Destiny's legacy and its final shape

Imagine a world, on the brink of extinction, with you acting as one of the very few to protect it from threats beyond ordinary understanding. You are the herald of the mysterious and extra-terrestrial being known as the traveller, empowered by his light that grants you superhuman abilities. With that you get to fight the forces of darkness, and even tame the darkness itself to bring balance to the galaxy. 

Destiny allows you to do that more than any other video game in history.

In the expansive world of video games, few titles have achieved the lasting legacy of Destiny. Released in September 2014 by Bungie, the creators of Halo, Destiny combined first-person shooter action with MMO elements. Its rich lore, dynamic gameplay, and passionate community not only fulfilled its ambitious promise but also established a new standard for shared-world shooters. Bungie's bold experiment aimed to offer players a seamless blend of single-player, cooperative, and competitive experiences.

Destiny 

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, players assume the role of Guardians, protectors of the last safe city on Earth. Empowered by a mysterious force known as the Light, Guardians battle against formidable alien races and uncover the secrets of a lost Golden Age.

The initial release was met with mixed reviews. Critics praised its gunplay mechanics and stunning visuals but criticised its repetitive missions and sparse storytelling. Despite these early criticisms, players were drawn to the game's potential. The foundations were solid, and the allure of discovering what lay beyond the stars kept them engaged.

Expansions 

Destiny is a franchise that has consistently expanded through various DLC (Downloadable Content) releases, each contributing new chapters to its ongoing story. Similar to the narrative depth found in series like 'Harry Potter' or 'Lord of the Rings,' these expansions not only advance the storyline but also introduce new activities and endgame content, such as Raids and Dungeons. Notably, these activities are rich in in-game lore, making each expansion a comprehensive journey through Destiny's expansive universe.

The initial expansions, 'The Dark Below' and 'House of Wolves', began expanding Destiny's universe. 'The Dark Below' introduced players to Eris Morn, a survivor of a failed mission into the Hive's Hellmouth, who guides them against the Hive Prince Crota. This expansion provided a more focused narrative while still relying on players to piece together the story through gameplay and scattered lore.

'House of Wolves' turned its focus to the Fallen, especially the rebellious House of Wolves and their leader, Skolas. This expansion was notable for introducing the Prison of Elders, an arena that blended narrative elements with gameplay challenges. The storyline involving the Queen of the Reef and her crafty brother, Prince Uldren Sov, added depth to the Fallen's lore and hinted at future conflicts.

Released in September 2015, 'The Taken King' significantly enhanced Destiny's storytelling with a cohesive, cinematic campaign about Oryx seeking revenge for his son Crota's death. The expansion introduced memorable characters like Cayde-6, added depth to the Hive's lore, and featured the Dreadnaught, setting a new standard for Destiny's narrative quality.

Destiny 2

With the release of Destiny 2 in September 2017, Bungie aimed to create a more accessible and engaging narrative experience. The sequel began with a dramatic event: the fall of the Last City to the Red Legion, led by Dominus Ghaul. Stripped of their Light, Guardians embarked on a quest to reclaim their powers and take back their home.

Destiny 2 offered a more structured and cinematic campaign, featuring well-developed characters like Zavala, Ikora Rey, and Cayde-6. The storytelling was more direct, with in-game cutscenes and dialogue driving the plot forward.
In September 2018, 'Forsaken' marked a pivotal moment in Destiny's storytelling, beginning with the shocking death of Cayde-6 and setting off a revenge-driven narrative. Players pursued Uldren Sov and his eight Barons across the Tangled Shore, leading to an intense showdown. 

With 'Beyond Light' (November 2020), Bungie explored the theme of duality by introducing Stasis, a new elemental power from the Darkness. This expansion took players to Europa, the frozen moon of Jupiter, to battle the Fallen leader Eramis and uncover the secrets of the Deep Stone Crypt. Bungie committed to ongoing storytelling through seasonal content and expansions, allowing for continuous narrative development. The expansions 'The Witch Queen', 'Lightfall', and 'The Final Shape' concluded the decade-long story, as Guardians defeated their ultimate enemy, The Witness.

Looking back

Reflecting on Destiny's evolution, it's clear that the franchise exemplifies the power of storytelling, community, and innovation in gaming. Destiny has evolved beyond just being a game to become a shared experience that unites players from diverse backgrounds. 

From the thrill of uncovering its secrets in the early days to the anticipation surrounding each new expansion, Destiny consistently pushes the boundaries of what video games can offer. Its captivating lore, stunning visuals, and dynamic gameplay create an immersive universe where players can lose themselves for hours. 

The Guardians' journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, mirrors our own, emphasising perseverance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of greatness. The relationships formed, memories created during epic raids, and countless hours spent exploring its vast universe highlight Destiny's impact. Bungie's commitment to expanding the game's lore and delivering engaging narratives has transformed Destiny into a living, breathing universe with rich history and unforgettable characters, evolving continuously from its cryptic beginnings to its epic sagas.