So I haven't played Destiny since around its release. I don't have much desire to go back to what I remember, but I've also heard that the game has changed a lot for the better. But I'm wondering if I might end up having to buy expansions if I want to find out whether this is true or not, which doesn't sound like a good idea.

So what is the state of the game compared to last Fall? Have things improved? Is there a story? Is there less grind, or more freedom? Is it no longer just a slot machine painted in pretty colors? And would I need expansions to see the difference? What do you think?

So I haven't played Destiny since around its release. I don't have much desire to go back to what I remember, but I've also heard that the game has changed a lot for the better. But I'm wondering if I might end up having to buy expansions if I want to find out whether this is true or not, which doesn't sound like a good idea.

So what is the state of the game compared to last Fall? Have things improved? Is there a story? Is there less grind, or more freedom? Is it no longer just a slot machine painted in pretty colors? And would I need expansions to see the difference? What do you think?

You can buy a Taken King package with all the previous expansions included. And yes it's way better, and that extends retroactively.

More story, less grind. There is still grind. Loot is still random. Game's still a slot machine. If you don't like the randomness, don't bother.

Not exactly. The game tries to give you look that upgrades what you have equipped. Exotic drops are more likely to be items you don't already own, etc.

More story, less grind. There is still grind. Loot is still random. Game's still a slot machine. If you don't like the randomness, don't bother.

I guess I don't mind the slot machine if I feel there is a game around it that's worthwhile. I play Diablo, after all. Less grind is good, though.

The story is significantly improved. If you buy TTK you get all the expansions, but you don't get the expansions if you try to just add TTK to stock Destiny. TTK is supposed to be Bungie attempting to woo people like you back.