aNewDomain — “Destiny” is an addictive first-person shooter (FPS) game that’s really hot in the world of console gaming. Created by Activision and Bungie — the people that brought you “Halo” — “Destiny” is available for PS4, PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. But what about those of us who can’t sit in front of our consoles all day? Well, the Destiny companion app makes access a whole lot more convenient.
Destiny combines the thrilling gameplay of a FPS with the best qualities of an MMORPG, allowing you to make friends, level avatars and acquire worthy adversaries. The Destiny companion app bridges the gap between console gaming and mobile portability. It’s available free on Google Play and requires Android 4.0 or higher. It’s also available for Apple iOS.
The Making of a Legend
“Destiny’s” role-playing aspects are the real reason for the Destiny companion app. With cooperative play as a primary feature of the game, the mobile app lets gamers stay connected to friends, enhancing the overall game experience.
Like many other game-related mobile apps, Destiny for Android allows you to keep an eye on your in-game avatar from any mobile device. Use it to track your achievements, check gear and compare scores with friends and other players.
The app also allows you to communicate with friends using a forum or real-time chat — an essential quality to quick, easy gaming. Want to set up a plan to infiltrate an enemy stronghold? The mobile app lets you make plans, assemble a fire team, set a time for the assault and keep everyone connected in the know.
Bottom line
Activision and Bungie have branched out — they’re trying to combine the multiplayer FPS genre with RPG elements. Usually the latest, greatest FPS would be played endlessly only until the newer (and now latest and greatest) FPS showed up. “Destiny” hopes to break this cycle.
Other multiplayer FPSs have incorporated the concept of leveling an avatar to gain access to new gear and weapons, but “Destiny” adds another layer of engagement to that equation.
Once an avatar in “Destiny” reaches maximum level, new areas, storylines and game modes become available. The additional content increases the longevity of the game and keeps players engaged in the new aspects of the game and the social aspects of the experience.
Like an MMORPG, players can develop friendships, form teams, groups, communities and organize specific in-game events. Social makes everyone more involved, which only increases gameplay and fun. The next greatest FPS may have trouble pulling players away from a heavily invested community of “Destiny” players.
That’s why Destiny for Android is my choice for aNewDomain’s App of the Day.
For aNewDomain, I’m Mark Kaelin.
Ed: The original version of this review ran on aNewDomain’s BreakingModern. Read it here.
Featured image: Milky Way by John Fowler via Flickr
Screenshots: Mark Kaelin
