Another fantastic, gritty, story driven experience by the creators of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, The Darkness is a unique shooter that plays by its own rules for better or for worse.
(+) - This game has style in spades. New York is even grimier and foreboding than ever. - The voice acting is top notch. Kirk Acevedo nails the lead with an abundance of world weariness and charm. His monologues throughout are a nice touch; very amusing. Mike Patton is amazing as ever as the sinister Darkness. The fact that it is a 2 man show for the most part makes the performances even more impressive. Kudos to the actors behind Jackie's grandpa, Butcher, Captain Eddie Shrote, and Jenny as well. - The story is one of the best you'll see in a shooter especially. Jackie and his less than savory acquaintance have a certain uniqueness to them - You need to actually aim well(though there is a little assistance) to win the day. You will get smoked if you go guns blazing, as the ai's aim is actually quite precise in comparison to its easier peers. - The minions and powers are all very amusing and fun to use. - Doesn't pull any punches with the subject matter without getting over-the-top. - The soundtrack fits the mood perfectly.
(-) - The surreal World War 1 Darkness sequences were visually arresting but confusing to traverse; I couldn't wait to get back to the real world. - Though having a sense of realism, besides involving hellish creatures that rip people apart, the clunkiness of movement made the game as frustrating as it was fun at times. - Doesn't really explain much at times, leaving to some annoying sequences that will make you slap yourself upside then head when you figure them out(Okay, this might be a personal problem on behalf of yours truly) - Hard to see what's going on. There are certain moments involving flashing lights that will make you wonder if they are purposefully trying to give you a seizure.
These somewhat minor gripes aside, I recommend this experience to anyone who like shooters, story-driven games, comic books, and a shadowy aesthetic.
(8/10)
(+) - This game has style in spades. New York is even grimier and foreboding than ever. - The voice acting is top notch. Kirk Acevedo nails the lead with an abundance of world weariness and charm. His monologues throughout are a nice touch; very amusing. Mike Patton is amazing as ever as the sinister Darkness. The fact that it is a 2 man show for the most part makes the performances even more impressive. Kudos to the actors behind Jackie's grandpa, Butcher, Captain Eddie Shrote, and Jenny as well. - The story is one of the best you'll see in a shooter especially. Jackie and his less than savory acquaintance have a certain uniqueness to them - You need to actually aim well(though there is a little assistance) to win the day. You will get smoked if you go guns blazing, as the ai's aim is actually quite precise in comparison to its easier peers. - The minions and powers are all very amusing and fun to use. - Doesn't pull any punches with the subject matter without getting over-the-top. - The soundtrack fits the mood perfectly.
(-) - The surreal World War 1 Darkness sequences were visually arresting but confusing to traverse; I couldn't wait to get back to the real world. - Though having a sense of realism, besides involving hellish creatures that rip people apart, the clunkiness of movement made the game as frustrating as it was fun at times. - Doesn't really explain much at times, leaving to some annoying sequences that will make you slap yourself upside then head when you figure them out(Okay, this might be a personal problem on behalf of yours truly) - Hard to see what's going on. There are certain moments involving flashing lights that will make you wonder if they are purposefully trying to give you a seizure.
These somewhat minor gripes aside, I recommend this experience to anyone who like shooters, story-driven games, comic books, and a shadowy aesthetic.
(8/10)