Destiny for Android: App Pick

Posted By Mark Kaelin in App Picks, Gaming, Mobile

BreakingModern — Destiny, an addictive first-person shooter (FPS) with role-playing elements is a hot franchise in the world of console games. Made by Activision and Bungie, the company that brought you Halo, Destiny has been crafted to be a endless world of mayhem. Sound good? Well, the Destiny companion app makes that world a whole lot better.

You see, Destiny combines the fantastic gameplay of a FPS with MMORPG qualities, which lets you make friends, level avatars and (of course) acquire worthy adversaries. Keeping up with all this can be time consuming, and slightly unrealistic, unless you’re one of those people that can sit in front of their PS4, PS3, Xbox One or Xbox 360 all day long. So an app was made, and it takes the franchise into mobile territory. Find it on Google Play and Apple iOS, and see my review below.

Become a Legend

The Destiny companion app exists because of the social role-playing aspects of Destiny proper. Cooperative play is a primary feature of Destiny, and the mobile app allows gamers to stay in touch with friends and their exploits, enhancing the overall experience.

As with other game-related mobile apps, Destiny for Android allows you to inspect your in-game avatar from a mobile device. Players can track achievements, compare scores and check gear with friends and other players.

You can also communicate with friends via forum or real-time chat through the app, which is essential. Want to infiltrate an enemy stronghold? Plan it with the mobile app — make arrangements, assemble a fire team, set a specific time and get everyone involved on the same page.

The one caveat for the Destiny companion app is that it requires Android 4.0 or higher, so make sure your device can handle it.

Bottom line

Activision and Bungie have branched out in 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.

For BMod, I’m Mark Kaelin.

Screenshot: Mark Kaelin

First Image: Courtesy of Bungie

Header/Featured Image: Milky Way. Wikimedia Commons