Destiny is set in the 28th century in a post-apocalyptic setting. Humans spread and colonized the Solar System with the help of a spherical entity known as "the Traveler" who reshaped the universe and taught us new technologies and mystical powers that led to a time later called the Golden Age. An event known as "The Collapse", an attack from the Darkness that saw the dissolution of these colonies and left the human race on the brink of extinction. The only known survivors are those living on Earth, who were saved by the Traveler. The Traveler hovers above the last remaining human city, and its presence allows the Guardians of the City, the ability to wield an unknown power.
Destiny is a Sci-Fi Fantasy First Person Shooter. The player takes the role of a "Guardian" and must set foot in the wild frontier with your fireteam to defend the city and reclaim what has been lost. You are also partnered with your AI companion know as a "Ghost" (voiced by Peter Dinklage).
Bungie has labeled Destiny as a "Shared World Shooter". Players seamlessly matchmake with other Guardians, even when playing solo, and you can regularly witness other Guardians' adventures and may even combine efforts in the wild, together. Destiny borrows social elements from MMOs, and character creation/investment elements from RPGs. There are cooperative and competitive elements, but you can go alone, you're just not alone in this world.
Destiny also enhances the social aspect of gaming through the Destiny Companion, Cooperative, Public Events, Stats and discussion. Destiny incorporates a leveling system not only for the player, but for their weapons, gear, ships and loot streams. Players can choose to join Factions to fight against other Guardians in PvP or can choose to spend time "solo" where you can find exclusive loot.
Destiny is designed from the ground up to be better when you play it with your friends. You can have solitary cinematic experiences, but the game entices you to participate in cooperative events. Destiny is the first game of a brand new 10 year IP from Bungie. It requires an online connection, there is no offline play.