I was tremendously disappointed by 'Destiny,' but I'm really enjoying 'Destiny 2'

Three years ago, the beta for the first "Destiny" launched. It was a big deal - the first chance for the public to play the brand-new blockbuster franchise from the folks who created the massive "Halo" series. Hype levels were sky high, as were fans' hopes.

When the beta arrived on July 17, 2014, it was... underwhelming. When the game came out a few months later, it was clear that the beta content was much of the full game. "Where's the rest of the game?" some players wondered (myself included).

In the case of "Destiny 2," the story is much different.

The beta for "Destiny 2," which went live on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One earlier this week for those who pre-ordered, has been met with near-universal praise; and now, it's available today for everyone on both consoles, for free.

I've been playing the beta since Wednesday, and am glad to say that it's convinced even me - a spurned "Halo" fan who was tremendously disappointed by the first "Destiny" - that "Destiny 2" could be something special.

Allow me to explain.