Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this bloody, mature game is over-the-top in both its storyline and imagery. Based on a graphic novel, it features extreme gore and 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 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 commited 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman
You might not think that a mobster story mixed with demonic possession would be a good idea, but the two themes work together well in THE DARKNESS, an extraordinary action game for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3.
Based on the best-selling comic book series of the same name, 2K Games' The Darkness is a creepy, atmospheric shooter that surely won't disappoint mature gamers looking for a summer thrill.
The game begins with a bang -- literally. 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. The car is being chased by corrupt cops through a New York City tunnel. You can look in all directions -- which comes in handy, since 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 surface streets. At the climax of this lengthy introductory sequence, 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.
You'll need to lurk in the shadows and smash out lights in order to keep the demonic powers flowing. And you'll be able to unleash a razor-sharp demonic arm, create a small black hole that sucks in enemies, and summon impish creatures called Darklings to do your bidding. As you might suspect, The Darkness 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. And, speaking of comics, 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 -- ranging from classics like Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag to new game types like Shapeshifter (players morph from humans to Darklings and back again) and Last Darkling (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.
Families with kids looking for a more age-appropriate shooter can try the Call of Duty series.
Reviewed: 08/03/2007
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentPlayer kisses girlfriend from first-person perspective; scantily clad women populate the unlockable comics. |
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ViolencePlayers can gun down people in cold blood or use supernatural powers to impale enemies. Blood flies, and baddies collaspe in messy heaps after you gouge them with tentacle-like appendages. |
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LanguageExtreme foul language, including "f--k," "motherf--ker" and "s--t." |
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Social BehaviorThe game's main character is a mob hitman. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoLots of dialogue about Uncle Paulie's drug operation. |
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