Destiny 1 and 2 both belong to one universe and couldn’t be more different. One of the biggest differences is the graphics and the atmosphere. Surprisingly, however, Destiny 2 is clearly outclassed here by its 8-year-old predecessor, Destiny 1 and not the other way around.
How are the two titles different? Destiny 1 and 2 play in the same universe and thus continue the same story, but they differ mainly in their:
Basically, one could say that Destiny 2 is now better than its predecessor, especially since it is technically outdated and thus outdated. Despite these logical conclusions, Destiny 2 struggles to surpass its older self. One reason for this is the graphics and the implementation of its atmosphere.
Our MeinMMO author Christos Tsogos looked at both titles for you, compared them and shows you why Destiny 1 looks better.
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Realistic graphics, but is that enough?
What are the graphics like in Destiny 2? When you launch Destiny 2 for the first time, you will find that the graphics look very good. Lots of realistic textures and colors, with good lighting effects and smooth rendering – even on consoles.
Basically what you would expect from an AAA title. However, to draw a comparison and show what has changed since Destiny 1, I downloaded the 8-year-old predecessor again.
I have ventured for you to the old locations of the cosmodrome, the moon and the grave ship of Oryx. Thanks to Bungie, these have now also made it to Destiny 2 and thus serve as suitable comparison objects, which I will now compare to you.
Let’s get to the first location, the cosmodrome.
The Cosmodrome – A dead atmosphere graveyard
What is this place? Located in Old Russia, the cosmodrome in its current state is just a graveyard of old colony ships that failed to escape during the collapse.
What are the differences? So that you can get an idea of the differences between the two titles, we looked for a place in the cosmodrome and photographed it.
The comparison in the cosmodrome
It’s clear who the winner is here. Not only does the Destiny 1 version of the cosmodrome show more beautiful and, above all, an aesthetic view, but it also offers details that Destiny 2 does not have.
The launch pads of the colony ships, as well as their remains, are clearly visible in the background, while Destiny 2 has hidden them in an unsightly fog and even removed them completely from the game. The sky and lighting also look more authentic in Destiny 1 than in Destiny 2, but that’s not the only location with significant differences.
The Moon – A gloomy place with missing details
What is this place? The moon in Destiny is a dark place of torment. The Hive, an insect-like alien race, have taken up residence there and planned their invasion of Earth. Many Guardians lost their lives fighting Crota, and now it’s available in Destiny 2 with the Shadowkeep DLC.
What are the differences? Again two pictures, each in the same location. In Destiny 1, the moon can be seen brighter, and the cracks in the moon’s crust can be seen in many details and also wafts of smoke through the dust. A lot of debris trickles down, while in Destiny 2 the moon looks rather gloomy. In Destiny 2 you can see the Scarlet Fortress that was built there throughout history.
darkness and few details
Few details and a feeling of desolation spread when you look at the picture of the new loot shooter offshoot. Here, too, the atmosphere that was lived out in Destiny 1 is missing.
The Hellmouth is just a green sauna
I also went to the Hellmouth to see how the Legendary Crota Pit animations had changed. Here, too, the graphics in Destiny 2 look realistic and good, but the pit in Destiny 1 arouses my interest to jump in more and only because of the exciting animations.
The Dreadnaught – A ship of desolation
What is this place? The Dreadnaught is the vehicle of Oryx, brother of Savathun and Xivu Arath. This had its big appearance in Destiny 1 in the DLC “King of the Taken” but he was destroyed by guardians and now haunts Saturn as a petrified image. Despite this, this iconic raid and thus this location has also made it to Destiny 2 as a legacy.
What are the differences? The Dreadnaught can only be viewed in Destiny 2 in the “Kingsfall” raid, which is why I only used the available scenery.
The entrance and the statues
The entrance to the raid again looks more atmospheric and mysterious in Destiny 1, while in Destiny 2 it looks more menacing and spooky in its haze. In addition, the swinging lamp that cast its shadows in Destiny 1 is missing.
The transition with the two relics
Destiny 1 offered a more dynamic scenery here and in Destiny 2 this is unfortunately lost. The graphics are definitely better in the new offshoot, but the penetrating dark corners look artificial and not appropriate.
Conclusion on the graphic comparison: These comparisons should serve to compare both games and show what differences there are. Mainly because many Destiny 2 players don’t even know what Destiny 1 actually looked like.
Sure, Destiny 2 has strong graphics with realistic components. Places like the Dreaming City still leave Guardians speechless. However, there are many locations that simply don’t have Destiny 1’s former magic or that Bungie hasn’t adopted in the same way.
Destiny 2 definitely has its strengths in the realistic graphics and knows how to implement them. However, it is the idyllic atmosphere of Destiny 1 that made the hearts of the first guardians beat and they are still impressive today.
For my part as a long-time Guardian, that doesn’t change the fact that I still like Destiny 2 and have gotten used to the graphics. But I also had fun creating these shots and staying in Destiny 1’s once-busy locations and soaking up the old-world atmosphere. It gave me a sense of home that I haven’t felt in Destiny 2 in a long time.
What do you think of the differences between Destiny 1 and 2? Are they instantly recognizable or not? Which game would you choose today? Write us your opinion in the comments!
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