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> Results: The Darkness
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The ESRB Says
Blood & Gore: GamerDad found lots of blood and gore throughout the game. People die violently from guns and other weapons and sometimes, they are disturbingly killed by ... tentacles. Drug Reference: Uncle Paulie is a drug lord as well as a mobster and it figures into the plot. Intense Violence: Throughout Strong Language: S-t, F--k, motherf--ker. Suggestive Themes: Kissing and hinted at sexual encounters. Scantily clad ladies. You might not think a mobster story mixed with demonic possession would be a good idea, but it doesn't take long to realize the two themes can work together after playing The Darkness, an extraordinary action game for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. Based on a best-selling comic book series of the same name, 2K Games' The Darkness is a creepy and atmospheric shooter that surely won't disappoint mature gamers in search of a summer thrill. The start of the game begins with a bang -- literally. You play as a Mafia hit man, Jackie Estacado, who awakens on his 21st birthday in the back seat of a speeding convertible, after being knocked out during a money deal gone wrong - the car is being chased by corrupt cops through a New York City tunnel. You can look in all directions, which comes in handy as your associates throw you a shotgun to help clear an escape route by taking out rival mobsters and crooked cop cruisers. Eventually the car crashes into a subway construction zone, where you'll begin your fight on foot, through underground areas and then on the surface of the city. At the climax of this lengthy introductory sequence you find that the head of the crime family you work for, "Uncle" Paulie Franchetti, has put a hit on you. Even more disturbing, however, is a demonic voice that begins to speak in your head - that is, until you learn how to harness the 'Darkness' and use the ancient power to exact revenge on Paulie and his henchmen. In fact, you'll transform into somewhat of a demon yourself with serpent-like appendages growing out of your shoulders, glowing eyes and an aversion to light. You will need to lurk in the shadows and smash out lights in order to keep the demonic powers flowing. You'll be able to unleash a razor-sharp demonic arm, create a small black hole that sucks in enemies and to summon impish creatures called Darklings to do your bidding. As you might suspect, The Darkness is as gory as it is gorgeous. While over-the-top in true comic book fashion, the story, penned by Eisner Award-winner Paul Jenkins, is well written and exceptionally voice acted by the talented cast. Speaking of comic books, more than 100 hidden items can be found in the game that unlock bonus goodies accessible from the main menu, including comic books, concept artwork and more. Along with the lengthy single-player game, The Darkness offers seven unique multiplayer modes for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions - ranging from classics such as Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag to new game types including Shapeshifter (allowing players to morph from humans to Darklings and back again) and Last Darkling (where a random player starts as a Darkling while everyone else is human). Mature gamers in search of a worthy shooter will find The Darkness one of the finest games of the year thus far. The action is intense, the story and characters are memorable, it looks and sounds great, and there's a ton of solo and head-to-head game play to sink your fangs into.  
The game features mobsters murderers, demons, darklings, etc., Occult themes too. The protagonist is a mob hitman and cold-blooded murder is something the player has to commit to proceed. It also features bad language including s--t and f--k. Lots of blood gore and violence throughout.
Other Platforms: XBOX360 & PS3: Virtually identical, but the PS3 Kid Factor by Andrew Bub This review edited by Michael Anderson Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: The Darkness |
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