Destiny 1 and 2 both belong to a universe and could not be more different. One of the biggest differences is the graphics and atmosphere. Surprisingly, Destiny 2 significantly surpasses its 8-year-old predecessor Destiny 1 and not the other way around.
In what ways do both titles differ? Destiny 1 and 2 play in the same universe and thus continue the same story, but they differ mainly through their:
- Different movement
- Their abilities and supers available to the Guardians
- Target locations, which have increased with Destiny 2
- A better way to build builds that help players in their everyday Guardian lives
Basically, one could say that Destiny 2 is now in a better position than its predecessor, especially since the latter is technically outdated and thus surpassed. Despite these logical conclusions, Destiny 2 struggles to surpass its older self. One reason for this is the graphics and the way its atmosphere is implemented.
Our MeinMMO author Christos Tsogos has looked at both titles for you, compared them and shows you why Destiny 1 looks better visually.
Realistic graphics, but is that enough?
What does the graphics in Destiny 2 look like? Anyone launching Destiny 2 for the first time will find that the graphics look very good. Many realistic textures and colors, with good lighting effects and smooth rendering – even on consoles.
Basically as one would expect from a AAA title. However, to draw a comparison and show what has changed since Destiny 1, I redownloaded the 8-year-old predecessor.
I ventured into the old locations of the Cosmodrome, the Moon, and Oryx’s Dreadnaught for you. Thanks to Bungie, these have also made it into Destiny 2 and thus serve as suitable comparison objects, which I will now contrast for you.
Let’s start with the first location, the Cosmodrome.
The Cosmodrome – A graveyard of dead atmosphere
What kind of place is this? The Cosmodrome is located in Old Russia and in its current state is just a graveyard of old colony ships that did not manage to escape during the Collapse.
What differences are there? So that you can form your own picture of the differences between the two titles, we searched for a place in the Cosmodrome and photographed it.
It is clear to see who the winner is here. Not only does the Destiny 1 version of the Cosmodrome show a more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing view, but it also offers details that Destiny 2 lacks.
The launch pads of the colony ships, as well as their remains, are clearly visible in the background, while Destiny 2 hides them in an ugly fog and even completely removed them from the game. The sky and the lighting also appear more authentic in Destiny 1 than in Destiny 2. However, this is not the only location with meaningful differences.
The Moon – A dark place with missing details
What kind of place is this? The Moon is a dark place full of torment in Destiny. The Hive, an insect-like alien race, has settled there and planned their invasion of Earth. Many Guardians lost their lives in the battle against Crota, and now he has also been present in Destiny 2 since the DLC “Shadowkeep“.
What differences are there? Again, two pictures, each in the same location. In Destiny 1, the Moon is seen brighter, and there are many details and smoke plumes visible at the cracks of the lunar crust. Many debris fall down, while in Destiny 2, the Moon appears darker. In Destiny 2, one can see the Scarlet Fortress that was built there over the course of the story.
Few details and a feeling of desolation spreads when looking at the image of the new loot shooter offshoot. Here too, the atmosphere that was once well expressed in Destiny 1 is lacking.
I also ventured to the Hellmouth to see how the animations of the legendary Crota’s Lair have changed. Here too, the graphics in Destiny 2 appear realistic and good, but the pit in Destiny 1 piques my interest to jump in more, and that is just due to the exciting animations.
The Dreadnaught – A spaceship of desolation
What kind of place is this? The Dreadnaught is the vessel of Oryx, the brother of Savathun and Xivu Arath. He made his big appearance in Destiny 1 in the DLC “King of the Possessed“, but was destroyed by Guardians and now haunts as a petrified image around Saturn. Nevertheless, this iconic raid and thus this location have also made their legacy into Destiny 2.
What differences are there? You can only examine the Dreadnaught in Destiny 2 in the raid “Kingsfall”, which is why I only used the available scenes.
The entrance to the raid in Destiny 1 again feels more atmospheric and mysterious, while in Destiny 2 it appears more threatening and spooky in its haze. Moreover, the swinging lamp that cast its shadows in Destiny 1 is missing.
Destiny 1 offered a more dynamic scenery here and unfortunately, that is lost in Destiny 2. The graphics are definitely better in the new installment, but the glaring dark corners appear artificial and unfitting.
Conclusion on the graphics comparison: These comparisons should serve to contrast both games and show what differences exist, especially since many Destiny 2 players are unaware of what Destiny 1 actually looked like.
Sure, Destiny 2 has strong graphics with realistic components. Places like the Dreaming City still leave Guardians speechless. However, there are many locations that simply do not possess the former charm of Destiny 1 or that Bungie did not adopt as well.
Destiny 2 definitely has its strengths in realistic graphics and knows how to implement them. However, it is the once idyllic atmospheres of Destiny 1 that made the hearts of the first Guardians race, and those can still be seen today.
For my part, as a long-time Guardian, that doesn’t change the fact that I still find Destiny 2 good and have gotten used to the graphics. However, I also enjoyed creating these recordings and lingering in the once bustling locations of Destiny 1 and enjoying the old atmosphere. It gave me a certain feeling of being at home that I haven’t felt in Destiny 2 for a long time.
What do you think about the differences between Destiny 1 and 2? Are they immediately recognizable or not? Which game would you choose today? Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments!
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