Review: The Darkness
The Darkness
Game Details
Ratings
Staff Rev: 84%
Community Rev: 60%
Community Chart
40% Buy
40% Rent
20% Trash
40% Rent
20% Trash
Rating Scale
85 - 100%:
Buy it!
70 - 84%:
Rent it!
0 - 69%:
Trash it!
Social Bookmarks
70%
It’s my own fault… I have a pounding fucking headache, from pounding too many beers and then pounding-one-out to Skinemax. My ass is leaking cheap burritos, I’m chugging Pepto, and I’m stuck writing this shitty review. The night started fine… a fresh copy of Darkness, a 12-pack of Brooklyn Lager, & $9.25 worth of Taco Bell. This is normally a magic combination for any review session, unless the game fucking annoys you.
I almost spit my taco out of my mouth when I heard the main character, Jackie (um, this is a chick’s name…), do a lame imitation of Eric Draven from The Crow. Also, I’m from New York and the Italian mafia doesn’t control the 5-boroughs anymore (heard of the RICO act?). If the game focused on the Russian mob, you’d have my attention, but what do you expect from a game developed out of Sweden. Sure, I bought my couch at Ikea, but Swedes don’t know shit about NY crime.
Ignoring the ridiculous mafia story and taking the game at face-value, Darkness has a few redeeming features. The graphics are well done and capture the underside of NYC. The selection of guns is lacking, but Jackie’s Darkness Powers define the game.
Jackie is possessed by an extra-planar, darkness spawn and he gains new powers over time. As “The Darkness” grows inside of Jackie he sprouts blood-thirsty serpents, controls sadistic minions, and conjures black holes. Of course, the Darkness needs a fresh supply of human hearts and the gore factor regains some points.
I almost spit my taco out of my mouth when I heard the main character, Jackie (um, this is a chick’s name…), do a lame imitation of Eric Draven from The Crow. Also, I’m from New York and the Italian mafia doesn’t control the 5-boroughs anymore (heard of the RICO act?). If the game focused on the Russian mob, you’d have my attention, but what do you expect from a game developed out of Sweden. Sure, I bought my couch at Ikea, but Swedes don’t know shit about NY crime.
Ignoring the ridiculous mafia story and taking the game at face-value, Darkness has a few redeeming features. The graphics are well done and capture the underside of NYC. The selection of guns is lacking, but Jackie’s Darkness Powers define the game.
Jackie is possessed by an extra-planar, darkness spawn and he gains new powers over time. As “The Darkness” grows inside of Jackie he sprouts blood-thirsty serpents, controls sadistic minions, and conjures black holes. Of course, the Darkness needs a fresh supply of human hearts and the gore factor regains some points.
Do I recommend this game?
After 10 hours of playing The Darkness, the highlight of my night was whacking-it in the dark(ness) to Pleasure Zone 4.
Who should play this game?
Idiots that think the Sopranos + Spawn = coolness. Fuck no.
89%
The Chronicles of Riddick was one of the best games released in 2004 and the developer, Starbreeze, has returned with another incredible offering. The Darkness, based upon the comic by Marc Silvestri, is an inventive and sinister approach to FPS games.
The storyline is a winning blend of fiction and reality, revolving around the life of mafia hitman, Jackie Estacado. Jackie is part of a cursed bloodline and his soul is corrupted by a malefic power. Known simply as “The Darkness,” the ancient power manifests upon the hosts 21st birthday… well happy birthday Jackie! Not only is Jackie going through darkness-puberty, but his uncle Paulie (leading NY crime-boss) wants him dead for betraying the family. Let’s just say Jackie isn’t going to lie-down and die.
Although, Jackie is adept with a wide range of weapons, the only way he can combat the dirty cops and mafia is through his Darkness Powers. These unholy powers are enough to deal with any threat, as long as there’s darkness. The game-play is designed around the concept of utilizing shadows and disabling light sources. This is an added twist that properly balances the power of a deity against mortal thugs.
The graphics are dazzling and provide an unforgettable adventure through the streets of New York. The zones are large and offer lots of destructible objects for Jackie to rip apart. With support for 1080p and adequate frame-rates, there are few games that can provide a more engaging experience.
The storyline is a winning blend of fiction and reality, revolving around the life of mafia hitman, Jackie Estacado. Jackie is part of a cursed bloodline and his soul is corrupted by a malefic power. Known simply as “The Darkness,” the ancient power manifests upon the hosts 21st birthday… well happy birthday Jackie! Not only is Jackie going through darkness-puberty, but his uncle Paulie (leading NY crime-boss) wants him dead for betraying the family. Let’s just say Jackie isn’t going to lie-down and die.
Although, Jackie is adept with a wide range of weapons, the only way he can combat the dirty cops and mafia is through his Darkness Powers. These unholy powers are enough to deal with any threat, as long as there’s darkness. The game-play is designed around the concept of utilizing shadows and disabling light sources. This is an added twist that properly balances the power of a deity against mortal thugs.
The graphics are dazzling and provide an unforgettable adventure through the streets of New York. The zones are large and offer lots of destructible objects for Jackie to rip apart. With support for 1080p and adequate frame-rates, there are few games that can provide a more engaging experience.
Do I recommend this game?
In summary, The Darkness is a great game and shouldn’t be missed by anyone.
Who should play this game?
Fans of the comic or FPS gamers looking for a new twist.
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84%
I have to admit, I was interested in TD the moment I heard about its development. I never read the original comic the game is based upon, but I liked the idea of bringing supernatural powers to a FPS. I continued to monitor the game’s development and lobbied hard to make it on our list of games to review. After weeks of waiting I’m pleased to report TD doesn’t disappoint.
The game’s premise is fairly straightforward (a contract killer is imbued with the power of an unknown demon & seeks revenge on his mob boss), but there are enough plot surprises to provide a satisfying story. The only letdown from the story was that the limited interaction between the main character, Jackie, and his bizarre heritage.
The game-play of TD is unique for a FPS, because it provides a blend between traditional (guns) and exotic (darkness) attacks. The combat sequences are enjoyable, but never scale in difficulty to match Jackie’s rising powers. This mirrors my earlier complaint about not introducing more arcane (tougher) opponents.
Jackie’s darkness powers are brutal, shocking, and oddly enjoyable. The guns worked fine, but it would’ve helped if the game provided melee weapons (besides pistol whipping).
The graphics are top-shelf and create eerie environments. I assume the graphics look just as good on the X360, but we’ll never know because MIG is too cheap to buy more than one copy of the game.
Overall, TD scores high with its intense combination of action and horror. However, the limited campaign (12 hours) and worthless online play really hurt the game’s overall value.
The game’s premise is fairly straightforward (a contract killer is imbued with the power of an unknown demon & seeks revenge on his mob boss), but there are enough plot surprises to provide a satisfying story. The only letdown from the story was that the limited interaction between the main character, Jackie, and his bizarre heritage.
The game-play of TD is unique for a FPS, because it provides a blend between traditional (guns) and exotic (darkness) attacks. The combat sequences are enjoyable, but never scale in difficulty to match Jackie’s rising powers. This mirrors my earlier complaint about not introducing more arcane (tougher) opponents.
Jackie’s darkness powers are brutal, shocking, and oddly enjoyable. The guns worked fine, but it would’ve helped if the game provided melee weapons (besides pistol whipping).
The graphics are top-shelf and create eerie environments. I assume the graphics look just as good on the X360, but we’ll never know because MIG is too cheap to buy more than one copy of the game.
Overall, TD scores high with its intense combination of action and horror. However, the limited campaign (12 hours) and worthless online play really hurt the game’s overall value.
Do I recommend this game?
So close, but it’s a rental
Who should play this game?
Lawful good paladins should stay away from this one.
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