Anyone who has played the Darksiders Saga is well aware of what made the games unique, or apart from others. The Tree of Life and the constant battle between good and evil, angels and demons, and the Nephilim made the games unique. Other games, for instance, the Souls Series, have their own version of good and evil, their vision different to some extent.

While I personally have not played any of the Souls games, I have played Elden Ring. In contrast, I have finished all of the Darsiders games. I would say that Darksiders 2 is probably my favorite Darksiders game, due to all the loot, weapon crafting and perhaps secrets. Yet all of the Darksiders games are awesome in my opinion. I really do think Elden Ring is a masterpiece, yet I have to admit that I truly do believe that game has been inspired in many ways by the Darksiders series.

Similarities between the two: A huge tree if not several, some winged NPCs, the ability to teleport to different areas of the map, some weapon crafting, and a sense of good and evil. While the Darksiders games are closely related to the Bible, Elden Ring has a completely different idea of heaven and hell. Darksiders 3 was released back in 2018, around the time Elden Ring was still in development, and it has several cutscenes that secretly reveal that a new game is on the making. One which is going to generate controversy, like if the game was designed to perform a social engineering test on another society, somewhat a form of conspiracy.

Let's cut to the cheese, here is the cutscene below, and let me know what you think about the two games and what do you like or dislike about them.

#darksiders #eldenring #gaming #youtube

Samael is one of the most enigmatic and powerful characters in the Darksiders series, a demon lord whose influence and schemes intertwine with the destinies of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He is a character of immense complexity, whose motivations and actions are crucial across the different entries in the series, including Darksiders, Darksiders II, Darksiders III, and Darksiders Genesis. Samael’s backstory, hidden ambitions, and strategic maneuvers make him a central figure in the battle between Heaven, Hell, and the forces that govern the cosmos.

Backstory and Character Overview:

Samael, often referred to as the "Lord of Hell" or the "Red Prince," is a demon of extraordinary power, rivaling even Lucifer, the ruler of Hell. He is known for his vast intelligence, cunning, and deep understanding of the cosmic balance between the realms of Heaven, Hell, and the Charred Council. Unlike many demons who seek power through brute force and chaos, Samael is a master strategist, always playing the long game with carefully laid plans.

Samael's primary goal appears to be the accumulation of power and the challenge to Lucifer’s dominion over Hell. Despite being a demon, Samael's actions suggest that he is not driven by pure malevolence but rather by a desire to reshape the order of Hell and assert his dominance. His true intentions, however, remain shrouded in mystery, as he often manipulates others to further his own ends while maintaining a façade of neutrality in the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Role in Darksiders (First Game):

In the original Darksiders game, Samael plays a pivotal role as a key ally to War, the Horseman accused of prematurely starting the Apocalypse. After the destruction of humanity and War's fall from grace, War seeks out Samael, who has been imprisoned by the Destroyer (the fallen Archangel Abaddon). Samael strikes a deal with War, promising to help him reach the Black Tower, the Destroyer’s stronghold, in exchange for the hearts of the Chosen, powerful demons guarding the Tower.

While Samael claims that the hearts will restore his power, it's clear that his motivations are more complex. By aiding War, Samael is not only regaining his strength but also positioning himself to challenge the Destroyer’s rule and possibly reclaim his status in Hell. Although he upholds his end of the bargain, Samael’s true plans remain ambiguous, leaving players to speculate about his ultimate goals.

Role in Darksiders II:

In Darksiders II, which follows Death's quest to redeem his brother War, Samael takes on a more mysterious role. He is encountered in the Forge Lands, a realm existing outside the normal flow of time, where he has adopted a different persona. Samael’s presence here hints at his deep knowledge of time and the ancient past.

Samael strikes a bargain with Death, asking him to retrieve an ancient artifact called the Demon Key in exchange for his assistance. Samael’s retreat into the past serves multiple purposes: it allows him to avoid the direct conflicts of his era, gather power and knowledge that could give him an edge in the future, and possibly manipulate events across time to suit his long-term plans. His involvement with Death further emphasizes his far-reaching ambitions and willingness to manipulate the Horsemen to achieve his goals.

Role in Darksiders III:

In Darksiders III, Samael’s role becomes even more complex as Fury, the third Horseman, seeks him out during her mission to destroy the Seven Deadly Sins. Samael, now deeply entrenched in his own schemes, becomes both an ally and an antagonist to Fury. He provides her with guidance and challenges that test her abilities, all while furthering his own mysterious agenda.

Fury’s interactions with Samael reveal more about his grand designs. He is depicted as a character who is always several steps ahead, using the chaos of the Apocalypse to position himself advantageously. Samael’s interest in the balance of power between Heaven, Hell, and the Charred Council suggests that his ultimate goals may extend beyond simple dominance. He seems to be carefully orchestrating events to ensure that he emerges as a key player in the cosmic struggle.

Role in Darksiders Genesis:

Darksiders Genesis offers players a glimpse into the earlier events of the Darksiders universe, where Samael plays a significant role. The game, which acts as a prequel, follows War and Strife as they are sent by the Charred Council to stop Lucifer from upsetting the balance by empowering powerful demons. Samael, already a formidable force in Hell, becomes an essential ally to the Horsemen.

In Genesis, Samael assists War and Strife in their quest by providing crucial information and support, all while pursuing his own interests. His interactions with the Horsemen show his cunning nature and his ability to forge alliances that benefit him in the long run. Samael’s involvement in these early events hints at his broader ambitions to challenge Lucifer’s rule and solidify his own position as a dominant power in Hell.

Motivations and Ultimate Goals:

Samael’s motivations are deeply rooted in his desire for power and control over Hell, but his actions suggest that his goals may be far more complex. He is a character who values knowledge, manipulation, and the long game, often seeking out ancient artifacts, alliances, and opportunities to tip the balance in his favor.

His willingness to assist the Horsemen, despite his demonic nature, indicates that Samael is more concerned with the grand scheme of things than with mere chaos and destruction. He is a master manipulator, using the events of the Apocalypse to further his own ends, whether that means challenging Lucifer, defying the Charred Council, or possibly even altering the cosmic balance itself to suit his vision of power and order.

Conclusion:

Samael stands as one of the most compelling and multi-faceted characters in the Darksiders series. His roles as an ally, antagonist, and manipulator make him a pivotal figure in the unfolding story of the Apocalypse. Throughout the games, Samael’s true intentions remain shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that he is a force to be reckoned with—a demon who, despite his origins, plays the long game with unmatched skill and foresight. Whether in the past, present, or future, Samael is always working to reshape the destiny of the worlds, seeking to emerge victorious in the eternal struggle for power.