Military Video Games, computer games - Air Force Times

‘The Darkness’ delivers chills, thrills

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 your crime family, “Uncle” Paulie Franchetti, has put a hit on you.

However, even more disturbing is a demonic voice that begins to speak in your head — that is, until you learn how to harness The Darkness and use these ancient powers 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 voiced by the talented cast. Speaking of comic books, found in the game are more than 100 hidden items 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 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. Kudos to Starbreeze Studios, the savvy developer behind the game.