History YMMV / DarksidersGenesis

* GameBreaker: Get a fully upgraded Grinner major core which will make War's Blade Geyser skill convert 100% of the damage dealt into health, combine it with a fully upgraded Phantom Guard minor core which increases Blade Geyser radius up to double, some upgrades from Vulgrim; "exceeding health turns into Potions", which will convert any surplus health restored by the Blade Geyser into Potions (you can get back ''3'' Potions at once if enough enemies are swarming War), and "Potions are automatically used on fatal damage". Congratulations! You got yourself a nigh unkillable horseman even on Apocalyptic difficulty as long as you have Wrath and don't die while Potion is on cooldown. Oh, did you know Potions have upgrades that can restore up to two Wrath pips as well?

* GameBreaker: Get a fully upgraded Grinner major core which will make War's Blade Geyser skill convert 100% of the damage dealt into health, combine it with a fully upgraded Phantom Guard minor core which increases Blade Geyser radius up to double, some upgrades from Vulgrim, "exceeding health turns into Potions" and "Potions are automatically used on fatal damage", and you got yourself a nigh unkillable horseman even on Apocalyptic difficulty as long as you have Wrath and don't die while Potion is on cooldown. Oh, did you know Potions have upgrades that can restore up to two Wrath pips as well?

* SugarWiki/FunnyMoments: With the addition of this game to the franchise, the ways of the Horsemen can be established thus: War is the most honorable, Death the most terrifying, Fury the most prideful... and Strife is the goofiest of the four.
** His EstablishingCharacterMoment in the "Not Alone" trailer is equal parts [[BewareTheSillyOnes badass and hilarious]].
--->'''Malgros the Defiler:''' You come into my place, ''alone'', threaten ''me?'' And think you're just walking out of here?\\
'''Strife:''' Uhhh, yeah, it ''does'' sound funny... Hearing you say it...
*** No sooner does Malgros start his [[CountingToThree countdown]]:
---->'''[[CombatPragmatist Strife]]:''' ''{[[QuickDraw draws both guns]]}'' Two-three! ''{each gun [[BoomHeadshot blows a hole]] in Malgros' [[MultipleHeadCase extra heads]]}'' Sorry... ''{turns around, [[GunTwirling spinning around Mercy]] as Malgros reels back, then [[BoomHeadshot shoots his last head]] [[OffhandBackhand without even looking]]}'' but we're in a hurry.
*** Cue War's DynamicEntry through the roof. The big hero of the first ''Darksiders'' game slings his sword onto his shoulder, looking all ready for a fight... and Strife just walks up to brush off a little dust from his other shoulder.
** In Strife's personal trailer, after he's pulled off some badass GunsAkimbo moves, he holsters his guns, looks around the room and at the ground, then complains [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall to the viewers]] that he got blood on his boots.
** At the start of the Mammon boss fight, their opponent [[OhCrap panics]] and tries settling the matter by throwing treasures toward them.
--->'''Strife:''' Come on, dude, we're the Council's enforcers. ''{Catches something}'' You really think you can buy us with this worthless-\\
'''Strife:''' ''{takes a closer look at the little golden rocking horse he just snagged}'' ''[[CutenessProximity ... Daaaaawww!!]]''
*** And as they're leaving, he tries to take the horse as a souvenir, but War slaps it out of his hand in irritation.
** After pounding the hell out of Belial, he [[AintTooProudToBeg bargains for his life]] by offering the Horsemen a way to reach Eden. Namely, a crystal he regurgitates that can put them on Lucifer's trail. The two leave, one unhappier than the other.
--->'''Strife:''' Why do I have to hold the vomit gem?
** In Eden, War and Strife discover the Elderstone that allows them to solve some more puzzles. War shows reverence towards the divine power within. Strife, on the other hand...
--->'''Strife:''' [[ShoutOut Great power]]? [[ComesGreatResponsibility Responsibility]]? I got this!
*** Vulgrim is later horrified to discover dried blood on the Elderstone. Strife says it [[BlatantLies must've already been there before they found it]]. And he'd already claimed he'd been using it with "utmost care."
** A dying Dagon snags War and pulls him toward his pool. The Red Rider asks his brother for a little help, Strife joking that War could use a bath... and [[OhCrap noticing too late]] that another tentacle has wrapped around his ankle. Both go into the water.
*** Then after they finish Dagon off and pull themselves out (Strife covered in a lot more gore than War), '''[[NotSoAboveItAll War]]''' quips about them being "cleansed", both brothers having a laugh about it.
* SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments: Between the hunting down of Hell's demons in ''Darksiders Genesis'', War and Strife have a number of small moments where it's proven that they're not just brothers in name:
** At the start, [[TheStoic War's]] insistence on the Council's will clashes with [[TheGadfly Strife's]] tendency to question every part of their orders. Doesn't stop them from working together.
** Later as their adventures lead them into encountering parts of Eden, Strife is noticeably affected. War actually drops some of his terse tone and encourages him to focus on the mission. It could be pragmatism, or it could be that War's just trying to share his way of doing things so Strife doesn't get trapped in the guilt of their actions in Eden.
** Astarte taunts the Horsemen in her dying moments, even inferring something about Strife's past. War angrily splits her in half, despite him saying earlier they should bring her to the Council. Strife then starts to explain what Astarte was talking about, but War rather gently says he'd rather hear it from his brother himself than from her. As they leave Eden for the time being, this is the ending exchange:
--->'''Strife:''' Someday, I'll tell you everything.\\
'''War:''' Someday, so shall I.
** On one of Eden's overlooks, Strife and War both show (though War can [[IDidWhatIHadToDo justify it better to himself]]) that they both sincerely regret having to kill their fellow Nephilim. Strife even brings up the possibility that the Council ordered their extinction to test the Horsemen's loyalty. Either way:
--->'''Strife:''' But for the record, [[BigBrotherInstinct I know you've got my back. And you better know I've got yours]].\\
'''War:''' [[BashBrothers We ride together. Into oblivion!]]
** Strife buries a dagger he took from Mammon's hoard near a small pool in Eden before explaining its meaning and some of his past to War, admitting his actions as a [[PsychoForHire killer]] was likely why the Council chose him as a Horseman. The discussion between the two brothers leads to both understanding and slightly agreeing with each other; Strife makes it clear that he has accepted handling the Council's DirtyBusiness but still wants to know why at least, with War conceding that he has a right to.
** War later tells Strife as they're moving to stop Dagon's Stormcallers that they should view Eden as a symbol not of the Nephilim's failures, but of how far they've come and that they need to be better. Strife in his teasing way states he has an interesting idea.
** The two share a laugh over [[NotSoAboveItAll War's]] joke that they were "cleansed" while killing Dagon.
** Later while tearing down Moloch's operations, Strife agrees with their orders that Lucifer needs to be stopped and War admits he's had fun throughout their adventures. If nothing else, this game's events did lead to mutual CharacterDevelopment, and a little deepening of their brotherly bond.

'''Strife:''' ''{takes a closer look at the little golden rocking horse he just snagged}'' ''[[CutenessProximity ...Daaaaawww!!]]''

* SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome:
** First of all, the teaser trailer. Showing the one Horseman we haven't yet been able to play as: Strife. He saunters casually into an enormous hall filled with demons on either side and stands up to a humongous three-headed demon. Just as the demons move in to attack, he draws [[GunsAkimbo Mercy and Redemption]], shots ringing out as the scene cuts to black.
** The "Not Alone" trailer shows us the full version of the above scene. Strife can go toe-to-toe with [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry Dante]] and [[VideoGame/{{Destiny}} Cayde-6]] in the wisecracking and gunslinging departments.
*** Malgros never had a prayer.
---->'''Malgros''': ''I'm gonna [[CountingToThree count to three]]...'' If you're still standin' here, I'm gonna [[ILoveTheDead defile your corpse in ways you can't possibly imagine]]. [[DevouredByTheHorde Feed what's left to my boys]]. [[IAmAHumanitarian Horse meat's their favourite]]. ''One...''\\
'''[[CombatPragmatist Strife]]''': ''Two-three!'' (''subjects [[MultipleHeadCase Malgros]] to two [[BoomHeadshot headshots]]'') [[PreMortemOneLiner Sorry]]. (''fires a remaining bullet into Malgros' head'') We're in a hurry.
*** And then War joins the party in [[DynamicEntry his usual fashion]].
---->'''Strife:''' Oh and, uh... I'm [[TitleDrop not alone]].
** War's trailer is a combination of gameplay and the massive Rider of the Red Horse slowly rising up from a crouching position, Chaoseater at the ready, to the sound of dark, rumbling music. Fitting welcome back to the Horseman who first introduced us to the franchise.
** Strife displays some badass tricks with his revolvers in his trailer: GunTwirling before shooting both, fanning the hammer of one gun while still holding the other, then bringing both up in opposite directions to fire simultaneously. Goes to show that while [[VideoGame/{{Darksiders}} War]] and [[VideoGame/DarksidersII Death]] may've borrowed the guns for their games, the Rider of the White Horse is in fact TheGunslinger of the HorsemenOfTheApocalypse.
** The cutscene of the Horsemen joining the battle of Blackstone's Keep ends with Strife slugging an even bigger demon in the face. No weapons, just one fist.
** When Strife jokingly warns him not to go too nuts in his anger, lest [[AnArmAndALeg he loses another arm]], War reminds him that it took all three of the other Horsemen to restrain him and chop it off last time.
** One of War's lines in the battle against their resurrected Nephilim brothers is, "We are not Nephilim. We are Horsemen!"
** A little moment where Strife nonchalantly insults Samael face to face.
--->'''Samael:''' You've returned. I will say, the-\\
'''Strife:''' He called you a pissant. The Foreman. Really wasn't impressed at all. Just a head's up.\\
'''Samael:''' ''What'' did you say?!\\
'''Strife:''' Sorry, I just promised the Foreman I'd tell you what he said, right before we ripped his innards out. Anyway, continue.
** How Lucifer's pawns meet their ends.
*** A wounded Mammon tries crawling into his magic mirror to escape, but War shatters the glass with one good stomp. Mammon's taunts about their threats meaning nothing [[KilledMidSentence is cut off]] by Strife blowing his head off.
*** Belial barely manages to escape his death by bargaining with the Horsemen for a way into Eden. He's all smug about Eden being their grave once they're gone, but then he freezes up.
---->'''Lucifer:''' Belial, you stupid beast... [[YouHaveFailedMe Your incredible failure]] may yet serve me... But it must be punished all the same... Endlessly. ''{EvilLaugh}''\\
'''Belial:''' C-curse you... deceiver!
*** War did warn him that Belial may wish they'd killed him.
*** Astarte's taunting of the Horsemen, especially after she just reanimated the corpses of the Nephilim they had to kill once, is rewarded with War splitting her in half.
*** Dagon tries to drag War and Strife into the water [[TakingYouWithMe in his dying moments]], but a few gunshots and explosions of water later, both Horsemen resurface. Strife's covered in gore, but otherwise okay.
*** A beaten Moloch reveals to the duo that Lucifer's plans are already complete, mocking them about trusting Samael and not knowing about the Animus. Cue Samael crushing his rival's head against Chaoseater's blade.
** In the long run, Lucifer's schemes may prove detrimental for humanity, but Strife and War's efforts did do good: Eden, at the very least, is safe from any demonic manipulations, and Hell has lost some of its top dogs. They're also on better terms with Heaven for stopping Astarte and the Corruption (for now).
** [[ManipulativeBastard Samael]] is a lot better off when the game ends. Four of his rivals gone, and at least Mammon's treasure horde and Moloch's operations his for the plundering. And he technically didn't violate the Balance at all, so the Council can't convict him.
** The forging of the Seven Seals in the post-credits scene, with Abaddon and Samael as witnesses for Heaven and Hell, respectively.
--->'''Angry head:''' Listen thus: With the forging of these Seven Seals, a great treaty shall be wrought in the name of the Balance. They who break it shall suffer the [[HorsemenOfTheApocalypse Horsemen's]] wrath.\\
'''Wise head:''' Let our will be manifest within the Seals. Three from the children of Heaven... three from the dwellers below... And a final seal from our own wisdom.\\
'''Reasonable head:''' The Council has spoken.
* NightmareFuel: Lucifer's speech in the ending cutscene as he [[spoiler: taunts War and Strife for falling right into his hands.]]
-->'''Lucifer:''' [[spoiler: The life these creatures knew before was... meaningless. Whispering stories into the fire. Searching the stars for answers to their pathetic existence. [[AGodAmI I am the answer]]. See how quickly they adapt, now that their eyes are open! They feel everything their creator denied them. Fear. Hatred. Lust. Perhaps now they will create a Third Kingdom to be reckoned with.]]
** The fact that the Horsemen were forced to [[spoiler: cull humanity to prevent them from destroying themselves after Lucifer corrupted them.]]

* EnsembleDarkhorse: Dis was widely praised by fans for her spritely personality and her design.

** The fact that the Horsemen were forced to [[spoiler: cull humanity to prevent them from destroying themselves after Lucifer corrupted them.]]

*** Moloch is later horrified to discover dried blood on the Elderstone. Strife says it [[BlatantLies must've already been there before they found it]]. And he'd already claimed he'd been using it with "utmost care."

** Strife buries a dagger he took from Mammon's hoard near a small pool in Eden before explaining its meaning and some of his past to War, admitting his actions as a [[PsychoForHire killer]] was likely why the Council chose him as a Horseman. The discussion between the two brothers leads to both understanding and slightly agreeing with each other; Strife makes it clear that he has accepted handling the Council's DirtyBusiness but still wants to know at least why, with War conceding that he has a right to.

** Strife displays some badass tricks with his revolvers in his trailer: GunTwirling before shooting both, fanning the hammer of one gun while still holding the other, then bringing both up in opposite directions to fire simultaneously. Goes to show that while [[VideoGame/{{Darksiders}} War]] and [[VideoGame/DarksidersII}} Death]] may've borrowed the guns for their games, the Rider of the White Horse is in fact TheGunslinger of the HorsemenOfTheApocalypse.

* SugarWiki/FunnyMoments: It this game, the ways of the Horsemen can be established thus: War is the most honorable, Death the most terrifying, Fury the most prideful... and Strife is the goofiest of the four.

** Strife buries a dagger he took from Mammon's hoard near a small pool in Eden before explaining its meaning and some of his past to War, admitting his actions as a [[PsychoForHire killer]] was likely why the Council chose him as a Horseman. The discussion between the two brothers leads to both understanding and slightly agreeing with each other; Strife makes it clear that he will handle the Council's DirtyBusiness but still wants to know at least why, with War conceding that he has a right to.

** Later while tearing down Moloch's operations, Strife agrees with their orders that Lucifer needs to be stopped and War admits he's had fun throughout their adventures.

*** And then War joins the party in his usual fashion.

** Strife displays some badass tricks with his revolvers in his trailer: GunTwirling before shooting both, fanning the hammer of one gun while still holding the other, then bringing both up in opposite directions to fire simultaneously. Goes to show that while War and Death may've borrowed the guns for their games, Strife is in fact TheGunslinger of the HorsemenOfTheApocalypse.
** When Strife jokingly warns him not to go too nuts in his anger, lest [[AnArmAndALeg, he loses another arm]], War reminds him that it took all three of the other Horsemen to restrain him and chop it off last time.
** A little moment where Strife calling Samael a pissant to his face.
--->'''Samael:''' ''What'' did you say?!\\

'''Belial:''' Curse you... deceiver!

** The "Not Alone" trailer shows us the full version of the above scene. Strife can go toe-to-toe with [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry Dante]] and [[VideoGame/Destiny Cayde-6]] in the wisecracking and gunslinging departments.

---->'''Malgros''': ''I'm gonna [[CountingToThree count to three]]...'' If you're still standin' here, I'm gonna [[ILoveTheDead defile your corpse in ways you can't possibly imagine]]. [[FedToTheHorde Feed what's left to my boys]]. [[IAmAHumanitarian Horse meat's their favourite]]. ''One...''\\

** Strife displays some badass tricks with his revolvers in his trailer: GunTwirling before shooting both, [[FanTheHammer fanning the hammer]] of one gun while still holding the other, then bringing both up in opposite directions to fire simultaneously. Goes to show that while War and Death may've borrowed the guns for their games, Strife is in fact TheGunslinger of the HorsemenOfTheApocalypse.

--->'''Samael:''' What did you say?!\\
'''Strife:''' Sorry, I just promised the Foreman I'd tell you what he said, right before

---->'''Lucifer:''' Belial, you stupid beast... Your incredible failure may yet serve me... But it must be punished all the same... Endlessly. ''{EvilLaugh}''\\

* SugarWiki/MomentsOfAwesome:

** Strife displays some badass tricks with his revolvers in his trailer: GunTwirling before shooting both, FanningTheHammer of one gun while still holding the other, then bringing both up in opposite directions to fire simultaneously. Goes to show that while War and Death may've borrowed the guns for their games, Strife is in fact TheGunslinger of the HorsemenOfTheApocalypse.

----'''Lucifer:''' Belial, you stupid beast... Your incredible failure may yet serve me... But it must be punished all the same... Endlessly. ''{EvilLaugh}''\\

** His EstablishingCharacterMoment in the "Not Alone" trailer is equal parts[[BewareTheSillyOnes badass and hilarious]].

'''Strife:''' Uhhh, yeah, it ''does'' sound funny... Here when you say it...

** Astartes taunts the Horsemen in her dying moments, even inferring something about Strife's past. War angrily splits her in half, despite him saying earlier they should bring her to the Council. Strife then starts to explain what Astartes was talking about, but War rather gently says he'd rather hear it from his brother himself than from her. As they leave Eden for the time being, this is the ending exchange:

** War later tells Strife as they're moving to stop Dagon's Stormcallers that they should Eden as a symbol not of the Nephilim's failures, but of how far they've come and that they need to be better. Strife in his teasing way states he has an interesting idea.

---->'''[[CombatPragmatist Strife]]:''' ''{[[QuickDraw draws both guns]]}'' Two-three! ''{each gun [[BoomHeadshot blows a hole]] in Malgros' [[MultipleHeadCase extra heads]]}'' Sorry... ''{turns around, [[GunTwirling spinning around Mercy as Malgros reels back, then [[BoomHeadshot shoots his last head]] [[OffhandBackhand without even looking]]}'' but we're in a hurry.

'''Strife:''' Come on, dude, we're the Council's enforcers. ''{Catches something}'' You really think you can buy us with this worthless-\\

** Strife buries a dagger he took from Mammon's hoard near a small pool in Eden before explaining its meaning and some of his past to War, admitting his actions as a [[PsychoForHire killer]] was likely why the Council chose him as a Horseman. The discussion between the two brothers leads to both understanding and slightly agreeing with each other; Strife makes it clear that he will follow the Council's DirtyBusiness but still wants to know at least why, with War conceding that he has a right to.

%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Despite being the first T-rated ''Darksiders'' game, it is no less gory than the main series. It's possible that the top-down perspective made the violence less visible, resulting in its rating.