Darksiders II vs Red Steel 2
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Darksiders II follows the enigmatic Death, one of the Four Horsemen, as he embarks on a quest to restore balance after the apocalypse. The game blends hack‑and‑slash combat with RPG progression, offering a sprawling fantasy world to explore. Players traverse diverse environments, solve puzzles, and upgrade abilities while confronting mythic foes, delivering a deep single‑player experience that balances action and storytelling.
Red Steel 2 is a first-person action-adventure game that places players in the boots of the unnamed hero, the last member of the Kusagari clan. After being dragged across the desert and stripped of his katana by Payne, the leader of the Jackals gang, the hero must fight his way through a harsh frontier town to reclaim his honor and his weapon. Combining intense first-person katana combat with fast-paced firearm action, the game utilizes motion controls to deliver precise 1:1 sword swings. Players will rescue allies like their former swordsmaster Jian, explore stylized desert environments, and unleash devastating combos against waves of ruthless enemies in a unique wild-west meets samurai setting.
- Deep RPG progression system
- Expansive open‑world design
- Fluid and responsive combat
- Rich storytelling and world‑building
- Precise and responsive motion-controlled swordplay
- Striking cell-shaded art style and atmosphere
- Seamless blend of melee and ranged combat
- Engaging campaign featuring memorable characters
- Occasional frame‑rate drops on PC
- Repetitive side‑quest objectives
- Limited enemy variety in early zones
- No multiplayer or cooperative modes available
- Linear level progression with restricted exploration
- Requires specific motion control hardware to play
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Darksiders II
View all →Alternatives to Red Steel 2
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Master the way of the sword in feudal Japan’s ultimate duel simulator
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDarksiders II offers a deeper, open‑world RPG experience at a higher price, while Red Steel 2 provides a cheaper, motion‑controlled linear shooter.
Key differences
- •Open‑world exploration vs. linear hub levels
- •Extensive RPG skill tree and gear upgrades vs. motion‑control swordplay only
- •Higher price ($59.99) vs. lower price ($49.99)
- •Critic scores: 86/100 vs. 79/100
- •Requires motion‑control hardware vs. standard controls
Pricing & value
Red Steel 2 costs $49.99, $10 less than Darksiders II's $59.99.
Gameplay & fun factor
Darksiders II features open world, deep skill tree, varied combat and puzzles; Red Steel 2 is linear with limited exploration.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Darksiders II offers vast interconnected world, side quests, and boss variety; Red Steel 2 has a single linear campaign.
Difficulty & accessibility
Red Steel 2 requires specific motion‑control hardware, limiting accessibility; Darksiders II works with standard inputs.
Graphics & performance
Darksiders II notes occasional frame‑rate drops; Red Steel 2 has no performance data provided.
Choose Darksiders II if…
Players who want a deep RPG, open world, and richer content, and don’t mind a higher price.
Choose Red Steel 2 if…
Players who prefer cheaper, motion‑controlled sword combat and a shorter linear experience.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Red Steel 2 costs $49.99; Darksiders II costs $59.99.
Do either of these support multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.
Do I need special hardware for Red Steel 2?
Yes, it requires motion‑control hardware for its swordplay mechanics.








