Destiny 2 is perhaps one of the biggest games to release this year thanks to its fleshed out campaign and addictive loot-driven multiplayer design. There are a lot of iconic characters in this franchise, but undoubtedly the most recognizable is the Ghost. This machine acts as the player’s companion for both on and offline game modes. Its main function is to warp Guardians to different planets, but it also can scan objects, relay important lore-based information, and summon your Sparrow. Ghosts have always been available in-game, but this marks the first time users can get their hands on a working Ghost in real life.
Announced by both Bungie and Amazon, the Destiny 2 Ghost Skill is a free application that allows players to use any Alexa device to connect to Destiny 2. This app works on the PC, Xbox One, and PS4 versions of Destiny 2, allowing users to have their very own Ghost at their command. The Destiny 2 Ghost Skill boasts over 1,000 voice lines that span a gambit of various commands and prompts. Players will be able to ask their Alexa device about lore related questions such as “…tell me who are the Red Legion?” and receive an immediate answer. While always having a way to fill yourself in on the lore is nice, the Ghost Skill’s most intriguing voice lines are the ones that directly affect the player in-game.
According to the press release, players will be able to ask their Ghost Skill to tell them what friends are online, invite friends to their fireteam, keep tabs on their clan’s current progress, and be given suggestions on what activity to do next. The most curious and perhaps worthwhile command revolves around the player’s actual loadout.
According to the information released, users will be able to issue commands such as “… equip my Raid loadout,” and have their gear instantly change to their preferred weapons and armor for that activity. Since many players typically have multiple loadouts for one character, this can be a massive timesaver. However, it’s unclear if this will transfer those weapons to your loadout directly from your vault or if they need to be on hand first. Either way, this is certainly one of the most intriguing concepts and could act as an early signal for player loadouts coming to the core game itself.
Amazon Alexa’s Vice President, Steve Rabuchin, weighed in on the Destiny 2 Ghost Skill, stating:
“Alexa is now part of the Destiny 2 experience, and we’re excited for what that means for Destiny 2 players and the future of games and voice technology. Gaming is an example of where voice can create a more engaging experience in a natural and delightful way for customers. Rather than interrupting gameplay to navigate menus, players can just ask Ghost through Alexa to help with certain tasks. Players love the Destiny 2 experience, and now Alexa can make it even more immersive and fun.”
Additionally, a special physical Ghost shell was also announced by Bungie and Amazon that works directly with the Ghost Skill application. Priced at $89.99, this Ghost has integrated wifi, LED lights, and weighs 13.6 ounces. Keep in mind you’ll need an additional Alexa device if you want to actually make use of this Ghost. This is a limited time item that will officially release on December 19, however, you can pre-order it here if you desire.
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