TheDestinyfranchise is set to venture into new territory withDestiny: Rising, the first official spinoff developed by NetEase Games. This upcoming mobile game is currently in pre-alpha, with early players getting the chance to test it on November 1. Unlike previousDestinytitles that launched on consoles and PC,Destiny: Risingwill be available exclusively on iOS and Android. However, it will still retain much of the classic gameplay that fans of the series love.
The game takes place shortly after The Collapse, long before the formation of the Tower and Vanguard. Players will have the chance to battle foes in PvE scenarios and challenge each other in PvP, all while wielding a variety of primary and Exotic weapons. Theseiconic weapons first seen inDestinygameswill also play a significant role in the upcoming title. However, one of the most striking elements is the introduction of a new protagonist named Wolf—a character who bears a notable resemblance to the Guardian from the mainline games.
Wolf: A New Face, But a Familiar Role in the Destiny Universe
Wolf, the central character ofDestiny: Rising, may seem like a fresh addition, but upon closer inspection, there are several clear parallels between Wolf and the Guardian ofDestiny 1andDestiny 2. LikeDestiny 2’s Guardian, Wolf is highly customizable, allowing players to choose their character’s appearance and gender. This reflects the same level of personalization that has been a staple of the franchise.
Much likethe Guardian inDestiny 2, Wolf is positioned as a protector of humanity in a chaotic post-apocalyptic world. Set after the catastrophic event known as The Collapse, Wolf’s mission mirrors that of the Guardian in earlier titles—taking on dangerous missions, using powerful weapons, and working to safeguard the remnants of human civilization.
Interestingly, D1 and D2’s protagonist is also referred to as Wolf.
How Destiny: Rising’s Wolf Connects Players in a New Way
Where Wolf truly stands out from the Guardian is inDestiny: Rising’s third-person optional gameplay. Unlike the first-person-only perspective inDestiny 1andDestiny 2,Destiny: Risinggives players the choice to experience the game from a third-person view. This shift could make Wolf a more engaging character, allowing players to see their customizations and fully appreciate their character’s appearance throughout the game.
This third-person perspective provides a more intimate connection between the player and their character, offering more opportunities to build a bond with Wolf than with the often unseen Guardian. By giving players the option to visually engage with their character, NetEase Games is tapping into a feature that could make Wolf feel more personal and dynamic. Though the company will also need to create a more robust character customization system and cosmetic options to truly pull this off.
Wolf’s Potential to Surpass the Guardian
It’s worth noting that Destiny: Rising has multiple playable characters, and Wolf is only the starting one.
Destiny: Risinghas the potential to tell a more intimate story.The Guardian’s journey spans multiple worlds, cosmic-scale events, and massive threats. In contrast, Wolf’s story takes place in the immediate aftermath of The Collapse, a time when humanity is on the brink of extinction. This setting allows for a more personal narrative, focused on survival and rebuilding in a chaotic world. If the developers emphasize Wolf’s individual growth and the struggles of this specific time period,Destiny: Risingcould deliver a uniquely engaging narrative that resonates on a deeper level than the Guardian’s larger-than-life adventures.
On top of this,Wolf’s customizable nature, combined with the mobile platform’s accessibility, may appeal to a wider range of players. As a mobile-first experience,Destiny: Risingoffers the flexibility to play on the go, allowing for shorter, more digestible gameplay sessions without sacrificing the depth of character progression.
Wolf Could Be the New Face of Destiny
WhileDestiny: Risingmay draw inspiration from the Guardian and the legacy of the franchise, Wolf has the potential to stand on their own as a protagonist. With the introduction of third-person gameplay, a more personal narrative, and a mobile-first design, Wolf could offer players afresh, immersive experience that surpasses the Guardianin certain ways.Destiny: Rising’s unique approach to character customization and player engagement may make it a standout entry in theDestinyuniverse, offering fans something new while staying true to the core elements.
