In any Action-RPG, the loot mechanic is a pretty important. As you play through the game, your character levels up and you gain access to a range of new weapons, abilities, etc. If the loot mechanic is well-implemented, it’ll make you want to keep returning to the game – you have to go back, in order to grab even more bad-ass gear. However, this is where Darkspore begins to differentiate itself from the competition – collecting loot not only allows you to physically alter the look of your mostly aesthetically pre-determined character, but the loot itself levels your character.
Confusing to explain, but easy enough to understand in practice, the leveling system in Darkspore operates on two core principles: you have a ‘Crogenitor level,’ and ‘Hero levels.’ The former is increased as you travel through the game, defeating enemies to earn experience; the latter is increased by equipping new body parts — ie. the game’s loot — and customizing your character.