Destiny: The Dark Below

 PlayStation 4
User Score
3.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 281 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 281
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 281
  3. Negative: 195 out of 281

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  1. notaworry
    Dec 9, 2014
    8
    Too short but overall a good time. I bought it along with the next DLC so it was a little cheaper. I think that once I complete the raid it will be well worth the extra bucks.
  2. JoJomonkey
    Dec 9, 2014
    8
    Of course you know that metacritic user reviews are awful for blockbuster games. There is no way that this is a zero or a 2. It's not great, but I am enjoying it despite lack of new content.
  3. samburnstein
    Dec 9, 2014
    8
    The first expansion for Destiny, The Dark Below, proves that Bungie is still committed to the Destiny experience even after launch. If you have even mildly enjoyed Destiny, and you have a char. @ level 28-30, then this expansion is a must.
  4. ChazeMan
    Dec 10, 2014
    8
    This "expansion" isn't a typical MMO Expansion, but then again, Destiny isn't really an MMO. It's a shooter, and as a shooter, this is a pretty substantial package. It's not the best DLC ever, but it is pretty solid. The raid and crucible maps are obviously the biggest attraction here. 20 bucks is a bit pricey, I'd say this is worth 15 at most. I happened to buy the $100 version of theThis "expansion" isn't a typical MMO Expansion, but then again, Destiny isn't really an MMO. It's a shooter, and as a shooter, this is a pretty substantial package. It's not the best DLC ever, but it is pretty solid. The raid and crucible maps are obviously the biggest attraction here. 20 bucks is a bit pricey, I'd say this is worth 15 at most. I happened to buy the $100 version of the game so I got it for $15.00.… Expand
  5. MikeMenkes
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    Most of the bad reviews are critiques of the original game. This is meant to be high level new content. Played at a level corresponding to your own, 28-30, each story is challenging and is best played with co-op. The quest missions continue past the story with mini-modes and sub-bosses. The Hive strike is really good. The new weapon upgrades are welcome and frequent. They did notMost of the bad reviews are critiques of the original game. This is meant to be high level new content. Played at a level corresponding to your own, 28-30, each story is challenging and is best played with co-op. The quest missions continue past the story with mini-modes and sub-bosses. The Hive strike is really good. The new weapon upgrades are welcome and frequent. They did not change the model of the game. Now a new narrator tells a story while you play the missions. There is a lot to do when you add the bounties and quests and the new gear to upgrade. Its consistent with the original game''s quality, which is 9/10 for gameplay and 5/10 for story. Since the story isn't what you replay over and over, this is a solid 8.5/10… Expand
  6. reVangez
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    Great new visuals, a good atmosphere, a better synchronisation than before.
    I also love the new tactics and bounty system. I have a lot of fun with it :)
    And also a very nice raid.

    The only negativ point i have is the price. It not reflect the content of the dlc! It dont have cost more than 10$.
  7. cXeGG
    Dec 18, 2014
    8
    So, here's the deal: You probably already know by now whether or not you're a fan of Destiny, and this expansion is highly unlikely to change your mind either way. If the pitifully told stories, non-existant characterizations, and lather-rinse-repeat gameplay of the main game have turned you off, well, this is more of that, in abundance. If, however, you've come to accept Destiny for allSo, here's the deal: You probably already know by now whether or not you're a fan of Destiny, and this expansion is highly unlikely to change your mind either way. If the pitifully told stories, non-existant characterizations, and lather-rinse-repeat gameplay of the main game have turned you off, well, this is more of that, in abundance. If, however, you've come to accept Destiny for all its quirks, and enjoy the minute-to-minute action, then hey, there's also more of that, in abundance.

    Though three(ish) story missions, one strike (two if you're a PS4 user), one (excellent) raid, and three Crucible maps, doesn't sound like much compared to the $20 price tag, keep in mind that these aren't meant to be one-and-done experiences. In my opinion, all of the single-player content is well worth replaying several times, especially at the higher difficulty levels, which can dramatically change the experience. The two strikes, in particular, are arguably superior to the base game's selection, with the battle against Omnigul serving as a highlight, taking place in a masterfully designed arena that smartly combines close quarters mayhem with a wide open upper area only a double jump away. The crucible maps are uniformly well-designed and contribute well to the available formats. The raid is . . . well, I've not beaten it, but I think it's safe to say it's a suitable follow-up to the Vault of Glass.

    If that were all that came with the $20 investment, the reaction would understably be "ehh." However, this is Destiny, and Destiny is nothing if not perfection through repetition. Through the introduction of Eris, the new quest giver in the Tower, we are finally given some genuine variety with our typical bounties. Yes, they're more of the same "Go here, kill this many murdocks," but now there are specifics added to the proceedings. Now we are expected to slaughter Acolytes with a Void-powered weapon, or punch cursed thralls into explodey oblivion. This doesn't seem like much, but when you've played through the entire game using only your hand cannon, trying out a fusion rifle can feel revolutionary. It turns out that making small tweaks to your existing gameplay loop can have a large impact on staving off monotony.

    So, to my earlier point: Will this expansion change your mind on Destiny? Not at all. The existing flaws and inconveniences are all the louder now, and the glorious highs are even glorious-er. All I know, at the end, is that the most important question for me is easy:

    Is it fun? Yes. Most certainly, yes it is.    … Expand
  8. Asentha
    Apr 5, 2015
    8
    Between being a father and a husband and being in the Navy this review is more on Destiny as a whole more then The Dark Below.

    I have been able to play this game for a solid two months and have had nothing but enjoyment the whole time. The game offers a lot to do when you first start to get into, a lot of action, great story if you actually care of pay attention to it, the force of    Between being a father and a husband and being in the Navy this review is more on Destiny as a whole more then The Dark Below.

    I have been able to play this game for a solid two months and have had nothing but enjoyment the whole time. The game offers a lot to do when you first start to get into, a lot of action, great story if you actually care of pay attention to it, the force of having to make friends to complete your strikes and raids. Also the tease of seeing new equipment to force the feeling of want for that new item.

    As for The Dark Below, I didn't see much improvement from the regular game to the Expansion. Two new vendors, one of which doesn't sell much other then banners to make your character look flashy and some mats to increase Hive weapons. Then you have Xur the weekend seller of Exotic Weapons/Armor. I think they could have done a better job, as far as making a more in depth MMO. I do look forward to the House of Wolves release, but if they are just going to take the formula for The Dark Below and just make small changes that only add a higher level cap a single new raid and no other real reason to continue past just being able to beat the raid on what I will assume to be on Hard, I feel that they will surely lose a lot of players because not many will tolerate a simple map hack and a couple of quick mission strings.    … Expand
  9. SillyRukus
    Apr 20, 2015
    10
    From a fan: The reason I enjoy The Dark Below is because during the "Raid" it teaches players how to work together by using time, teamwork and firepower. It's all about timing! Omnigul is a mean b**ch! The added story is all good in my book. Thank you Bungie and Activision for this incredible game. I actually saved so much $ because I haven't bought a game since the release and the seasonFrom a fan: The reason I enjoy The Dark Below is because during the "Raid" it teaches players how to work together by using time, teamwork and firepower. It's all about timing! Omnigul is a mean b**ch! The added story is all good in my book. Thank you Bungie and Activision for this incredible game. I actually saved so much $ because I haven't bought a game since the release and the season pass.

    For the haters: If you don't like the game because it doesn't have enough story well Destiny will have plenty of story in a 10 year span. Quit and play something else if you don't like Destiny, it's that f'n simple.
    P.S. stop being cry babies.

    Thanks.    … Expand
  10. LuckySevens_7
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I know im going to get a lot of hate for this but im not the type to really give a flying toast about it.

    This might not come to you as a surprise to you guys but all you see on this forum all day, everyday, all the god damn time is someone whining, complaining,crying,hating or telling everyone that their leaving destiny forever. So I decided to make this post of appreciation.

    I like Destiny, Im 25 years old, married, no children. I paid about 100$ for this game(including both dlcs), and I have over 1000 combined hours of play time and entertainment from it, I would be an ungrateful brat if I said that I didn't get my moneys worth. Destiny allows me to burn free time with enjoyment. I like the thrill you get when you finally obtain the exotic that you've been waiting for. I like to open chests and find undiscovered presents. I love the fact that no matter how bad Bungie Fcks up, I keep coming back for more. I like the fact that this game entertains me enough that I don't have to spend more dough on other games(for the meanwhile). I love the fact that unlike COD, team tactics are actually essential and necessary to beat the competition. I love the fact that you have so many different things to do every week, all you have to do is chose(Poe/ToO/Nightfalls/Crota raid/Vog raid/Crucible/Farming/Bounties/Strikes). i love the fact that (LFG) allows you to meet new people, and play together from all over the world(diversity is awesome), conversating with them, making new gaming friends, have some laughs about Bungies mistakes, and knocking Skolas on his arse. I love the sense of accomplishment that you feel when you first beat a new raid, or the first time you get 9-0 in ToO, The first time you get that Darn GJallarhorn(although some of you havnt gotten it yet, it will come).

    I know that some of you will hate
    Some of you will be teachers, and correct my spelling mistakes
    Some of you will insult or degrade
    Some of you will dispute that this game is actually pretty good
    Haters gona hate, ainters gona aint...you hate us cuz you ainus
    But that has nothing to do with this post.

    All im saying, is that we should appreciate destiny for what it is. A fun, sometimes rewarding, addicting, very social, visually stunning and enticing game. If it wasn't, people wouldn't have hundreds of hours invested into it.

    Sincerely,
    A satisfied casual gamer    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 41
  3. Negative: 3 out of 41
  1. Games Master UK
    Feb 22, 2015
    79
    An extension of Destiny's triumphs and flaws that ultimately wins us over with its new raid. [Mar 2015, p.68]
  2. GameOver.gr
    Feb 10, 2015
    60
    Once again Bungie has failed to deliver what was expected by most of its following. This DLC's additions to the main game are almost superficial with the repetition, the main flaw of Destiny's design, being its bane.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Feb 7, 2015
    80
    The Dark Below doesn't revolutionise Destiny's addictive endgame, but the superb new missions and the lure of new gear should tide you over 'til the House of Wolves. [Feb 2015, p.91]
See all critic reviews »