Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #314 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Take 2
• Released on: 2007-06-28
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• ESRB Rating: Adults Only
• Platform: Xbox 360

Manufacturer's Description:
The Darkness video game is based on TopCow's cult comic hit of the same name that was written by famed comic-book author, Paul Jenkins, and co-created by famed comic-book artist, Marc Silvestri. The story for The Darkness video game was also written in collaboration with Paul Jenkins.

The Darkness is a gritty, first-person, action-adventure game with a horror twist. On mafia hitman Jackie Estacado's 21st birthday, the awesome and terrible powers of the Darkness awaken within him allowing Jackie to wreak havoc on his enemies. In the game, players experience extremely intense and immersive cinematic action. Players will have an array of dark and other-worldly powers available, including cannibalizing the corpses of slain victims and transforming them into Darklings - impish demonites that commit unspeakable acts.

Amazon.co.uk Review

Developer Starbreeze Studios seem to have found a niche for themselves creating top notch video games based on licensing tie-ins that hardly anyone has ever heard of. The Chronicles of Riddick may have been a film flop but the game was one of the best first person shooters on the original Xbox. This follow-up is based on an obscure comic book about a Mafia hitman with the rather handy ability to conjure up the eponymous Darkness - source of seemingly unlimited demonic power.

To some degree the game can be played like a standard first person shooter, with main character Jackie Estacado proving a dab hand with a wide variety of standard pistols, machine guns and shotguns. The Darkness powers though are obviously the game's real draw, with the ability to use super strong tentacles to fling around objects in the impressively interactive game world or act as a shield or even spy camera. The most interesting of the Darkness abilities though is summoning special imps called darklings. These come in twenty different types, from interrogator to kamikaze to decoy, and ensure there's always more than one way to tackle any obstacle.

The only problem with the Darkness as a power is that it doesn't work in strong light, which is where the need for more traditional weaponry comes in - especially when shooting out lights to get your demonic groove back on. The graphics are superb (The Chronicles of Riddick still looks better than many low end 360 games) and despite its obscure origins the Darkness itself turns out to be the most interesting thing to happen to first person shooters in years.
Harrison Dent

Customer Reviews

simply beautiful
There's no point explaining the game, other people have already done a good enough job of that. But having read a few reviews i bought "the darkness" (8 quid) when i had nothing left to play and expected an average run of the mill experience but this was far from it. The graphics, gameplay and story just wouldn't let me put the joypad down until i'd completed it. From the opening car chase scene to the dramatic finale its a sheer class. It's easily the most fun i've had with my clothes on in a long time. Just do it guys, treat yourself, you wont regret it.

great game
This game should not be rated less than a four - its doing it a great injustice. At this price its a five. i really enjoyed it when it first came out paying full price for it - and for this price it is a bargain. simple as that. Get it.

small g
Beautiful game to look at but will eventually bore you to death. Interesting storyline, decent voice acting and some original aspects of gameplay e.g. eatng victims hearts when you get your darkness powers and using the subway to commute your way around the city. Aside from the above The Darkness moves at a snails pace compared to most FPS titles. You will be impressed by the graphics/lighting (its very well done) but you will eventually become frustrated with the lack of action, constant screen cuts and repetitive play. There are better games available than this one. I recommend looking elsewhere.