User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 370 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 32 out of 370
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  1. Apr 19, 2011
    8
    This is the best Zelda game I have played in years, as it takes the gameplay that made titles such as Ocarina of Time so great and throws it into a new environment of a violent, war-torn apocalypse of present. The mechanics feel familiar but also refined, due to the more grim atmosphere and vocal characters. A great spin on one of gamings favourite franchises.
  2. Jul 4, 2012
    8
    An exceptional game but no one without faults. First of all, Darksiders has a pretty decent story and pretty GOOD characters for all you RPers however the set design is really its biggest down fault. There is so many flaws and a lot of unnecessary obstacles and puzzles that forces you play on its own pace. However like the said the characters are good, the story is good and the combat isAn exceptional game but no one without faults. First of all, Darksiders has a pretty decent story and pretty GOOD characters for all you RPers however the set design is really its biggest down fault. There is so many flaws and a lot of unnecessary obstacles and puzzles that forces you play on its own pace. However like the said the characters are good, the story is good and the combat is good. Looking foward for Darksiders 2 Expand
  3. Mar 27, 2011
    7
    I only picked up this game due to a recommendation of my friend. It seemed interesting enough, and I could tell it was trying to be like God of War or Zelda. But the key word in that statement is trying. It isn't necessarily a bad game, it just isn't as good as what it tries to be. The story is cool enough. Horserider of the Apocalypse has to fight off enemies. The character designs areI only picked up this game due to a recommendation of my friend. It seemed interesting enough, and I could tell it was trying to be like God of War or Zelda. But the key word in that statement is trying. It isn't necessarily a bad game, it just isn't as good as what it tries to be. The story is cool enough. Horserider of the Apocalypse has to fight off enemies. The character designs are awesome, but the graphics were a bit too cartoony for a game like this. That doesn't mean the graphics were bad... just not great. The combat is a bit too mindless, but I will admit that the enjoyment of combat was better the farther I played. The puzzles are Zelda like and fun, but I have seen better puzzle designs. Ultimately the reason the game didn't score higher, was the game got repetitive after a while to me and just lost its enjoyment. The game is relatively long and is enjoyable, but it just wasn't as fun as I had hoped it to be. Expand
  4. Mar 27, 2012
    8
    Sure is one of the best games of the era. Deep, graphically satisfying, with a length that would put to shame most of the big players. A really good game that deserves its rating. Well, come to think of it it deserves even a bit more. Compared to Mass Effect's (3) more than 90%, it's strange that Darksiders gets ony a 7.7
  5. May 14, 2012
    9
    AMAZING. I am obsessed with angles and demons. AND THIS GAME DELIVERS. With great in both the characters and the way you swing your sword. MUST HAVE GAME.
  6. May 27, 2012
    10
    One of the best gaming experiences ever. This game is masterful. Like a dark version of Zelda. It's such a blast to play thru. Can't wait to play darksiders 2. A true under rated gem.
  7. Dec 9, 2012
    8
    A great game. Perhaps between God of War and Zelda it failed to catch the public's attention, but behind familiar genres lies a completely unique experience. As much as the combat is repetitive, it is fun from start to end, similar to God of War. The game is, for this day and age, quite long, standing at 18 hours. The dungeons are varied. Where the game shines the most is the artisticA great game. Perhaps between God of War and Zelda it failed to catch the public's attention, but behind familiar genres lies a completely unique experience. As much as the combat is repetitive, it is fun from start to end, similar to God of War. The game is, for this day and age, quite long, standing at 18 hours. The dungeons are varied. Where the game shines the most is the artistic style and direction. It is filled with captivating cutscenes and unique dungeons which although large, never feel old. As you complete the story you will feel immensely satisfied by the great writing. So, although darksiders doesn't break any new barriers, it is a strong experience I suggest to every player. Expand
  8. Jul 25, 2012
    10
    This game took me by surprise when I first got it. Zelda mixed with a third person action game what isn't to love? Buying new upgrades for War was a great time as well. The story really well told well always keeping you hooked for the next part. The game also has puzzles mixed in as well which can really test your thinking abilities. The biggest gripe with this game is that it is reallyThis game took me by surprise when I first got it. Zelda mixed with a third person action game what isn't to love? Buying new upgrades for War was a great time as well. The story really well told well always keeping you hooked for the next part. The game also has puzzles mixed in as well which can really test your thinking abilities. The biggest gripe with this game is that it is really easy, almost too easy but playing on the hardest difficulty is when this game shines. No room for mistakes, only success. With the sequel due out soon I can't wait. Truly an amazing franchise. Expand
  9. Sep 8, 2012
    10
    There are very few games that I have played that I have found nothing wrong with. This is one of them. Darksiders is one of the best games I have ever played. Compare Darksiders to a similar title, Prototype, and you'll understand why I am impressed.

    The combat in this game is indeed button mashing, but that is entirely irrelevant. Taking on the bigger brutes is not button mashing. You
    There are very few games that I have played that I have found nothing wrong with. This is one of them. Darksiders is one of the best games I have ever played. Compare Darksiders to a similar title, Prototype, and you'll understand why I am impressed.

    The combat in this game is indeed button mashing, but that is entirely irrelevant. Taking on the bigger brutes is not button mashing. You have to charge around and avoid attacks and you have to select your attacks very carefully if you want to survive. Furthermore, the massive variety of attacks available require memorization, motor memory, and skill to master. Can you get by just using basic x x x x x attacks? Probably, yes. But the character animations for the various attacks look so good and feel so powerful that I have trouble not wanting to use them.

    This is a game about creativity. You can be as interesting or as dull as you want. If the combat feels repetitive, make use of a different secondary weapon, buy some new attacks for everything, and wait until you get your next big character upgrade. Every little thing you buy or get as the game's story progresses makes it a whole new and exciting experience.

    You fight a lot of the same enemies in this game, and in any other game it would probably be exceedingly boring. In Darksiders, these enemies are presented to you in spectacular ways. Brief cutscenes as the creatures emerge from portals on the floor and huge monstrous brutes crashing through a doorway or a portal really gets the blood pumping. It makes the fights feel very dire, and when you've decimated their ranks, you feel like a God.

    The story is minimal, but excellent as well. Things are entirely focused. You know what you're doing and why you're doing it. You don't always have to follow the beaten path in this amazing open world, but the path is there and easy to follow,

    And guys, you play as a horseman of the apocalypse... Need I say more?
    Expand
  10. Apr 26, 2013
    10
    By far, one of the most underrated games i can think of, Darksiders, gets almost everything right, and delivers in well worth your money level of quality and length experience. It is long enough to provide great entertainment but not feel too long. The world is beautiful crafted, and the characters are interesting and fun to discover. Combat is fun and challenging. It perfectly balancesBy far, one of the most underrated games i can think of, Darksiders, gets almost everything right, and delivers in well worth your money level of quality and length experience. It is long enough to provide great entertainment but not feel too long. The world is beautiful crafted, and the characters are interesting and fun to discover. Combat is fun and challenging. It perfectly balances something that is extremely hard to do especially in action adventure games: making your character feel bad ass and powerful, while still providing a challenge to the game. They do this with many difficult puzzles in the world, as well as having both War, and his Enemies be powerful. Slowly getting more powers and weapons allows for new access to the world. The various enemies also provides for a strategic gameplay. In my top five for sure. highly recommended. Expand
  11. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    OMFG!! This game is by FAR the most UNDERRATED game this gen! Its a **** amazing game.. I dont know why some people hate it, i recommend every "REAL" gamer to buy this AMAZING MASTERPIECE!!!
  12. Jun 12, 2011
    8
    It may borrow heftily from other hack n' slash games, but that doesn't mean I didn't have a hell of a time with Darksiders. Combat is frequently fun and frantic, the monster designs are original, and the puzzles are nothing short of brilliant. Overall, a fun way to spend the weekend.
  13. DonnieS.
    Jan 7, 2010
    10
    A fully realized and superbly presented work of fiction that is captivating as it is explosive. All the pieces pulled from other puzzles, like it's god of war weapons leveling, were given far more relevance with a sense of investment unrivaled in the action genre. An IP truly worthy of our attention and our cash.
  14. MichaelK
    Jan 24, 2010
    8
    The game looks alright (though definitely not top notch), plays alright, but fails to get it's own personality. Darksiders basically takes too much from other games (Zelda, Devil May Cry, God of War & Metroid in particular) and through this fails in originality. If you've played any lof those games, you'll soon get a "been there, done that"-feeling which will stay with you The game looks alright (though definitely not top notch), plays alright, but fails to get it's own personality. Darksiders basically takes too much from other games (Zelda, Devil May Cry, God of War & Metroid in particular) and through this fails in originality. If you've played any lof those games, you'll soon get a "been there, done that"-feeling which will stay with you through the entire game. A nice effort though, but bugs (screen-tearing, jagged edges on models) and a lack of creativity hold the game back. Expand
  15. PhilG.
    Jan 6, 2010
    9
    Though there are a few poor design choices (like items remaining used if you die and reload the last checkpoint), Darksiders is a must buy for any Xbox owning fans of Legend of Zelda and Ninja Gaiden 2. It is one of the few 'strategic' button mashers out there that requires players to actually use the block button and their heads before mindlessly mashing the 'X' Though there are a few poor design choices (like items remaining used if you die and reload the last checkpoint), Darksiders is a must buy for any Xbox owning fans of Legend of Zelda and Ninja Gaiden 2. It is one of the few 'strategic' button mashers out there that requires players to actually use the block button and their heads before mindlessly mashing the 'X' button. Only real cons are some of the voice acting, specifically War's, and a few annoying things like the occasional poorly placed checkpoint. Still a must buy in a month that will no doubt be filled with them. Expand
  16. RonS.
    Jan 7, 2010
    10
    This game just blew my mind. Yeah it is Zelda + Devil May Cry + X. I just love it love it love it! Finishing took me about 18 hours. In normal difficulty it is a pretty easy game if you have played Zelda before. I really recommend this game to everyone who likes some over the to "badassery", if you can´t stand this kind of feel to a game... this one probably isn´t for you. If This game just blew my mind. Yeah it is Zelda + Devil May Cry + X. I just love it love it love it! Finishing took me about 18 hours. In normal difficulty it is a pretty easy game if you have played Zelda before. I really recommend this game to everyone who likes some over the to "badassery", if you can´t stand this kind of feel to a game... this one probably isn´t for you. If this one had come out in 09 it would have been my game of the year even surpassing games like dragon age or Assassins Creed 2, but that is just me. It truly is an awesome experience. Expand
  17. jordann
    Jan 13, 2010
    9
    i have loved this game so for the story is great because it is original yet its something we know at the same time the battle between heaven and hell armorgedon i like how you play as a nutral party in the game game play is great boss's are fun and challenging and i like how it takes time and work to get to your missions and the open world game set is always great i love this game:)
  18. AnthonyB
    Jan 17, 2010
    9
    wicked game, love the story line, game play was great and pretty free flowing and yeah just an all round kick ass game!
  19. [anonymous]
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    gorgeous environment, completely immersed great balance of game progression The main character, WAR, has the coolest attitude with all the demons. a very solid 9+
  20. calebR.
    Jan 26, 2010
    8
    absolutely amazing game. sure it dosnt bring anything new to the table of games. but this is the closest we are ever going to get to a (good) zelda game on 360 (until there is a bgae sequel) and plus the zeldaish gameplay mixed with god of war combat is great i would actually like to see combat like this is a new zelda game. and yeah the combat is a little repetitive and the graphics in absolutely amazing game. sure it dosnt bring anything new to the table of games. but this is the closest we are ever going to get to a (good) zelda game on 360 (until there is a bgae sequel) and plus the zeldaish gameplay mixed with god of war combat is great i would actually like to see combat like this is a new zelda game. and yeah the combat is a little repetitive and the graphics in gameplay really look like a 360 launch title (other the fmv cutscenes which are beautiful) but honestly i love this game. i would rent it first to see if you would like it but i bought launch day and love this game SO MUCH. the only reasons for not getting a perfect 10 is just the small amount of repetitiveness and the sub par graphics. also the screen tearing on the 360 version is noticeable but not game ruining and still perfectly playable and enjoyable and not at all distracting from the game imo Expand
  21. TonyA.
    Jan 26, 2010
    8
    This game does indeed steal ideas from many previous titles. Legend of Zelda Orcania of time is the most noticeable, crossed with the Legacy of Kane seriies, Batman Arkham Asylum, and others. The fact that it blends all these ideas brilliantly is pretty amazing, although if you want it to at excell in any one area, it will not. It is an addictive title, with top notch voice acting, great This game does indeed steal ideas from many previous titles. Legend of Zelda Orcania of time is the most noticeable, crossed with the Legacy of Kane seriies, Batman Arkham Asylum, and others. The fact that it blends all these ideas brilliantly is pretty amazing, although if you want it to at excell in any one area, it will not. It is an addictive title, with top notch voice acting, great environments, and will last well over 15 hours. It is let down a bit by the terrible screen tearing that the Xbox 360 version suffers from. Expand
  22. JoshuaL
    Jan 17, 2010
    7
    I'm having a difficult time seeing this game as anything but mediocre. I played it for three hours straight and found nothing but weak versions of Zelda's dungeons, and repetitive combat that didn't provide any true measure of satisfaction. Everyone already knows where they got there designs from, I don't see why this game is getting such good scores. Oh and before I I'm having a difficult time seeing this game as anything but mediocre. I played it for three hours straight and found nothing but weak versions of Zelda's dungeons, and repetitive combat that didn't provide any true measure of satisfaction. Everyone already knows where they got there designs from, I don't see why this game is getting such good scores. Oh and before I forget, I don't like screen tears in my games. I'm not trying to say the game is bad or not worth playing ever, but this is definitely no blockbuster title. It just lacks originality and fun to the level I expect for sixty dollars Expand
  23. Oct 13, 2010
    8
    I began playing with pretty bad motivation. I prejudiced this is going to be total crap. After going Darksiders through, gotta admit I was wrong. Especially liked the last quarter of the game. Combat itself is quite simple, but overall it worked least for me. Some puzzles made me pull my hair off, they had quite logical solutions, but couldn't get some of them. Some have referred this toI began playing with pretty bad motivation. I prejudiced this is going to be total crap. After going Darksiders through, gotta admit I was wrong. Especially liked the last quarter of the game. Combat itself is quite simple, but overall it worked least for me. Some puzzles made me pull my hair off, they had quite logical solutions, but couldn't get some of them. Some have referred this to Zelda. Well I'm not big fan of 'em. But Overall this was a positive surprise. Sequel seems to be coming, probably going to least try that too. Have seen better ones, but worse too. Expand
  24. Nov 20, 2011
    9
    A surprise hit for mine.Take control of War,a horseman of the apocalypse and fight your way through varied and detailed levels in search of the answer of who began the End Times early,and framed you for it.An excellent art style and good combat and upgrades have made me look towards the sequel with anticipation.
  25. May 14, 2012
    6
    Never have I fell in and out of love with a game so quickly! Screen tearing and sub-par graphics aside, the first few hours of Darksiders were absolutely bliss for me - really, really cool and instinctive combat action followed by some truly brilliant puzzles (one set in a Temple of Doom type room is probably the best in-game puzzle I've known - a perfect balance of test and reward). ButNever have I fell in and out of love with a game so quickly! Screen tearing and sub-par graphics aside, the first few hours of Darksiders were absolutely bliss for me - really, really cool and instinctive combat action followed by some truly brilliant puzzles (one set in a Temple of Doom type room is probably the best in-game puzzle I've known - a perfect balance of test and reward). But then it totally loses it's way - instead of giving you time to settle and enjoy your role as War, it keeps endlessly throwing new things at you and breaking the pace up with alternate sections such as a flying on a griffin - there really is no need for it and it just disjoints the game horribly. Then the puzzles start becoming a bit more obscure and laborious too, the combat just becomes more confusing and repetitive the further you get into the game, and the upgrades you purchase hardly feel worth the effort either. Mark Hamill does a great job with the voices though, as do most of the cast - something worthy of a mention as their undoubted class adds to the game. Sadly, that can't save something which just doesn't cut the mustard as a whole. Give it a try - it might be something you can get on with and is definitely worth a look, but it just grew too old too quickly for me. Expand
  26. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    Darksiders is by FAR the most UNDERRATED game this gen! Its an amazing game.. I dont know why some people hate it, i recommend every "REAL" game to buy this AMAZING game
  27. Nov 22, 2011
    10
    I loved it! Some people bash it because it feels like a Zelda game but for the grown ups. Which is fine with me because I haven't liked any zelda game since a link to the past, to childish I guess. Good story, again I loved it, and am awaiting the Sequel.
  28. Mar 8, 2012
    10
    Great game nothing similar matches it on the 360 for sheer scale, visceral combat and a great story. Reminds me of soul reaver which is a classic. Can't wait for darksiders 2!!
  29. TomN
    Jan 16, 2010
    10
    This game is so good, it shocked me. Outstanding art direction, brilliant level design, diverse gameplay styles, deep but easy to learn combat system, and mature violent post-apocalyptic setting make this a must play. It's definately a Zelda style rpg (not for kids though), but completely unique. It is true that the gameplay feels familiar, but it's the good kind of familiar, This game is so good, it shocked me. Outstanding art direction, brilliant level design, diverse gameplay styles, deep but easy to learn combat system, and mature violent post-apocalyptic setting make this a must play. It's definately a Zelda style rpg (not for kids though), but completely unique. It is true that the gameplay feels familiar, but it's the good kind of familiar, like taking your favorite sweater out of the dryer. If you grew up playing Zelda, but are now an adult, you must buy this. Everyone else will have a great ride too. Expand
  30. BrunoS.
    Jan 8, 2010
    9
    It's annoying to me when game mechanics are lauded for being too similar to that of well known genre defining titles, surely there is room for innovation in the dying Hack and Slash genre. If a new IP comes along and unifies the head scratching, charming puzzle segments of Zelda with the brutal and clever combat of Devil may cry in such a way it praises those games, whilst improving It's annoying to me when game mechanics are lauded for being too similar to that of well known genre defining titles, surely there is room for innovation in the dying Hack and Slash genre. If a new IP comes along and unifies the head scratching, charming puzzle segments of Zelda with the brutal and clever combat of Devil may cry in such a way it praises those games, whilst improving upon them and making itself unique, you've got a perfect game on your hands. The characters are very chunky and likably venemous, very typical of Joe Mads designs. They put me in mind of his shortlived comics Battlechasers melded with Hellboy and a dash of Blizzards scrapped concept art, but it isn't overly stylised. It suits the world Vigil have created perfectly and I think they should be proud of what they achieved. The story is good enough not to fall into cliché territory but I feel the Heaven VS Hell plot has reared it's head a few too many times this month with Bayonetta, and with Dantes Inferno a month away from THAT... Darksiders I feel is a well made adventure with a good story, puzzles and combat that are both immensely satisyfing with a great cast of characters, boasting the vocal talent to back them up. It's just a joy to play, and the homages to other games never outstay their welcome, instead it props the experience firmly on it's shoulders and rises above the rest, 9/10! Expand
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 81
  2. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. 86
    Darksiders brings you everything you expect. A beautiful post apocalyptic world combined with excellent audio and a real cool gameplay, deserves nothing less than a high score.
  2. Darksiders looks like the result of a head-on collision between the Zelda and God of War-franchise. But instead of a big mess, both fuse together to form a hybrid with the best elements of both, combined with a great story. The game won’t win any awards for originality, but thanks to its long playtime, strong puzzles and great alteration between elements and scenery we can only conclude that Darksiders is already one of the first great games of 2010.
  3. 75
    At its best, Darksiders plays like an interactive compilation of this console generation's most interesting game mechanics. At its worst, it's like sitting through a mediocre cover band as they fumble their way through your favorite tunes.