After a decade—TEN YEARS—of anticipation, we finally witness the conclusion of the epic Light and Dark saga in Destiny 2. From facing Fallen Captains with inflated egos to confronting beings akin to gods, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. If I had a nickel for every deity I’ve vanquished alongside five fellow Guardians, I’d have 11 nickels—perhaps not a fortune, but a testament to the scale of our battles.
Destiny 2, released in 2017, serves as the sequel to the beloved Destiny series that debuted in 2014. Developed by Bungie, the masterminds behind Marathon and the iconic Halo series, the game has forged a deep connection with a dedicated community that has stood by them through thick and thin. With ten years and 14 expansions bridging the gap between the two games, we finally arrive at the culmination of the Light and Dark saga—and let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.
While Bungie is celebrated for crafting immersive worlds that captivate players, they have faced challenges along the way. Following the tumultuous events of Lightfall, the team poured their hearts into creating The Final Shape as a spectacular grand finale. This dedication led to a four-month delay in Destiny 2 The Final Shape‘s release, sparking some initial discontent among fans. However, all concerns were swiftly quelled when Bungie teased the introduction of the Prismatic sub-class, sending waves of excitement rippling through the community, myself included.
What makes a Guardian, a Guardian?
In Destiny 2, players, collectively known as Guardians, embody the defenders of humanity and the universe. Guardians come in three primary races: Human, Exo, and Awoken, each aligning with one of the three distinctive classes: Warlocks, Titans, or Hunters. Together, Guardians unite to safeguard not only the inhabitants of the Last City but also the entire Sol system from imminent threats.
The current looming danger posed by the enigmatic Witness, offering what they claim to be “Salvation,” has galvanized Guardians to stand firm in defence. Since the inception of our journey, we have relentlessly battled against the encroaching darkness, ensuring it remains at bay from humanity. Now, as the threat looms ominously closer, we find ourselves standing at the brink, ready to confront this ultimate challenge and bring an end to the peril that threatens our existence.
Into the Pale Heart
The narrative unfolds precisely where Season of the Wish left off, with the Vanguard comprising Ikora, the Warlock Vanguard, and Zavala, the Titan Vanguard, venturing into the enigmatic Pale Heart, trailed by the Guardian. As the Guardian navigates through a perilous path, evading debris and making daring leaps from their ship to ensure survival, they begin to explore their surroundings. Upon encountering familiar adversaries, they ultimately breach the inner sanctum of the Traveler within the Pale Heart.
Inside this ethereal realm, they encounter reservoirs of Prismatic energy—a fusion of light and dark energy that holds immense power. By attuning to this unique energy, the Guardian unlocks a newfound strength, opening up a realm of possibilities in their ongoing battle against the Witness and their army of altered beings. Subsequently, a chance reunion transpires as the Guardian unexpectedly crosses paths with an old comrade thought lost during the events of Forsaken five years prior—Cayde-06.
Both Cayde-06 and the Guardian are taken aback by their reunion, prompting questions about the plausibility of this encounter. As the Ghost urges for a private conversation, Cayde proceeds to investigate the situation further, leaving the Guardian to ponder the mysteries surrounding their reunion and the unfolding events tied to the enigmatic Witness and their nefarious followers.
Sounds like a Plan
Bungie truly excelled in almost every aspect with this expansion. The captivating musical score, in particular, served as the emotional backbone of Destiny 2 The Final Shape, moving me to tears on three separate occasions. Navigating through the intricate depths of the Pale Heart was a journey fueled by the compelling narrative and the spine-chilling musical compositions that accompanied it. Michael Salvatori’s genius shines through in every note, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to consistently produce masterpieces that resonate deeply with players.
Additionally, the attention to detail in the sound effects, especially for exotic weapons and formidable enemies, added another layer of immersion to the gameplay experience. The intricacies of the Dread’s cryptic utterances hint at hidden depths waiting to be unraveled, with whispers that evoke ancient languages like Latin, adding a mysterious allure to the unfolding events. The presence of Tormentors hurling Spanish insults such as “Puta” only adds to the enigmatic ambiance, leaving players intrigued and immersed in the rich world crafted by Bungie.
Moreover, the casting of Keith David as Zavala was a stroke of brilliance, as he seamlessly stepped into the shoes of the beloved character following the departure of Lance Riddick. David’s portrayal, reminiscent of his iconic role as the President in “Rick and Morty,” brought a unique charm and gravitas to Zavala, endearing him to players in a new light.
As you delve deeper into the campaign, you’ll find yourself echoing my sentiments and appreciating the nuances and depth of the characters and world that make this expansion a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, saying “Yes, Mr.President!” kind of became a habit.
Play Hard and Look Good Doing It!
When I first stepped into the Pale Heart, I was struck by the breathtaking beauty of a world untouched by destruction. Walking through the remnants of the old tower stirred up a flood of emotions, evoking memories of days long past that I longed to relive. The new expansion-themed weapons showcase incredibly creative designs that perfectly capture the essence of a “Deck of Cards” aesthetic.
The juxtaposition of inverted colors on either side of the weapons and the intriguing upside-down look on the left side of the gun is so compelling that it makes me want to own a physical deck featuring these captivating designs.
The cinematic sequences in Destiny 2 The Final Shape are a true marvel, seamlessly blending 3D animation with intricate drawings on parchment to narrate the unfolding story. The introduction of Cayde within these cutscenes masterfully employs both styles to provide players with a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to his appearance in the Pale Heart.
The implementation of Prismatic activation stands out as a highlight of creativity and ingenuity. The simple yet effective use of a pink aura to signify activation by others is a clever touch, while the unique activation gestures assigned to each class add a layer of enjoyment and personalization to the gameplay experience. However, one aspect that garnered both praise and criticism upon the expansion’s release was the expansive map of the Pale Heart.
Navigating this vast landscape to return to the Lost City often entails a cumbersome journey to the left side of the screen to reach the Landing Zone.
It is hoped that future updates may offer a more user-friendly option, such as a streamlined list of Landing Zone names, to facilitate easier and more efficient travel within the expansive map of the Pale Heart.
Perhaps You Should Throw More Grenades?
With the introduction of a new expansion, players are treated to a plethora of fresh mechanics, game modes, and enticing features that keep us eagerly returning for more adventures. The Final Shape expansion brought a significant upgrade to the user interface (UI) and its presentation, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. During the Campaign on Legend difficulty with friends, a notable improvement was the visibility of our health bars alongside our Guardian rank numbers.
This subtle yet effective addition allows for quick assessment of our health status, indicated by a red line filling a circle within a white border when our health is regenerating, a detail that pleasantly surprised me and elicited an audible reaction of realization.
Furthermore, the repositioning of both buff and debuff notifications proved to be a thoughtful adjustment, with debuff notifications now conveniently located under our health bar. This strategic placement aids in promptly identifying any negative effects affecting our Guardian and their duration, proving invaluable during intense encounters like the Salvation’s Edge raid and dungeon runs where managing debuffs is crucial for survival and success.
The Prismatic sub-class emerges as a standout feature, offering a compelling blend of light and dark utilities, relics, and artifacts that introduce exciting new build possibilities. However, unlocking these components requires dedication and effort, as players must engage with specific energy types in their super, grenades, and weapons to recharge their Prismatic energy effectively. This dynamic gameplay mechanic encourages strategic thinking and loadout optimization to maximize the potential of this empowering new ability.
Additionally, the introduction of Overthrows as engaging activities for solo players or fireteams adds a refreshing dimension to gameplay, providing opportunities for cooperative challenges and rewarding experiences. The exclusion of other guardians during exploration in the Pale Heart, except those in your fireteam, ensures a more immersive and focused journey through this unique environment, free from interference that might disrupt individual bounties or quests.
Whether unraveling puzzles, participating in public events, or embarking on new adventures, the thrill of discovery and accomplishment remains a constant source of excitement and satisfaction in the evolving world of Destiny 2.
Worry Not, Guardian! Now, Fight Again!
There are numerous aspects that keep me engaged in replaying the captivating narrative of Destiny 2 time and time again. Beyond the grind for resources, the thrill of hunting down various lore books, and embarking on exotic quests in pursuit of coveted god rolls, the opportunity to delve into diverse strikes, dungeons, and raids with the new subclass adds a fresh layer of excitement to the gameplay experience.
The ability to execute daring saves and maneuvers, not only due to the versatile Prismatic energy but also thanks to the enhanced subclasses available to all Guardians, amplifies the adrenaline-pumping moments within Destiny 2 The Final Shape.
Personally adopting the monikers Ra, Helios, or Amaterasu while wielding the new Warlock solar subclass evoked a sense of invincibility and confidence whenever unleashing its formidable power. The introduction of the Echoes episodes, which recently debuted in its inaugural week, reintroduces one of my beloved characters after a seven-year absence, reigniting nostalgia and anticipation for the unfolding storylines.
The return of Failsafe to the forefront of the narrative shrouded in mystery and intrigue, injects a familiar energy reminiscent of our initial encounter with her. I eagerly await to see how Bungie further integrates her character into the evolving narrative, hoping for more compelling story arcs and engaging interactions that showcase her unique personality and role within the Destiny universe.
Destiny 2 The Final Shape
This expansion not only provided me with a sense of closure for a game I’ve dedicated 10 years to, but it also served as a poignant reminder of the incredible journey I’ve embarked on—and one that I would eagerly embark on again. Bungie’s journey through various expansions has seen its share of highs and lows, yet the remarkable resurgence showcased in Lightfall and the subsequent surpassing of all prior expansions exemplify the sheer dedication, passion, and commitment poured into this latest endeavour.
Throughout the campaign, I experienced a range of emotions—from laughter to smiles and tears—indicative of the profound impact of the storytelling and gameplay elements. This emotional depth resonated so strongly with me that I willingly replayed the campaign four additional times to assist friends in achieving their campaign legend completions. While some plot developments may have been anticipated, the execution of these events never failed to evoke genuine emotions and maintain the emotional intensity of the narrative.
Moreover, the community at large benefited significantly from this expansion, with Salvation’s Edge boasting the longest completion time for a day-one achievement, surpassing the record set by Last Wish by a considerable margin. This remarkable feat underscores the collective engagement and dedication of players within the Destiny 2 community.
Looking ahead, I am hopeful that Destiny 2 Frontiers and any forthcoming projects within this franchise will continue to build upon the foundation laid by the Final Shape expansion, captivating players like myself for another decade to come. The enduring legacy of Destiny 2 and the promise of future adventures hold the potential to captivate and inspire fans for years to come.
Grātiās vōbīs agimus
Destiny 2 The Final Shape | Launch Trailer
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Written by Ruddy Celestial
