A comic for the MMO shooter Destiny is causing a stir online. In one page and a few panels, PennyArcade has told a spine-chilling story that shows players how much potential still lies in Bungie’s hit.
The lack of story is a constant complaint against the MMO shooter Destiny. “I don’t even have time to explain why I don’t have time to explain,” is a running gag in the forums, highlighting that Destiny is indeed lacking in background story. While there are Grimoire cards that are praised and considered worth reading, nobody seems to be truly satisfied with them.
Story belongs in the game, in cutscenes, in text, in cinematics, in dialogues, so the general sentiment among fans.
In forums, Destiny players have extensively analyzed where the story is lacking, where cuts were likely made, and where plot threads have fizzled out. To this day, it’s unclear whether the finished result of Destiny is truly as Bungie intended or if, due to time constraints or pressure from publisher Activision, the story was cut.
It seems evident: The world is so rich and atmospheric, hints of a rich world, a vibrant story can be found everywhere, yet it somehow still eludes us. In its place, wild fan theories have emerged.
What could be narratively possible in the world of Destiny, how much a strong narrative layer could enhance the game, and how a story could harmonize with the already strong atmosphere and scenario of the game is illustrated by a surprisingly serious comic from Penny Arcade, which is more known for lighter content.
In a battle break, an exhausted and injured Guardian asks her Ghost how the Traveler is. How he would describe him in one word. And the usually silent Ghost responds this time.
