Destiny 2: Shadowkeep Xbox One review — Is this expansion worth buying?

Equally you all know, Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter from Bungie. Despite receiving mediocre reviews, the original Destiny went on to get one of the best-selling titles on Xbox and PlayStation. Destiny ii, on the other manus, hasn't achieved that level of success despite beingness noticeably better.

Recently, Bungie carve up from Activision and decided to shape the game's future without an influential publisher's backing. Since and then, nosotros've seen a lot of features similar cross-save and a costless-to-play version roll out. However, Destiny 2'south latest expansion, Shadowkeep, is by far its greatest departure. While it may not be that stiff on a storytelling front, the tweaks to the way players level up have the greatest bear on.

Save the solar system

Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

$35

Lesser line: Destiny two: Shadowkeep elevates the gameplay, just falters on a storytelling front.

Pros:

Easy to level up
Stunning new environment
Lots of new activities

Cons:

Convoluted story
Short immediate entrada
Abrupt catastrophe

Destiny 2: Shadowkeep setting and story

Shadowkeep takes players to the Moon where they have to contend with a new threat. Eris Morn is dorsum and is equally ambiguous as ever. The plot is quite convoluted because it's hard to follow what'southward going on at any given time. This is somewhat of a surprise because you tin can easily play through all the Shadowkeep missions in a few hours. Surely, there'southward a better way to tell a story.

Towards the end, the plot somewhat comes together, but the expansion abruptly ends without providing a satisfying conclusion. In gild to experience it all, y'all'll probably accept to keep on playing each flavor. While I can appreciate the fact that Bungie wants an evolving narrative, which was communicated prior to launch, Shadowkeep starts at $35. The developer should've given fans a lengthy campaign with a proper determination.

Destiny ii: Shadowkeep major changes

If you're playing the complimentary-to-play version of Destiny 2, you'll have a hard time leveling up to Power Level 960. However, if you purchase Shadowkeep, you'll be granted a Seasonal Vex Artifact called the Gate Lord's Centre. Just by playing the game, you earn experience towards upgrading the Gate Lord's Center, which increases your Power Level without the need for meliorate gear.

However, due to the fact that you lot're a higher Power Level, even the most basic drops will be above the 900 soft cap. This means that yous tin can get stronger just by playing the activities you like. This is by far the best addition Shadowkeep brings to Destiny ii. At that place's no reason to grind tedious activities – like the Crucible for example – simply to learn better standard gear.

Shadowkeep more often than not features the same Moon map as the first Destiny. All the same, the addition of the Cherry Keep provides a stunning dissimilarity to the grey landscapes. This might exist some of Bungie'south best work in my opinion, because it pops in native 4K resolution on Xbox One X. Hopefully, the team volition follow this design philosophy for the adjacent expansion or inevitable sequel.

Destiny 2: Shadowkeep new activities

If you dearest challenging experiences, you'll find ii new tasks to sink your teeth into with Shadowkeep. While the new Raid is a daunting mission that requires several hours with a close-knit squad, the Vex Offensive is a unique take on a traditional Horde style. I absolutely dearest Gears of War 5 – and have played its iteration at great length – but the Vex Offensive is much more fun. The fact that y'all accept six players working together gives information technology even more meaning. Hopefully, Bungie will add more big-calibration modes like this in the hereafter.

Related: Tips and tricks to help you conquer Destiny 2'southward Vex Offensive mode

Aside from hunting down Nightmares on the Moon, I think the Vex Offensive is by far the most rewarding activity that Shadowkeep brings to the table. So far, I've establish all of my Exotic Engrams from playing it once again and once again. While many may consider information technology a bit repetitive, the generous boodle drops keep you lot coming back for more.

Destiny two: Shadowkeep terminal thoughts

Overall, Shadowkeep is a adept expansion, and if y'all don't really care about the narrative, you're going to have a lot of fun leveling up the Gate Lord's Eye or futurity Seasonal Artifacts. I absolutely dear playing Destiny 2, and the add-on of Seasonal Artifacts has me hooked. Unfortunately, if you were hoping for a story as strong as the tale of revenge the base game began with, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Shadowkeep and characters like Eris Morn and Ikora Rey take themselves also seriously. The jovial tone that elevated Destiny two – with hilarious individuals similar Asher and Failsafe – is missing from the latest expansion. Luckily, the cliffhanger ending somewhat redeems the experience because I want to unravel the truth behind the Vex. It's a shame I'll probably have to look close to a year for the payoff.

A new affiliate

Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

Nightmares are coming

With the release of the Shadowkeep expansion, Destiny 2 starts a make new chapter separate from Activision. This edition has a year's worth of content, too.

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The expansion was reviewed on an Xbox One X with a copy provided by the developer.

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