Retawes Review: The Darkness II (2)

The Darkness II - 15/20

Does Darkness 2 deliver what was assumed, an outstanding original story based on the 'hit' comics with sleek gameplay mechanics and engaging steroetypical characters? Or, is the game a 'dark disaster'?

Story and Setting - 7.5/10

Darkness 2's plot revolves around gang leader Jackie Estacado, who has an uncontrollable possession of the 'Darkness'. The 'Darkness' is more of disease than power as Jackie soon suffers from physical, emotional and pyschological trauma. For instance, throughout the game he continously witnesses several halucinations involving his deceased girlfriend Jenny.
To make things worse, Jackie is perpetually being attacked and evenutally kidnapped by a nortorious darkness addicted organization known as "The Brotherhood" (Totally Original right?). Due to this sydicate, Jackie and his gang must protect and fight for their organisation while Jackie discovers the Darkness, Brotherhood and fellow gang members 'true' identities and goals. This results in many 'gaming tears' as you empathize and observe Jackie's struggles and obstacles that he faces whenever reminded or traumatized by these 'visions'.

Speaking of Jackie's emotional complications, throughout the campaign Jackie has numerous monlogues where he discusses or recounts his pasts with Jenny, his Aunt Sarah, his parents and friends. This not only provides an in-depth back story before a short mission, but it portrays a truely emotive and caring side to the possessed, controversial maniac that Estacado is. Although, this wouldn't of occured without the superb voice casting and ideal setting that is, downtown New York.



I ain't doing anything Sir! She jumped on me!

Incidentally, Darkness 2 has a brilliant cast of voice actors that contribute to the stereotypical, "Sopranos" dialogue that each 'goon' claims or shouts. From Jimmy the Grape (Not a bizare name at all?) to Jackie, each character feels, moves, acts and sounds as a complete individual though the protagonist's minions sound too stereotyped and not in the appropriate manner. On a brighter note, Mike Patton should be applauded for his magnificent voice as the darkness.

Coincedentively, Downtown New York provides an obivous yet humorous location for this genre. Though, at times the areas can be buggy, bland and disinteresting. For instance, the cementary would of been an ideal place for a mission, what with mellancholy and death surrounded the player. However, every corridor, alleyway and path looks the same and feels nothing original or of the standard of originality in the comics.

Graphics and Gameplay - 7.5/10

He ate my cookie....So I killed him.....

The Darkness 2 has some bizarre and well thought gameplay mechanics yet, the game suffers from graphical bugs, overpowerd/overwhelming enemies and dodgy poor camera fixes. Although, being possessed by the dark forces has its advantages, such as controlling two serpents wrapped around your neck that obliterate and torture your foes in the most painful and clinically crazy executions possible. (This should be noted that the game is heavily violent and definately not for the faint hearted or hemaphobians.) For instance, an execution that replenishes my health has my tentacle buddies 'butchering' a brotherhood member into tiny pieces to find his still beating heart!

Speaking of hearts, certain activities such as, 'slowly' torturing enemies, devouring their hearts or discovering relics that teach you about the past hosts of the darkness all give you more of "The Darkness II's" currency, dark essence. Dark essence can be used to purchase new skills or upgrade them at a dark essence 'pool'. In the 'story mode', there are four skill trees that jackie can extend and each vary from one another. One of which, gives Estacado the power to control swarms of locust where as another gives you 'dark armour' and the ability to control black holes.
Concerning the Darkness' enemies, the game is very unrewarding and unfair. This is illustrated in the first boss battle (SPOILER ALERT!) where Swifty is hiding in a crane, smashing your cover and health while multiple lights flicker around the area and his goons attack you from the brighter zone. There is no way of preventing a 'game over' as the game acts to unreasonable and ridiculous to play. (SPOILER UN-ALERT!) Although, your miniture cheeky british influenced minion helps along the way. The guy is cute and at times hilarious as he is a typical 'cockney bloke', who calls you "monkey!" and urinates on his foes!

However, the camera angles and unresponsive controls don't help the player. This may not be an issue when facing 1-3 enemies but once they become over 4 the camera slows down unlike the action and enemies who sudden and supprisngly, spray immediately towards you, not giving you any time nor space to activate your skills or executions. My theory is that this is to prevent any frame rate issues with the poorly outdated (In My Opinion) engine that 2K games used.



~~~~~Nippy the 'man-eating' Serpent thing~~~~~

Incidentally, the graphics in the game aren't what I expected and are rather unsatisfying to say the least. There are several textural frames that are missing and I found that there was little to no exploration which was bizarre as the game appeared to be more than what it seemed. Although, the demonic powers and characters did look and feel as if they were in the comic. For instance, Jackie's asssistant Vinnie appeared as if he was copied straight from the comic books, though I wish there was some originality.

Evidently, the game's campaign and unmentionable co-op can be completed within 20 hours which isn't really worth a $110 purchase or even a deal from Ozgameshop (REPRESENT!).

Overall - 15/20

To conclude this gruesome tale, if you are fine with legiments flying from the screen and want some demon possessive gunplay mixed with a world of overrated, stereotypical characters who all have ideal voices and character model then The Darkness II maybe just for you! Despite this, if you want an endurable, 'calm' playable game that not only focusses on the major characters but showcases the world that the characters inhabit then wait till this is on sale (Most likely a "Buy 2 get 1 Free" deal) or dismay this whole title for a more unique and individual game that doesn't involve mindless killing and meladramatic cutscenes 'ripped' out of a Sopranos episode.