"Destiny" is a franchise of video games developed by Bungie, known for its innovative blend of first-person shooting, role-playing elements, and multiplayer gaming. The first installment, "Destiny," was released in September 2014, followed by its sequel, "Destiny 2," in September 2017. Here's an overview of the background of the series:
Setting and Lore
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The Universe: Destiny is set in a post-apocalyptic science fiction universe where humanity has expanded across the solar system, thanks to the discovery of advanced technology. The last safe city on Earth is protected by the Traveler, a mysterious, powerful celestial entity.
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Guardians: Players take on the role of Guardians, humans that have been resurrected by the Traveler and bestowed with special abilities. Guardians protect humanity from alien factions and dark forces that threaten the solar system.
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Factions: The game features various alien races, including the Hive, Fallen, Vex, Cabal, and Taken, each with its unique lore and motivations. The narrative often revolves around the conflict between these factions and the Guardians.
Gameplay
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Combining Genres: Destiny combines elements from traditional first-person shooters with RPG mechanics, like character classes, leveling systems, and loot distribution. Players can engage in story missions, public events, player vs. environment (PvE) raids, and player vs. player (PvP) matches.
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Live Service Model: Destiny and Destiny 2 employ a "live service" model, providing regular updates, expansion packs, and seasonal content to keep the game engaging over time.
Development History
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Background: Bungie originally gained fame for creating the "Halo" series, and "Destiny" was conceived as a new intellectual property that would combine their talent for executing engaging gameplay with a persistent multiplayer experience.
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Evolution: Destiny received mixed reviews upon release due to its initial lack of depth in story and content. Bungie addressed many criticisms through patches and expansions such as "The Taken King," introducing more substantial narrative elements and gameplay improvements.
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Destiny 2: The sequel aimed to refine and expand upon the original's foundations, introducing new gameplay features, a more accessible model for new players, and a richer story. Bungie has continued to support Destiny 2 with several major expansions, including "Forsaken," "Shadowkeep," and "The Witch Queen," and has plans for future content in line with their ongoing narrative.
Cultural Impact
The "Destiny" series has garnered a significant following and is noted for its engaging gameplay, striking art design, and an intricate universe filled with lore. It has influenced other multiplayer games and established a dedicated community that participates in its ongoing developments.
In summary, "Destiny" and its sequel stand out in the gaming landscape as a unique combination of first-person shooter and RPG in a rich science fiction universe, continuously evolving through player engagement and content updates.