Video game developer Bungie’s long-anticipated first-person shooter, “Destiny,” was released Sept. 9 into stores nationwide. After releasing its final contribution to the “Halo” saga in 2010, “Halo Reach,” Bungie set it’s eyes on building a new type of game, one that felt “alive.”

“Destiny” is set in the distant future, where a moon sized sphere called the Traveler is discovered by humanity.

This orb has the ability to turn dead planets, such as Venus and Mars, into habitable planets. Of course, mankind is quick to colonize the new frontier, until an alien enemy of the Traveler arrives and all but destroys Earth. Now, it is up to the playable characters of the game called “guardians” to overcome the evil that has covered the universe.

At the beginning of the game, players have the opportunity to choose a class and race for the character that they will use in the game. Titan, Hunter and Warlock classes are available to choose from, and each class has several weapons and armor choices to upgrade and purchase throughout the game.

“Destiny” includes Story missions for the solo player as well as Strike missions designed for co-op playing. Many other game types are also available. Unlike most single player campaigns, “Destiny” requires Internet connection to play both single and multiplayer.

Freshman Dylan McCoy has been playing “Destiny” with his friends since it was released on the Xbox 360.

“You’re always online playing multiplayer,” McCoy said. “You can choose to play solo, but there will still be other players on your map.”

McCoy said there was a situation where he and a friend were overwhelmed with enemies, but were then rescued by other online players.

“Destiny” offers a less-structured storyline, unlike most first person shooters of this generation.

Freshman Jake Buchanan said he has been impressed with the layout of the story of “Destiny.”

“It feels more open and less structured,” Buchanan said. “You can choose which mission to do and which place to go.”

The game features several different game types for players who want a little more than a campaign. However, the online campaign requires no payment for online play. For players looking for a player-versus-player experience, Gold Membership is required for Xbox Live.

“If you are a Gold Member you can choose to fight other players,” McCoy said. “You go to another planet and can battle with friends and other players.”

The frontier is vast and beautiful in the “Destiny” universe. The new feel of constant online play is as interesting as it is engaging. The game leaves plenty of room for opinion of character choice as well.

“I recommend choosing a Warlock,” Buchanan said. “We are going to beat the game with him, then maybe try with something else.”