For gamers who remember the climactic finale of the original Darksiders back in 2010, the enduring image of War, alone but resolute, summoning his fellow Horsemen for a confrontation with Heaven, Hell, and the enigmatic Council, has lingered for what feels like an eternity. Indeed, it has been 15 years. Now, after a significant wait, THQ Nordic has officially pulled back the curtain on Darksiders 4, confirming that this long-awaited sequel will pick up precisely where the first game left off, uniting the legendary Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse for an unprecedented co-op journey.
The Grand Reunion: Four Horsemen, One Destiny
The core revelation of the Darksiders 4 announcement is the full assembly of the titular Horsemen: War, Death, Fury, and Strife. Each of these formidable entities has, until now, had their moment in the spotlight across the series’ various installments. War led the charge in the inaugural game, navigating a prematurely triggered apocalypse. Death commanded the sequel, Darksiders 2, in a quest to redeem his brother. Fury took center stage in Darksiders 3, tasked with restoring balance to a ravaged Earth. And Strife, the gunslinger, had his turn in the top-down spin-off, Darksiders Genesis.
The promise of four-player co-op is a monumental shift for the franchise, previously a predominantly single-player affair. This development suggests a scale of conflict far beyond what players have experienced before, where the combined might and unique abilities of all four Horsemen will be essential to overcoming the forces arrayed against them. The initial teaser directly revisited the iconic final moments of Darksiders 1, a potent reminder for veteran fans that patience, it seems, is indeed a virtue when awaiting the end of days.
A Return to Core Principles: Third-Person Visceral Action
While Darksiders Genesis innovated with a top-down perspective, Darksiders 4 is confirmed to revert to the franchise’s cherished third-person action-adventure roots. THQ Nordic has emphasized that the game will deliver “cinematic,” “fast-paced,” and “visceral” combat, combining devastating melee attacks with potent supernatural abilities. This commitment to the series` established gameplay formula will undoubtedly reassure long-time fans who appreciate the intricate combat systems and exploratory elements that define the mainline Darksiders titles.
The return to this perspective, coupled with the introduction of multi-character gameplay, implies a meticulously crafted experience where players can seamlessly switch between, or coordinate as, the different Horsemen, each bringing their unique combat style and powers to the forefront of battle. Imagine the strategic possibilities: War`s brute force, Death`s swift precision, Fury`s magical prowess, and Strife`s ranged assaults, all working in concert against a demonic or angelic horde.
Anticipation Builds: Platforms and Release Outlook
While the excitement around Darksiders 4 is palpable, THQ Nordic has yet to announce a specific release date. The reveal confirms the game will be available on current-generation consoles, including Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, alongside a PC release. This next-gen focus suggests that the developers are leveraging modern hardware capabilities to deliver a truly immersive and graphically rich apocalyptic world worthy of the Horsemen`s epic confrontation.
The path to Darksiders 4 has been a long one, a testament to the enduring appeal of its unique blend of hack-and-slash combat, intricate puzzle-solving, and compelling biblical lore. The stage is now set for a grand conclusion, or perhaps, a cataclysmic new beginning, as the Four Horsemen finally ride as one to face their ultimate destiny.
Ellis Thorne