Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition PS5 review: Remastering done right

Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition on the PS5 is undoubtedly a massive improvement over the PS4 version of the game. It doesn't just fix a plethora of complaints I had with the PS4 remaster of the 2012 classic, but also adds new features that make the PS5 version, well, the most "definitive" edition of Darksiders 2 to date, perhaps even more so than the PC release.

Seeing how most remasters, especially those that are offered as free upgrades, are handled, I wasn't very optimistic about Darksiders 2. This sentiment of mine was further backed by the fact that Darksiders 2 on PS4, is far from being the most ideal way to experience the game, owing to the myriad of technical issues as well as the 30fps lock.

However, the PS5 "re-release" of the Deathinitive Edition is well, almost perfect. It does have its fair share of issues, which I'll explain later in this review. However, Gunfire Games did a stellar job with Darksiders 2. It is undoubtedly one of the best remasters I've played on my PS5 in 2024, and perhaps the most fun I've had playing Darksiders 2 in a long, long while.

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Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition PS5: An excellent action RPG, wrapped up in a shiny new coat of paint

What does Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition have to offer on PS5?

The one thing that struck me right when I started playing Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition on PS5 was the change in the lighting engine. Instead of the game looking discolored and somewhat "pale" (no pun intended), which is how the PS4 version used to look, the PS5 remaster looks much richer, with a subtle cooler tone. This is without HDR, by the way.

The art style of Darksiders 2 still holds up quite well. (Image via THQ Nordic)

That's not all! The current-gen remaster also comes with support for ray-traced shadows. I will admit, the ray tracing being limited to shadows did feel like a bummer, as I would've liked RTGI as well as maybe some shiny RT reflections as well, but I digress. Also, from what I've experienced so far, RT shadows don't have any performance cost.

However, you can choose to turn RT shadows off if you face any issues with the game's frame rate. Talking about frame rate, I'm extremely overjoyed to report that Darksiders 2 is no longer shackled by the 30fps limit on consoles. The PS5 version of the game runs at a near-flawless 60fps (without v-sync).

The increased frame rate alone fixes the biggest gripe I've had with the PS4 version (which even on PS5 via back compatibility, ran at an inconsistent 30fps). Apart from the frame rate and visual enhancements, another thing that really impressed me is the use of DualSense haptics. Darksiders 2 features full DualSense support.

You can practically feel every swing of Death's Scythes on the controller itself. Furthermore, there are also direction vibrations that telegraph the presence of an off-screen enemy. There are even unique vibrations based on the terrain or whether you're riding on Death's trusty steed, Despair, or are simply walking/sprinting your way to the objective.

The use of RT shadows is best showcased in some of the end-game dungeons. (Image via THQ Nordic)

Apart from Demon's Souls, Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition is the only role-playing game that I've experienced on the PS5 so far, which makes proper use of the DualSense haptics. Save for these new additions, it's basically identical to the PS4 version, complete with all the DLC expansions, armor sets, etc.

What is Darksiders 2?

For those who might be coming to the game as newcomers, Darksiders 2 is an action RPG, with a semi-open-world structure. Think of it like the newer God of War titles, with a lengthier end-game and way less hand-holding. Also, no, you don't really need to play the original Darksiders to enjoy the sequel. However, having played it does help with the story.

Death's story isn't as straightforward as it might initially seem. (Image via THQ Nordic)

The story of Darksiders 2 is a tad bit complicated, but it's far from the likes of Dark Souls or Elden Ring. You essentially take control of Death, one of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" who has abandoned his post beside the "Charred Council," to try and resurrect humanity from extinction. All of this is in the name of proving his brother, War's, innocence.

The story starts quite strong and also has "emotionally mature" themes of sacrifice and rebirth. I've always liked the way Vigil Games (now Gunfire Games) portrayed Death in this game. He's a stoic character who speaks less and lets his actions dictate his presence. And whenever he does talk, it's always either condescending to the one he's talking to.

I don't want any part of the story spoiled here, but, if you like the stories in games like Devil May Cry, the classic God of War titles, and Dragon's Dogma, you'll definitely fall in love with Darksiders 2's narrative and storytelling. And if the story isn't your thing, I'm sure you'll find enjoyment in the gameplay this title has to offer.

The gameplay in Darksiders 2 is a fairly standard action RPG affair. There's no traditional leveling system, but there's a robust skill tree with each skill offering substantial passive or active abilities. There's also tiered loot, as well as a host of optional content to delve into in between main story quests. Also, there's a robust suite of end-game content.

With the DLCs included, there's plenty of content here to satiate any action RPG fan. (Image via THQ Nordic)

The base game, on average, lasts somewhere around 15 to 20 hours, depending on the amount of side-questing you've done. Furthermore, the Deathinitive Edition comes with two story expansions that can be accessed after completing the first and second main story arcs, respectively. With the DLCs included the game easily goes past 30 hours.

Is Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition worth buying on PS5?

Now to answer the million-dollar question: Is Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition worth buying? Well, yes, definitely. First things first, if you already own the PlayStation 4 version of the sequel, you'll be getting the current-gen (PS5) upgrade for free. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to the players who grabbed the game as part of the PlayStation Plus monthly catalog.

For a free upgrade, the remaster offers some really substantial improvements over the PS4 version. (Image via THQ Nordic)

Also, if you own the Deathinitive Edition on Xbox One or PC, you will also get the current-gen upgrade at no additional cost. And for the price of well, free, it's definitely worth a try. As for players who don't own the game on PS4, Darksiders 2 retails for $30, and for that price, it's totally a steal, if you're a fan of the kind of experience it offers.

I really like how Gunfire Games and THQ Nordic aren't trying to cash in on nostalgia, and instead offering the current-gen upgrade, which as I explained, comes with some pretty substantial improvements, for absolutely free. Even if you didn't enjoy the Darksiders sequel on the PS4, you should give it a go on the PS5.

I honestly believe the visual, performance, and general quality-of-life improvements brought to the table with the current-gen version of the Darksiders sequel, it's bound to garner plenty of new fans. And seeing how Gunfire Games has evolved their craft from Darksiders 3 to Remnant 2, I can't wait to see what their next title, Darksiders (4) in action.

Few shortcomings

As much as I'm happy and satisfied with the PS5 port of Darksiders 2, it's not entirely perfect, far from it. While yes, Gunfire Games did fix the performance issues with the PS4 version and also added some really cool visual enhancements, the PS5 remaster isn't entirely immune to performance and graphical bugs and issues.

Despite some technical shortcomings, this is easily one of the better remasters of the PS5 generation. (Image via THQ Nordic)

During the review period, I managed to complete the entire base game campaign, finish all major side-quests, save for Argul's Tomb, and also conquer the Crucible. My playthrough lasted a total of 35 hours, and I plan to complete all the DLCs and also a New Game Plus run (to get all the trophies) in the coming days.

During my time with the game so far, I've faced roughly eight crashes in total, which for a console game, isn't really ideal. Furthermore, the game doesn't have V-Sync on the PS5, and neither does it support VRR. This results in plenty of screen-tearing, especially in the opening Drenchfort area, as well as the late-game Earth and Well of Souls sections.

The frame rate generally stays at a stable 60fps. However, there are certain sections and scenarios (the Wailing Host boss fight, in particular) that see it drop to somewhere between the upper 40s and 50s. Lastly, there are some visual bugs like Death getting stuck on terrain, enemies getting stuck in an animation loop, etc., which pop up from time to time.

However, overall the PS5 version is in a much better state compared to the PS4 (or even the original PS3) version. The crashes aren't frequent enough to become annoying, and the frame rate and scree-tearing issues are few and far between, which isn't much of an issue unless you're very sensitive to these things.

In conclusion

Darksiders 2 Deathinitive Edition is an excellent remaster of an equally amazing action RPG. Unfortunately, some technical issues still persist in the current-gen version. However, the sheer number of things the remaster gets right, from its vastly improved visuals, owing to RT shadows, the improved frame rate, and the use of DualSense haptics easily overshadow its issues.