Xbox Series X Users Surprised With New Free Upgrade
From the gaming chronicles of 2012, a pivotal year that brought us gems like Mass Effect 3, Far Cry 3, and Halo 4, another notable title emerged—Darksiders 2. While it may not have made every headline alongside these iconic releases, 2012 saw the birth of this ambitious sequel, a continuation of the saga that began with the original Darksiders in 2010.
Darksiders 2 was never a modest endeavor. With a hefty $50 million budget, it ranked as one of the most expensive video games of its time, illustrating the scale of its grandiose vision. Though in today’s gaming industry this might not seem substantial, a decade ago it was a testament to the developers’ ambition.
Upon its release, Darksiders 2 garnered solid reviews with Metacritic scores between 77 and 83. While these numbers reflect a respectable reception, they didn’t necessarily mirror the grand ambitions set by the considerable budget. Nonetheless, the game resonated enough with fans to eventually earn itself a sequel in 2018. Before this, however, it saw a re-release in 2015 as Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition for both PS4 and Xbox One, after its initial launch on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Now, nine years down the line, there’s a delightful surprise for Xbox One owners of the game—a free upgrade for their Xbox Series X|S consoles. A kind gesture that breathes new life into this enduring classic, making it accessible in a more enhanced form for modern audiences.
This timely upgrade coincided with the game’s arrival on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles on October 15. While new users of these consoles need to purchase this refined version of the game for $29.99, those who previously owned the Xbox One edition are granted this upgrade at no additional cost. A splendid opportunity for fans to relive the journey with improved graphics and performance.
The update boasts several enhancements, albeit not extensive, they significantly elevate the gaming experience. Players can now explore the realms with stunning 4K resolution, thanks to the addition of ray tracing, and notice the intricate details through enhanced lighting and shadows. The loading times have also been vastly improved, although the exact increase in speed hasn’t been detailed. This tweaked version continues to honor the original’s spirit while offering a more engrossing and visually captivating journey.
As part of the Xbox Series X|S ecosystem, this upgrade for Darksiders 2 underscores the potential and enduring appeal of rejuvenating classic titles. It serves as a reminder of gaming’s evolving nature and the delight long-time fans experience when past favorites return in finer form.
For Xbox devotees, this upgrade represents more than just technological enhancement. It encapsulates a nostalgic reawakening, merging cherished narratives with the advancements of contemporary gaming technology, ensuring that timeless tales continue to engage audiences both old and new.