Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. RPGamer
    Jan 22, 2025
    70
    While the Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition has plenty of positives in its column, this is primarily due to the original release already representing an impressive effort that is largely unchanged here. Frenetic combat and acrobatic exploration are still satisfying, with some optional collectible-hunting and a handful of other sidequests. The game’s lengthy dungeons and impressive graphics and audio have all been well-preserved, and the inclusion of all three DLC spells even more value for money. As positive as that sounds, there’s also a distinct sense of the game resting on its laurels. There’s a dearth of new features, from quality-of-life options to performance improvements — it’s worth noting that the game crashed a few times during the review playthrough. It seems there just wasn’t a whole lot of tinkering under the hood. Even story recaps, soundtrack samples, or cinematic galleries would have been welcome, but are all conspicuously absent, making for a barebones-effort remaster of an otherwise exciting game.
  2. Impulsegamer
    Jan 6, 2025
    70
    Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition is a surprisingly enjoyable game with satisfying combat mechanics and intriguing puzzles. With all enhancements released so far, the title looks and works well – even by today’s standards. If you haven’t played it before, the free current-gen upgrade gives you a good chance to do so. At the same time, if you’ve already played Darksiders II, I wonder if 4K and improved shadows are enough to make you revisit the game. It’s up to you, of course; but if you ask me, in this case I’d try something more recent.
  3. GameMAG
    Dec 16, 2024
    70
    Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition includes all the previously available DLC content, so in essence it's the most complete and full version of the original game, and as that - it's the most obvious choice to pick up for a first run or a spontaneous replay.
  5. PlayStation Country
    Oct 28, 2024
    70
    Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition forgoes some of the bells and whistles of the Playstation 5 platform for a port that's more straight forward. It's a sharper looking version but not an upgrade that really puts the old consoles to shame. For anyone new, this is a solid opportunity to discover a game with clever dungeon design, solid enough platforming and engaging combat. There is a surprising amount of craft n display for something that derives so much from other games.
  6. Noisy Pixel
    Oct 14, 2024
    70
    Despite my moderate level of enjoyment, I’d still hesitate to recommend Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition unless you have a notable affinity with action games from the early to mid-2010s. Its drab and monotonous open world doesn’t do its bland exposition any favors. Nevertheless, the combat, customization, and puzzle design may win over the more patient types. Regarding this boosted port, it doesn’t warrant a replay for the average player by any means, but if you’re a veteran or new fan, there’s enough justification for giving this release a whirl.