Episode Heresy – Act III Unveils a Classic Mission in Destiny 2
The world of gaming is an ever-evolving landscape, where innovation meets nostalgia, creating a tapestry of experiences that captivate players both old and new. One such example is the latest development in Destiny 2, the popular online multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Bungie. Recently, the game introduced Episode Heresy – Act III, the final chapter of a three-part series continuing the epic saga following the events of The Final Shape. This latest installment brings with it a wave of excitement as it revives a beloved classic mission from the original Destiny game, much to the delight of veterans and newcomers alike.
The Revival of a Classic: The Sunless Cell Strike
The centerpiece of this update is the return of The Sunless Cell strike, a mission that first made its debut nearly a decade ago as part of The Taken King expansion in the original Destiny. This mission is fondly remembered by many players for its unique challenges and immersive atmosphere. Bungie, the game’s developer, has managed to recapture the essence of what made The Sunless Cell so memorable while seamlessly integrating it into the current narrative and technological framework of Destiny 2.
The task of reviving a classic mission like this is no small feat. It requires a delicate balance of maintaining the core gameplay elements that made the original strike special, while updating it to fit the modern sandbox environment of Destiny 2. Bungie has become adept at this process, having successfully reintroduced past content in a way that resonates with both longtime fans and new players. The Sunless Cell is no exception, standing tall as a compelling addition to Destiny 2’s ever-evolving storyline.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Revival
To gain insight into the intricate process of reviving classic content, Destiny 2 Design Lead Baldur Tangvald and Designer J. Valencia shared their perspectives. According to them, the journey begins by examining what made the strike unique and memorable. This involves identifying standout moments and encounters, as well as understanding the overall flow of the mission.
“We start by looking at aspects that make the strike unique or memorable, any standout moments or encounters, and how the strike flows,” Valencia explains. “Then we take the skeleton of the original strike and update encounters and mechanics to fit Destiny 2’s current sandbox experience, which allows for higher combatant density and new enemy types, while keeping the experience of the original.”
This approach ensures that the essence of the original mission is preserved while enhancing it with the latest gameplay innovations and challenges, creating a fresh experience for players.
Old Ground, New Tricks
Episode Heresy is heavily centered around the Hive, an ancient race in Destiny’s universe that serves as a formidable adversary. The Dreadnaught, a sprawling area teeming with Hive, is a significant location within this narrative. It serves as the backdrop for the ongoing The Nether activity and the original Sunless Cell strike. Valencia elaborates on the decision to include this strike in the storyline, stating, “Heresy’s heavy focus on the Hive within the Dreadnaught made this strike seem like a particularly good inclusion to serve as a beat in the story.”
The development team aimed to maximize the space available in The Nether activity by updating the Dreadnaught, specifically utilizing areas like The Founts for combat and exploration. This strategic decision allowed them to enhance the arena activity, tell a more compelling story, and inject a sense of novelty into the strike playlist.
A Beloved Fan Favorite
The original Sunless Cell strike was a favorite among Destiny’s earliest players. Despite its simplicity compared to modern Destiny 2 strikes, it boasts combat beats that remain memorable today. One of the most iconic elements of the original strike was the boss fight against Alak-Hul, The Darkblade, which took place in total darkness. This unique setting created a tense and thrilling experience for players, as Tangvald recalls, “The glow of Cursed Thrall heads and little Hive crystals in the pitch-black space gave it an extra cool vibe. This unusual environmental element made for an interesting new set of combat pressures and challenges, effectively communicating a sense of fear and danger.”
The goal for the reprised version of the strike was to maintain this sense of tension and danger while introducing new elements that align with the evolving narrative. The original boss, Alak-Hul, has been replaced by a powerful new Darkblade working alongside the enigmatic Taken. Guardians must now navigate this ominous environment, contending with both the new Darkblade and the ever-present Taken threats.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
“The Sunless Cell’s boss fight is one of its most unique parts, making the Guardian feel hunted by Alak-Hul in the darkness,” Valencia notes. “While that feeling is still present in this reprise, the Guardians must now also contend with the Taken enemies inside the cell and prevent this new adversary from being Taken itself.”
Despite these updates, the structure of the strike remains faithful to the original, with a few surprises and challenges designed to engage today’s players. It’s a testament to Bungie’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Destiny while ensuring that it continues to evolve and captivate its audience.
The Legacy Continues
Destiny’s decade-long journey has seen a transformation in both its player base and its development team. Many who started as fans of the game are now actively contributing to its evolution, bringing their passion and insights to the table. Tangvald reflects on this journey, sharing, “About ten years ago I was singing praises for this particular strike during my interviews to join Bungie. We’re all excited to have it back, have strived to honor it and embrace its unique elements, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!”
For those eager to experience this revamped classic, Destiny 2: Heresy is now available for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It invites players to dive into the mysteries of the solar system and engage in thrilling first-person shooter combat, all while unlocking powerful abilities and collecting unique gear to customize their Guardians.
Conclusion
The revival of The Sunless Cell in Destiny 2’s Episode Heresy – Act III is a testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved franchise. By seamlessly blending nostalgia with innovation, Bungie has once again demonstrated its ability to captivate players and keep the Destiny universe alive and thriving. Whether you’re a veteran Guardian or a newcomer to the game, this latest chapter promises an exhilarating journey through the stars, where legends are forged and adventures await.
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