9 Great Video Games That Did Not Deserve The Hate

You have to feel for the developers of Darksiders 3. Created in the wake of Dark Souls mania, pushing their game in that direction was the logical choice. Unfortunately, fans disagreed, finding the change less than appealing and labelling the main character, Fury, too easy to kill.

But it is an odd axe to grind: the second game played differently to the first with Death, its protagonist, being notably less tough than the first game’s War. What’s more, everything that makes a Darksiders game Darksiders, it’s post-apocalyptic Biblically-inspired setting and distinctive comic-esque visual design, remain intact.

The sticking point, then, is Fury’s apparent fragility. However, take the time to learn the mechanics and one discovers a combat system that is smooth, varied and rewarding for those who put in the effort to master it. Take that time, and Fury becomes every bit as deadly as her brothers.

And it is Fury, ultimately, who is the game’s greatest asset. Watching her trace a subtle journey of self-discovery, from self-centred battle-rager to humbled guardian, is by turns endearing and heartbreaking. Played through again, the interplay between her and the Watcher takes on an element of tragedy, inexorably turning one’s mind to themes not noticed before.

A squishy protagonist and a little extra challenge are hardly grounds to dismiss Darksiders 3 as bad, not when so much of what makes the franchise unique is still present. And in the person of Fury, there is much food for thought.