E3 2015: ‘The Taken King’ Aims To Deliver A Bigger, Better ‘Destiny’

It’s well documented that back when Destiny launched in September, the ambitious first person shooter looked to create a universe that grew as time went on, while connecting players in ways that hadn’t been seen on a console before. Yet, many reviewers and gamers alike felt like the game in its base state had under delivered on its promises, with repetitive missions and limited multiplayer functionality. As we approach the first year of the game’s life, its subsequent updates and add-ons have improved the game substantially, but Activision is hoping that The Taken King, Destiny‘s first full fledged expansion, will serve as the bridge between bringing back old players while recruiting new ones. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it might have enough content to do just that.

Hoping to feature a much stronger narrative compared to the main game, The Taken King revolves around Oryx, a god like being who looks to destroy the guardians with his army of Taken, reanimated and corrupted versions of the dead. On top of Taken versions of returning enemies, you’ll also have to square off with other Guardians who were killed in action, forcing you to go against enemies with your abilities.

Luckily for us Guardians who didn’t suck enough to get killed, the expansion will give us an extra advantage thanks to the new weapons and sub classes that are being added. With gear that now goes up to level 30, we’ll need to be armed to the teeth if we hope to take down Oryx. In addition, Titans, Hunters and Warloks each get new classes to expand their abilities. First, Sunbreakers will give Titans a flaming hammer that lets them take out surrounding enemies with ease. Nightstalkers allow Hunters to live up to their namesake, granting them an energy bow for long range kills. Lastly, the Stormcaller class brings rains down lightning on the Taken, courtesy of the Warlocks and their newfound ability to manipulate electricity. Then again, if all you want to do is shoot stuff, there will be two new weapon types for you to go to town with!

From the brief footage we saw of The Taken King in action, it’s not hard to see why this might be what converts doubters into faithful Guardians in no time. With a deeper story, more raids, stronger weapons and armor, sub classes that expand on the standard abilities, and new enemies to test your mettle, it’ll be interesting to see how the expansion changes the game when its released in September.

What are your thoughts on The Taken King so far? Sound off below, and check back in with us for more E3 coverage as its released!