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PSXE Poll Update: Destiny Popularity Is Almost Split

Ben-Dutka 12 Comments

Maybe it's a love/hate sort of thing.

Our recent poll asked if you'd be getting Destiny , arguably the most anticipated title of the new generation.

And while the majority of participants said they'd be getting it on launch day, nearly as many said they weren't interested in the slightest. That's intriguing because the gaming community does appear to be split on the issue; for instance, while some critics praise the game to high heaven, others are quite unimpressed. On the plus side, given the alpha and beta tests that got a ton of attention, most gamers knew what the game was all about when they made the decision to buy (or not to buy).

This week, if you're one of the many Destiny players out there, would you say it lived up to the hype? Is it everything you wanted and then some? Or is it just a flat-out disappointment? Let us know.

Related Game(s): Destiny

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Bungie Expects Rushed Destiny Reviews

Ben-Dutka 11 Comments

Just a short while back, we recommended that you not put too much stock in early Destiny reviews.

Now, Bungie is essentially saying the same thing, only they're wording it somewhat differently. As Bungie community manager David "Deej" Dague said in the latest Weekly Update , they expect to see day-one reviews from critics who haven't spent enough time with the game:

"We fully anticipate seeing day one reviews from folks who decide to kick the tires, but don’t have the time or patience to take our ride for a nice, long road trip. Some of you might wait to pick up a copy until you read the final verdict from your most trusted review house. We’re okay with that. We’ve created something we’re proud of."

Dague added that Destiny "really begins" once you hit the level cap of 20, because then you can keep improving your Guardian by locating better gear and taking on the exceedingly difficult end-game raids. Bungie has already made it clear that if you wish to complete these missions, you'll need to team up with equally powerful friends.

Of course, with an ongoing shared-world experience, one that will supposedly receive plenty of support for many years to come, one just accepts that what we see right out of the gate isn't the whole story. That's only logical.

Related Game(s): Destiny

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Why You Shouldn’t Obsess Over Review Scores For Destiny

Ben-Dutka 31 Comments

Destiny comes out next week and the review scores will immediately go under the microscope.

But this is one of those times when you shouldn't concern yourself too much with those scores.

First, let me clarify something: There have been some rumors about Activision shipping the game late (Monday, September 8) to several major sources, which some gamers view as a bad sign. At the very least, they believe we'll see fewer reputable reviews right out of the gate. However, I received word I'd have my review copy by Friday and we're hardly a big source. This means plenty of critics will have all weekend and Monday to play Destiny and formulate an informed, cohesive opinion.

Now, as for why you shouldn't care too much: This is an online, shared-world experience that – according to Activision's own words – will span ten years. In other words, this will be an ever-evolving game that will receive continuous improvements and additions over time. Obviously, the game you see next week won't be a patch on what we should all be enjoying a few years from now. I still say reviewers should only offer "early impression" reviews at best, with the full understanding that the Destiny of today will not be the Destiny of tomorrow.

Also, let's not forget that 4.6 million people have already played the game. Sure, the full game will be bigger and better but let's face it, we get it. It's a multiplayer-oriented shooter in a big open universe. Yeah, got it. I think everyone knows precisely what to expect, and they don't need a review to tell them. My guess is that most will only want to know if the servers are operating properly, so they can actually play stress-free right off the bat. Besides that, gamers shouldn't be losing their sh** over any Destiny review score they see next week.

Related Game(s): Destiny

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