Go back to the beginning with this action prequel

Darksiders Genesis is a video game developed by Airship Syndicate and published by THQ Nordic that showcases top-down, hack-n-slash, action-role-playing elements. A spin-off prequel to the action game series, Darksiders, this game shows you the events before the first title and even offers co-op mode for the first time in the franchise. This time, you get to meet Strife, the fourth and last Horseman of the Apocalypse, as he teams up with his brother War to defeat Lucifer and save humanity from certain doom.

Ride the apocalypse

Darksiders is a hack-n-slash action-adventure video game franchise originally created by Vigil Games. The whole series is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, wherein mankind has now become extinct and angels and demons battle for world domination. Among them are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—War, Death, Fury, and Strife—the last of the unholy Nephilim who are tasked to bring balance to the universe. In Darksiders, War journeys to clear his name and find the one who truly brought about the Apocalypse on Earth. In Darksiders II, the game shows Death’s side of the story during Darksiders, trying to fix the things that he believes War is innocent of. Fury debuts in Darksiders III—running parallel alongside War and Death’s stories, as well, and tasked to destroy the Seven Deadly Sins. This time in the fourth Darksiders game, however, you’ll be going back to the past.

Blast through hell

Darksiders Genesis features the story of the fourth Horseman, Strife, who journeys with War to stop the balance of the universe from being toppled over. Before the fall of mankind and War being incriminated, Demon King Lucifer has been granting immense power to master demons throughout Hell. Strife and War are then assigned to hunt down the master demons and stop Lucifer from gaining an edge over the angels. Darksiders Genesis still features that same frenetic hack-n-slash action the series is known for, but unlike in the previous games, this spin-off prequel is played with a top-down perspective and looter gameplay similar to Diablo. Strife uses guns and can switch roles with the sword-wielder War on the battlefield—letting you take full advantage of both characters even if you’re playing alone. If you have a friend with you, you can tag-team through the numerous levels with the game’s co-op mode.

Bullets and blades

Compared to the first three games, Darksiders Genesis may seem too far out for the series’ dedicated fans. However, much of what has changed is only about the perspective and the new Horseman. For a spin-off and a prequel, all in one, this title surprisingly holds its own well enough to be an enjoyable entry to the franchise. If you’re playing co-op all the time, though, the glitches may get frustrating, but Darksiders Genesis definitely brings a breath of fresh air to the series.