It’s not really a surprise that when Destiny initially launched, it was lacking when it came to story elements. The plot felt basic and it seemed like Bungie wanted to tell a much different and mature story than what was presented to the audience. However, where the game did succeed was the satisfying loot. While initially the drops were sparse and the Cryptarch was the most annoying entity on the planet, Bungie eventually listened to their fans and addressed all of these concerns. With the Rise of Iron expansion, leveling up your character and finding excellent gear is a trivial matter and the game is better off for it. However, these changes make a real difference when it comes to the content outside of the expansion because defeating already in-game Raid bosses and other Strike champions has become easier as well as more rewarding. As stated in our review of Rise of Iron, the game adds skeleton keys which can be used to open chests at the end of Strikes. The chests reveal amazing finds and it’s a sure-fire way to become stronger and gain additional light levels.
There are also special quests which open up after the short Rise of Iron campaign ends. They include finding special items like the preorder bonus Iron Gjallarhorn rocket launcher or the powerful Vohkstov exotic weapons. These quests require a lot of backtracking and are similar to the ones which were found in The Taken King. You can acquire weapons by completing certain tasks set forth by the leaders or other officers. If you loved them, you’ll love these but if you found them tedious, hope that you get lucky through one of the chests or guaranteed drops.
Another major edition which doesn’t really help you with Rise of Iron content is Archon’s Forge. It’s basically an arena scenario with Nightfall elements in it. Remember that Minecraft user-created map which features a waiting area where you had to use a diamond or other precious material to enter again once you died? Archon’s Forge is exactly the same. When you’re playing the missions, Hive Wizards—now know by a different name—will drop Splicer Keys. This is the currency here. You need Splicer Keys to return to combat so be sure to stock up on many of them. Luckily this can be done rather easily right now by replaying the mission which opens up after Rise of Iron ends. Farm the Hive Wizards over and over again and they’ll drop so many keys you’ll need a bigger storage container.
As mentioned above, Archon’s Forge is basically a modified version of other arenas and you’re given set objectives to complete. It’s a nice variation from what we’ve experienced before but it’s nothing revolutionary. Elements from past modes can clearly been seen here. However, what is it good for is to gain light levels. You get great gear and can level up quickly. For those that don’t know, when you level up you gain Motes of Light which can be consumed to upgrade your gear. This increases your light level and makes you more resistant to enemies. The best part is that the Archon’s Forge battles are quick so you can play them again and again.
I learned this the hard way but remember to stock up on the Splicer Keys. If you aren’t able to get back into the heat of combat, you won’t get any rewards and your teammates will likely die. Expect a lot of angry Xbox Live messages if you aren’t able to contribute.
Before I discuss what makes Destiny so addictive, let me mention some other changes that Rise of Iron brings. A new multiplayer mode called Supremacy has been added which is a free-for-all arena that requires you to pick up fallen crests. Whoever picks up the most wins. I was able to win many rounds in this mode because I waited for two Guardians to go at each other and when they were weak I would kill them both and pick up their crests. However, I was more devious than that. If there’s a fallen crest that hasn’t been picked up, you can see it on the map. Players tend to flock to it so you can set up ambush situations. I usually picked up one crest and waited for an unsuspecting chap to walk on by and I would eliminate them. It involves a lot of strategy and it’s a great way to gain Legendary Marks, the old currency required to buy gear from the leaders or merchants.
New maps have also been added if you’re looking for variety. However, I feel that many of these maps aren’t as complex and interesting as they could be. Many feel like they’re forcing you in a closed environment with narrow passages where shotguns reign supreme. This can be frustrating if you don’t like using them like me but remember to keep one handy when you’re playing the Rise of Iron Crucible content because it makes winning much easier. Usually the people who led in these matches were the one who carried shotguns.
Destiny is addictive because I think it’s in our nature to just be better. Gamers value perfection and attaining that highest level is part out our character. Finding better items is rewarding no matter what game you play and I bet many of you keep on the lookout for that upgrade no matter whether it be Destiny or BioShock: Infinite. Where Destiny failed initially was that it made upgrading too cumbersome and many people gave up, however, after all these years, the game has finally perfected its rewards model and while the Rise of Iron expansion might disappoint due to its story, Destiny: The Collection, the full game available now, shines. Expect our review soon.
Asher and Xian is a shared byline ICXM used for 18 articles co-authored between 2015–2017 covering game reviews, and Xbox news. See the individual contributor profiles for the writers behind these collaborations.