Within 'Destiny 2' there are different weapon types. These weapon types not only offer a distinct look that is consistent with other weapons from that type, but they also offer sounds which match the weapon type.
A prime example of this is found within two weapon types, 'Linear Fusion Rifle's' and 'Fusion Rifle's'. Both have a very similar feel but serve different purposes. Both require a charge up to be fired but the type of shot they shoot is different.
'Linear Fusion Rifle's' are more similar to a sniper rifle with an energy twist, they shoot precise shots that have good range and deal much more focused damage.
'Regular Fusion Rifle's' on the other hand shoot several energy projectiles dealing much better damage close up and deal a higher dps.
Not only does the feel and look of these weapon types set them apart but the sound does as well. Linear fusion rifles have a much sleeker sound to them. Their charge up and shot sound are much higher pitched than that of the 'Regular Fusion Rifle'. 'Linear Fusion Rifles' tap into that stealthy sniper aesthetic as they make little sound when shot but deal large amounts of precise damage. This sound matches the looks of the gun also as they are thin and sleek in shape, with the one exception being the exotic ‘Sleeper’s Simulant’, which is far bulkier and fires a massive precision shot that’s loud and deadly.
Sleeper's Simulant, Destiny 2, Bungie, 2018
This has direct impact on how the player feels when they use each type of weapon. With a 'Regular Fusion Rifle', it’s almost as if you can feel the weight of it just from hearing the sounds it makes. With a much heavier charge up sound and shot sound that matches the large amount of damage it deals.
This style of Sound Design is consistent with all of 'Destiny’s' weapon types. Even if the weapon looks vastly different from other weapons within its type you are still able to distinguish what weapon type it is.
This Sound Design is further made useful in 'Destiny’s' competitive modes. Due to the fast-paced nature of these modes, players don’t have a lot of time to investigate their enemy team and find out what setup they have for their character. You are able to tell what weapon enemies might be using from the sound as they fire. Much more skilled players might be able to pinpoint what the exact weapon is and plan accordingly on how to counter the enemy.
Supers
Another thing to note is the sound design around the 'Supers' of the game. 'Supers' are essentially powerful class abilities that charge up over time and can be activated by the player to provide offense or defence. These 'Supers' fall under the 4 damage types of the game' Solar, Void, Arc and Stasis'. Within each damage type there are 3 skill trees that provide a different styled super, for example a 'Warlock' can run 'Dawnblade' which allows them to glide around with a powerful sword that fires bolts of fire, or they select a skill tree that sticks the sword in the ground providing buffs if players stand nearby.
Dawnblade, Destiny 2, Bungie, 2017
The sound design around these 'Supers' is one of the most important aspects of the games design when in relation to its competitive modes. Due to how powerful 'Supers' are it helps if players can understand when an enemy might have activated their 'Super' and what 'Super' they have activated. There is some iconography within the game that aids the player here, but once again due to the fast-paced gameplay it’s hard to always keep track of HUD elements.
This where 'Destiny 2’s' sound design once again shines, as players can distinguish the damage type of the 'Super' and if listened to more closely, they can also tell what exact 'Super' has been activated.
Going back on the example of 'Dawnblade' when activating the offensive skill trees a loud unsheathing noise is played along with crackles of fire, however if the player chooses the defensive skill tree there is still the unsheathe sound, but it’s followed by a high-pitched tone that is much less threatening. This simple change in sound aids the player in understanding if their enemy or teammate are playing on the offensive or defensive.
To conclude 'Destiny 2' does an amazing job at not only ensuring the player they are in the loop about what is happening around them, but also making them feel powerful during gameplay. It does this well, not only in the design around the HUD but ace's it in the games' Sound Design, which makes it even more enjoyable to engage with.
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