Darksiders III

There’s something here. Underneath the muddled layout of architecture and a combat system that’s ultimately lacking, there is something here. Fiddling about with Hollows for a puzzle solution can be okay, and analysing an enemy’s patterns before raging on them isn’t half bad in a duel-like setting. But then you die, cheaply, and, if only for a brief moment, understand true fury.

If you're able to put those narrative shortcomings aside, there's a fair bit to like about Darksiders III. When compared to some of the most critically and commercially acclaimed video games of all time, it seems to fall well short, but perhaps that bar was never in reach. Judged on its own merits, Darksiders III combines interesting combat, clever map design, and engaging progression, though you may have to look past a lot of bland environments and go in with expectations in check in order to fully appreciate it.

I enjoyed my time with the game and want to give it a higher score based on that alone, but it simply has too many issues right now to warrant it. Even so, anyone who likes 3D Metroidvania games should absolutely get the game, as it is very good. It’s just that it could easily be a lot better with some more polish to the combat, camera, difficulty, and bugs.