Darksiders II

GAME OF THE WEEK:15 cert, THQ, Xbox 360 (also PS3, PC)

Here’s what you might expect in a game about Death himself: fighting with a scythe, monstrous villains and religious references. Here’s what you mightn’t expect: Darksiders II can be surprisingly pleasant, especially in moments when you’re galloping through lush forests to folk music, or talking to loveable giants with warm Scottish accents.

Death is portrayed (like taxes) as an unpopular but necessary evil. His brother, War (star of the first game) is wrongfully imprisoned, so Death must clear his name. This doesn’t sit well with certain dark forces . . .

Apart from its narrative predecessor, Darksiders II owes a debt to a number of classics: the exploration of Zelda, the scope and look of Shadow of the Colossus, and the third-person combat of God of War. Thankfully, it borrows the right elements and forges its own identity; Death is a surprisingly endearing character. Michael Wincott (who has played villains in countless films, from Robin Hood to The Crow) supplies a voice so rough and deep that it seems to rise from his socks.

As you climb icy mountains, descend into dungeons and traverse land, Darksiders II certainly feels like an epic story. But it strikes a balance between creating a huge world and having you spend hours traipsing across digital landscapes. Once you’ve discovered an area, you can port straight there and, unlike part one, you have a horse from the get-go, which speeds up journeys. The combat is a sophisticated hack-and-slash affair, and weapons include magic, various blades and an anachronistic six-shooter.

As well as some impressive broad strokes, there are some lovely small details such as the holes in the ground Death creates when he jumps, the ghostly hands that open boxes for him, and the raven to help you find your bearings.

Some might complain that Darksiders II has some clunky, expository dialogue, or that it owes too much to other titles, but fans of action/RPG will find it easy to embrace Death.