">arranged soundtrack</a>) on April 14, 1995 exclusively in Japan. The original game was digitally re-released by <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/d4-enterprise-inc/3010-1808/" data-ref-id="3010-1808">D4</a> for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/wii/3045-36/" data-ref-id="3045-36">Wii</a> (via <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/virtual-console/3015-2925/" data-ref-id="3015-2925">Virtual Console</a>) on January 10, 2013 and was also included in the 2008 <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/world-heroes-anthology/3030-10218/" data-ref-id="3030-10218"> World Heroes Anthology</a> compilation for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/playstation-2/3045-19/" data-ref-id="3045-19"> PlayStation 2</a>.</p><h2>Characters</h2><h4>New Additions</h4><ul><li><a href="/captain-kidd/3005-6056/" data-ref-id="3005-6056"> Captain Kidd</a> (based on the 17th-18th century <a href="/pirates/3015-445/" data-ref-id="3015-445">pirate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kidd" rel="nofollow">William Kidd</a>)</li><li><a href="/erick/3005-6054/" data-ref-id="3005-6054"> Erick</a> (<a href="/norway/3035-1075/" data-ref-id="3035-1075">Norway</a>, based on 10th-11th century <a href="/viking/3015-1543/" data-ref-id="3015-1543">viking</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_the_Red" rel="nofollow">Erik the Red</a>)</li><li><a href="/shura/3005-6055/" data-ref-id="3005-6055">Shura</a> (<a href="/thailand/3035-30/" data-ref-id="3035-30">Thailand</a>, based on 18th century folk hero <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai#Nai_Khanomtom" rel="nofollow">Nai Khanomtom</a>)</li><li><a href="/ryoko-izumo/3005-6052/" data-ref-id="3005-6052">Ryoko Izumo</a> (<a href="/japan/3035-37/" data-ref-id="3035-37">Japan</a>, based on modern-day judoka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryoko_Tani" rel="nofollow">Ryoko Tamura</a>)</li><li><a href="/mudman/3005-5607/" data-ref-id="3005-5607">Mudman</a> (Pacific Island, based on primitive spirit warriors and not an individual figure)</li><li><a href="/johnny-maximum/3005-6053/" data-ref-id="3005-6053"> Johnny Maximum</a> (<a href="/the-united-states-of-america/3035-396/" data-ref-id="3035-396">U.S.A.</a>, based on modern-day <a href="/football-player/3015-3566/" data-ref-id="3015-3566">American-football quarterbacks</a> and not an individual figure)</li><li><a href="/neo-dio/3005-2172/" data-ref-id="3005-2172">Dio</a> (based on the protagonist of the manga series <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baoh" rel="nofollow">Baoh</a>, final boss, only playable in the SNES version with a cheat code)</li></ul><h4>Returning Characters</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/hanzo/3005-265/" data-ref-id="3005-265"> Hanzo</a> (Japan)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/fuuma/3005-283/" data-ref-id="3005-283"> Fuuma</a> (Japan)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/kim-dragon/3005-6043/" data-ref-id="3005-6043"> Kim Dragon</a> (<a href="/south-korea/3035-2410/" data-ref-id="3035-2410">Korea</a>)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/julius-carn/3005-6047/" data-ref-id="3005-6047">Julius Carn</a> (Mongolia)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/rasputin/3005-6049/" data-ref-id="3005-6049">Rasputin</a> (<a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/russia/3035-38/" data-ref-id="3035-38">Russia</a>)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/janne-darc/3005-6046/" data-ref-id="3005-6046"> Janne D'Arc</a> (<a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/france/3035-197/" data-ref-id="3035-197">France</a>)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/brocken/3005-6044/" data-ref-id="3005-6044">Brocken</a> (<a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/germany/3035-281/" data-ref-id="3035-281">Germany</a>)</li><li><a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/muscle-power/3005-6048/" data-ref-id="3005-6048"> Muscle Power</a> (U.S.A.)</li><li><a href="/geegus/3005-6045/" data-ref-id="3005-6045"> Neo Geegus</a> (sub-boss who <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/shape-shifting/3015-570/" data-ref-id="3015-570">shapeshifts</a> into one of the six new playable fighters at random, only playable in the SNES version with a cheat code)</li></ul>