Hey guys! Let's dive into Destiny: The Taken King on PC. Was Oryx, the Taken King, as imposing on our computers as he was on consoles? We're going to break down everything from the gameplay to the storyline, and, of course, how well it ran on PC. Get ready for a nostalgia trip or a deep dive if you missed this expansion back in the day. We'll explore why this expansion was a game-changer and whether it holds up today.

The Taken King: A Story of Vengeance

The Taken King expansion brought a much darker and more compelling narrative to Destiny. Oryx, the titular Taken King and father to Crota (whom we vanquished in a previous expansion), arrives seeking vengeance. This personal vendetta gave the game a significant shot in the arm, adding emotional weight to our Guardian's actions. The story unfolds through a series of engaging missions, introducing new characters like Eris Morn, who plays a pivotal role in guiding us through the Taken's realm. The sense of dread and urgency is palpable, making the fight against the Taken feel genuinely important.

The Taken themselves are a fascinating enemy. They're not just re-skins of existing foes; instead, they boast unique abilities and tactics that force players to rethink their strategies. Facing down a Taken Captain who can blind you with a single blast or a Taken Knight who erects impenetrable walls adds a layer of complexity that was sorely missing in the base game. This variety keeps the combat fresh and exciting, encouraging players to experiment with different loadouts and approaches. The Taken King's army feels like a legitimate threat, a force to be reckoned with, which significantly raises the stakes.

The narrative isn't just confined to the main missions. The world of Destiny feels more alive with hidden lore and secrets to uncover. Exploring the Dreadnaught, Oryx's massive ship, is a rewarding experience in itself. The ship is filled with hidden passages, challenging platforming sections, and cryptic puzzles that offer glimpses into Oryx's past and the nature of the Taken. These optional activities add depth to the game world and encourage players to invest more time in exploring its nooks and crannies. The sense of discovery is strong, making the Dreadnaught a memorable location.

Furthermore, the story is enhanced by excellent voice acting and cinematic cutscenes. The characters are brought to life with compelling performances, and the cutscenes add dramatic flair to key moments in the narrative. The overall presentation is a significant step up from the base game, demonstrating Bungie's commitment to improving the storytelling aspects of Destiny. The Taken King set a new standard for future expansions, proving that Destiny could deliver a compelling and engaging narrative experience. This focus on story helped to revitalize the game and attract a wider audience.

Gameplay Innovations: Subclasses and More

The Taken King didn't just bring a new story; it revamped the gameplay significantly. One of the most impactful additions was the introduction of new subclasses for each class. Titans gained the Sunbreaker, Warlocks got the Stormcaller, and Hunters received the Nightstalker. Each subclass offered unique abilities and playstyles, adding considerable depth and customization to the game. These new options allowed players to tailor their Guardians to their preferred way of playing, further enhancing the sense of personalization.

The Sunbreaker Titan, with its flaming hammers of doom, provided a powerful offensive option, allowing Titans to control areas and deal massive damage to enemies. The Stormcaller Warlock, with its electrifying super ability, offered unparalleled crowd control, making it ideal for clearing out hordes of enemies. The Nightstalker Hunter, with its Void Bow and ability to tether enemies, provided excellent support and tactical advantages, allowing Hunters to control the flow of battle. These new subclasses not only added variety but also addressed some of the balance issues present in the base game.

Beyond the subclasses, The Taken King introduced a wealth of new weapons and gear. The infusion system was a welcome addition, allowing players to upgrade their favorite weapons and armor by sacrificing higher-level items. This eliminated the frustration of having to abandon beloved gear simply because it was under-leveled. The new weapons and armor sets themselves were visually stunning and offered a range of perks and abilities, further enhancing the customization options available to players. The pursuit of better gear became even more engaging, driving players to participate in a variety of activities.

Strikes and Raids also received significant updates. The new Strike missions were challenging and engaging, featuring unique mechanics and boss encounters. The King's Fall Raid, set within the Dreadnaught, was a true test of skill and coordination, requiring players to work together to overcome complex puzzles and formidable enemies. These activities provided a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, fostering a strong sense of community among players. The rewards for completing these activities were highly sought after, making them a central part of the Destiny experience.

The overall gameplay experience in The Taken King felt more polished and refined than in the base game. The changes addressed many of the criticisms leveled against Destiny and transformed it into a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. The addition of new subclasses, weapons, and gear, combined with the revamped progression system, made The Taken King a true turning point for the game. It set a new standard for future expansions and solidified Destiny's place as a leading looter-shooter.

PC Performance: How Did It Hold Up?

Now, let's talk about the PC performance of Destiny: The Taken King. While Destiny 2 eventually made its way to PC, The Taken King era was primarily a console experience. However, that doesn't mean we can't speculate on how it would have performed, given the right port. A well-optimized port could have delivered stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, taking full advantage of the PC's superior hardware. Imagine running through the Dreadnaught with enhanced textures and a buttery-smooth frame rate! A PC version could have also benefited from increased graphical fidelity and customizable settings.

With the power of modern PCs, The Taken King could have potentially run at higher resolutions and frame rates than the consoles of the time. This would have resulted in a visually more impressive and responsive experience. The ability to tweak graphics settings would have also allowed players to tailor the game to their specific hardware, ensuring optimal performance. A PC version could have also supported ultrawide monitors, providing a more immersive and expansive view of the game world. The possibilities were endless.

Of course, a PC port would have also needed to address potential issues such as input lag and control schemes. Mouse and keyboard support would have been essential, allowing players to aim and move with greater precision. The game would also have needed to be optimized for a variety of PC configurations, ensuring that it ran smoothly on both high-end and mid-range systems. Addressing these technical challenges would have been crucial for a successful PC release.

Given Bungie's track record with Destiny 2 on PC, there's reason to believe that The Taken King could have been a fantastic experience on the platform. Destiny 2 demonstrated that Bungie was capable of delivering a well-optimized and visually stunning PC version of their game. If The Taken King had received the same level of care and attention, it could have been a major hit on PC. The community would have undoubtedly embraced the opportunity to experience this iconic expansion with the benefits of PC gaming.

The Legacy of The Taken King

The Taken King wasn't just an expansion; it was a turning point for Destiny. It addressed many of the criticisms leveled against the base game and transformed it into a more engaging, rewarding, and narratively compelling experience. The introduction of new subclasses, weapons, and gear, combined with the revamped progression system, breathed new life into the game. The story of Oryx and his Taken army provided a memorable and emotional backdrop, raising the stakes and adding weight to the Guardian's actions.

The impact of The Taken King can still be felt in Destiny 2 today. Many of the gameplay mechanics and design philosophies introduced in the expansion have been carried over and refined in the sequel. The emphasis on storytelling, character development, and world-building can all be traced back to The Taken King. The expansion also set a new standard for future Destiny content, demonstrating Bungie's commitment to delivering high-quality and engaging experiences.

Whether you experienced it on consoles back in the day or are just curious about its legacy, The Taken King remains a pivotal moment in Destiny's history. Its influence on the game and the looter-shooter genre as a whole is undeniable. It's a testament to the power of good storytelling, engaging gameplay, and a dedicated community. If you ever get the chance to revisit or experience The Taken King, don't hesitate – you won't be disappointed. It's a corrupted king worth remembering.