Darksiders: Wrath of War - Eyes On

This was a game I first saw video for at Monaco E3 night, and the concept was interesting enough, the art arresting enough, but without a controller to grab a hold of, it didn't manage to suck me in. Here at GCA, surrounded by gumpf for THQ's next big wrestling game, is a display for Darksiders. I spent a while watching and re-watching the new screens and cutscenes the developers brought with them. And... wow.

In Darksiders you'll take charge of the Horseman, WAR. That's Horseman with a capital H, because he's one of the big four, sent to earth to watch over Earth in its final days. But something triggers the apocalypse ahead of schedule, and if there's one thing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse hate, it's when the apocalypse comes early. They don't like to get dressed up for nothing.

WAR needs to find out what's happened and whose arse he can kick for it. Riding on his black steed, Ruin, WAR sets out among the ravaged landscape of our Earth (we're all long gone) to battle the demons that now populate the world. The array of weapons looks impressive, with WAR having access to swords, staves, projectile weapons and the ability to use the cast of detritus of the now. A burned out car makes for a mean demon crusher. Here, CATCH!

This game is going to be seriously bleak, with massive, frightening bosses and enemies coming at you from both the up above and down belows. The video screening for the game here at GCA includes the motto Hunted by Heaven, Hated by Hell. WAR can't really win, it would seem, but he's going to try.

I saw zombies, harpies, angels and all manner of combinations - animals, humanoids, mythical creatures and things so strange I wouldn't know what to call them. The battle mechanics look lusty and bloody, with many denziens to rend apart with cold steel or hot barrel.

Comic book artist Joe Madureira is responsible for the intense artwork that has been poured into the game. Famous for his work with classics like X-Men, this is a guy who knows how to make bad guys look good. The visuals for Darksiders are going to be absolutely stunning if THQ's display is to be believed.

I am dying to get my hands on this game, and I would encourage you all to do a bit of reading ahead of the game's 2010 release date. NZGamer.com will bring you a full review as soon as we can.

Oh, and just so you know, the ESRB says "This game may include content that is inappropriate for children." I just about fell down laughing. I have never seen so many flying limbs.

NZGamer.com is here because of the benevolent folk at Leipziger Messe, and we're thankful for that.

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