3) Homecoming
As expected, Destiny 2 is chock-full of references, both big and small, to the original game. Some are subtle and inconspicuous enough that they’ll only be found if Guardians are actively looking for them, while others are intentionally obvious homages meant to elicit a smirk on the player’s face. Many of them are used sparingly, sprinkled throughout Destiny 2‘s campaign like an expensive – but not overused – seasoning, usually timed perfectly as to make sure they don’t go unnoticed.
The opening story mission, however, is paced a little differently in that sense. As it takes place largely in the Vanguard Tower, though, it’s hardly surprising that Bungie would go full throttle with the references with Homecoming – this is, after all, the last time you’ll ever step foot on the Tower’s grounds before Ghaul turns it into twisted metal.
The gauntlet of throwbacks begins with a humorous encounter with the Sweeper maintenance bot from the first game. Despite the slaughter happening around him (it?), with doors being blown off their hinges and fire spreading everywhere, our old friend is only concerned with cleanliness, a passion that likely ended with his being blown to bits shortly after our departure.
Other nods include a sly reference to Destiny‘s OG weapon, the Khvostov auto rifle – several of which can be seen on a rack in the armory vault that Lord Shaxx so eagerly opens for you – as well as a traumatizing revelation in regards to the purple ball’s fate. The poor, inanimate object that enjoyed three years of being punted around the Tower courtyard by bored Guardians in the original game ultimately ends up as one of the first casualties of Ghaul’s invasion, smeared on the steps atop the building like a used prophylactic.
What a terrible way to go.