Final Chapter of the Light and Darkness Saga: Destiny’s Evolution
“You were always my favourite. Never forget that…”
After nearly a decade in the making, the final chapter of the Light and Darkness saga is finally here, marking the end of the divisive Destiny franchise. Following a challenging year for Destiny 2, the decision to delay The Final Shape expansion until mid-2024 proved to be a wise move. The extra time allowed Bungie to refine the expansion, building on the success of the Into the Light update that bridged the gap during the delay. Despite a rough start and the longest season on record, The Final Shape has been met with praise from players, leaving them eager for more content and wondering about the future of the franchise. I delved into the PS5 version of the game, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining if it’s worth the £41.99 price tag on the UK PSN Store.
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS FOR THE FINAL SHAPE, PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
When the Destiny Beta launched on PlayStation 4 in July 2014, I was immediately captivated by the game’s world and atmosphere. The beta introduced me to a universe filled with mystery and secrets waiting to be discovered. Despite some narrative shortcomings in the final game, Bungie’s environmental storytelling and the allure of uncovering a larger narrative kept me invested in the franchise. The multiplayer aspect of Destiny also stood out, offering an MMO-like experience with a looter-shooter core that set it apart from other online games. One of my most cherished memories from the original Destiny was completing the Vault of Glass raid for the first time, forging connections with players worldwide and facing challenges that solidified my love for the franchise, even through its ups and downs over the years.
Destiny 2: A Journey of Ups and Downs
Destiny 2 had a mixed reception at launch, with many fans preferring the state of Destiny 1 at its conclusion. However, subsequent expansions like Forsaken, Shadowkeep, and Beyond Light were well-received, with The Witch Queen standing out as a highlight for many players. Following a lackluster year with the Lightfall expansion, expectations were high for The Final Shape to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga and reignite player engagement. Thankfully, Bungie’s efforts paid off, resulting in an expansion that rivals the best in the franchise.
Don’t break my heart, my achy, pale heart: The Final Shape takes our Guardian inside the heart of the Traveller to face down the Witness, after arguably one long year of staring at the prismatic triangle.
The Final Shape immerses players in a narrative that revisits key story elements from the past 10 years, culminating in a showdown with the Witness, a being seeking to reshape the universe for its version of “Salvation.” The campaign explores the Pale Heart destination, offering a more linear and personal experience as players uncover secrets about the Traveller, the Darkness, and the Witness. Memorable moments include the reunion with Cayde-6 and a deeper look into Zavala’s tragic backstory, adding emotional depth to the characters and the overall narrative.
Unforgettable Endings and Epic Battles
Guardian Excision-hands: The final activity of the campaign: Excision, is the Destiny 2 equivalent of the Battle for Helm’s Deep, acting as the perfect conclusion to the Light and Darkness Saga.
The Final Shape features challenging gameplay with new elements like the prismatic subclass, transcendence skill, and updated UI enhancements that enhance the overall combat experience. The addition of the pathfinder system offers a new way to earn rewards and engage with the Pale Heart destination. Bungie’s attention to detail and dedication to refining the game shine through in The Final Shape, leaving players satisfied with a thrilling conclusion to the main story arc of Destiny’s flagship franchise.
A PlayStation 5 review code was provided by Premier Comms.