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'Destiny' trailer shows what's new in the big April update
Bungie has seemingly been teasing Destiny: The Taken King's April update for ages, but it's finally (almost) here -- and the studio has seen fit to release one last trailer that explains what all the fuss is about. The clip gives you a whirlwind tour of virtually everything that's new, including new quests, strikes and story missions, the increased Light level and new gear ranging from chroma trim (basically, shiny lighting) to Taken-themed armor.
'Destiny' spring update arrives on April 12th
Bungie hasn't been shy about teasing Destiny updates in between The Taken King and its sequel, but what are those going to look like, exactly, and when is it arriving? The studio isn't spilling all the beans just yet, but it's now offering a few clues. As part of a multi-post preview, Bungie has revealed that Destiny's first big post-TTK update (aka version 2.2) will launch on April 12th with at least a few sweet offerings. There's a new quest that revolves around the mysterious Blighted Chalice strike, as well as additional player-versus-environment challenges. Also, you can anticipate a smattering of new and updated gear, Crucible updates and an increased maximum Light level with rewards to match.
Paid 'Destiny' level boosts promote progression over experience
When developers Bungie and Activision released their biggest-ever paid Destiny expansion, The Taken King, it signalled a return to everything that made the game great. It appeared that both companies had addressed nearly all of the suggestions the Destiny player base had put forward, which included the re-introduction of the all-important six-player raid.
'Destiny' won't get big add-on packs in its second year
Those reports of Bungie scaling back Destiny's add-on plans were apparently well-founded. The studio's Derek Carroll tells Eurogamer that the game's Taken King era will focus on events like Sparrow racing, rather than the "giant, monolithic" downloadable content packs that defined Destiny in its first year. Bungie isn't explaining why, but tipsters had previously claimed that this was necessary to give the team more breathing room as it worked on yearly upgrades.
'Destiny' will add a hovercraft racing competition next week
If you're searching for a new way to play Destiny, Bungie and Activision have PlayStation owners covered. Starting on December 8th, Destiny: The Taken King owners can participate in the Sparrow Racing League. It's a competitive race on the game's Sparrow hovercrafts against friends or strangers alike, and from the quick video we just saw at the PlayStation Experience event in San Francisco, it should be a good time. If you're a fan of F-Zero, Wipeout 2048 or any of the other many similar games out there, the Sparrow Racing League will likely scratch that same itch.
Playdate: taking on The Taken King in 'Destiny'
We're officially in "year two" of Bungie's connected shooter Destiny and what better way to celebrate than by streaming its first big expansion pack, "The Taken King" ? Both Sean Buckley and myself are lapsed Destiny players who've largely stepped away from the game in pursuit of other, not-grindy experiences. But Bungie's been touting the changes it's made as being more welcoming to new folks and those who've been overwhelmed by what it took to get the best gear and weapons previously. So join us at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT for two hours of hot new Guardian action as we discover how accurate the developer's claims are. As always, you can check out the broadcast right here on this post, the Engadget Gaming homepage, and, if you want to join us in chat, head over to Twitch.tv/joystiq.
The year of change for 'Destiny' starts next week
Developer Bungie is treating Destiny a lot like an MMO and come next Tuesday the game shifts into version 2.0, what the studio is effectively referring to as "year two" for the game. There are a ton of changes coming, and even if you don't snag the kick-off expansion pack "The Taken King," you'll be able to benefit from them. Bungie's latest blog post gets into the nitty-gritty, but we're going to keep it mostly high-level here. First up: new modes and new maps for the game's adversarial multiplayer mode, Crucible, are out now but unless you buy the next expansion, will disappear once "King" launches in earnest next week. A new subclass for your character is available as well. Everyone, not just "House of Wolves" and "Dark Below" purchasers, will get the benefit of an increased level cap (bumping up to 34), but again, buying "King" will increase it further (to 40).
Check out some gameplay from Destiny's 'The Taken King' expansion
The Taken King is a massive expansion due to hit Destiny on September 15th, bringing new strike missions, three new subclasses (including skill trees), exclusive gear and more goodies. The expansion's new raid, King's Fall, will not be available at launch, but director Luke Smith tells IGN that Bungie has "a plan for when it's going to be available." Smith promises to give fans a heads up before it goes live.
Bungie apologizes to 'Destiny' players by selling them stuff
At E3 Bungie announced The Taken King expansion for Destiny, and as we explained this morning that didn't go over very well with existing players. One of the main reasons is that, aside from a $40 price for the expansion itself, Bungie made exclusive downloadables that only people buying the complete game as part of a new collector's edition could get. Tonight the developer published an early "Part 1" of its usual weekly update, apologizing for that awkward Eurogamer interview and explaining that existing players can get the new items (three specific class emotes, three color schemes for their armor, and three exotic class items) by shelling out $20 for an upgrade bundle it will put on sale September 15th. That's certainly better than not being able to get it at all -- and cheaper than buying the new $80 CE -- but let us know if that's enough, or if you're still calling BS.
