Darksiders 2 Crucible Mode Gameplay Video Enters The Arena

Darksiders 2 will feature a minigame called "Crucible Mode" that tests players' combat skills to their utmost. A new developer diary from THQ provides an overview of this arena challenge.

The Crucible has 100 levels in total, each more challenging than the last. After every five levels, you'll be offered a choice: take a reward or quit. The catch is that if you die at any point during Crucible Mode, you'll go home empty-handed. Venturing into the higher levels is a risk as well as a challenge.

This mode gives you a shot at some of the best items in the game. Several pieces of Legendary equipment, including Death's best armor, can be unlocked by Crucible progression. Completing all 100 levels will also unlock a Death's Mask Avatar for PSN and Xbox Live.

Darksiders 2 will hit the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in North America on August 14th. Europe will receive the game the following week.