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The Darkness
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Demonic possession haunts first-person shooter.
Why We Rated This 
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Darkness was written by Marc Saltzman
Parents need to know that this bloody, mature game is over-the-top in both story line and imagery. Based on a graphic novel, it features extreme gore and violence (you can gun people down in cold blood) and strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"). As you play, your character will morph into a demon-like beast that sprouts tentacle-like appendages to gouge baddies.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about what makes this game appealing. Does the fact that the main character is possessed by an evil force make him (or you, as the player) less responsible for his actions? Is that good or bad? Do the violent acts seem less violent when they're committed by tentacles instead of guns? Did this game make you feel like you were part of a dark comic-book world? What drew you in -- the shooting or the story?
More on The Darkness
What’s the Story?
THE DARKNESS begins with a bang: You play as Mafia hit man Jackie Estacado, who wakes up on his 21st birthday in the back seat of a speeding convertible after being knocked out during a money deal gone wrong. Eventually you discover that the head of the crime family you work for, "Uncle" Paulie Franchetti, has put a hit on you. Even more disturbing, though, is a demonic voice that starts speaking in your head -- 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.
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Is It Any Good?
As you might suspect, this extraordinary action game is as gory as it is striking. 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. Finding more than 100 hidden items in the game will 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.
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.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 06/26/2007, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes)
ESRB rating: M (for Blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes)
Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Mature gamers!
You play as a gangster, on his 21st birthday he inherits a demon powers that he uses to brutally kill his enemies. Some gore and lots of blood are shown, there is also bad language but the violence is the concern for this title.
- I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it
eeek
This game is very unusual.I like how it isn't similar at all to any other game.It's intense and violent,but the demonic sense i got from it made me shutter.I had to stop playing it because the chills some of the scenes gave me.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
Awsome but Gory.
I read the comic books when I was younger and was excited to finally play as Jackie. When I played I felt immersed in the world of the darkness. The language is awful but what you would expect from mob bosses (ex f**k). The violence is way up there! Sticking a gun in someones mouth and blowing thier head open. This game is really not ment for kids under 18. I'm 17 and this pushed the limits of games.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
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openmindeddad recommends:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
for kids age 14
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
for kids age 14
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