The Darkness II Review

A violence-filled adventure that provides a well presented but less memorable experience than its predecessor

Posted by Alex V on February 14, 2012 - 9:42pm EST

In addition to the relatively short single player campaign, the game offers an online cooperative option called Vendettas. Up to four players, assuming the roles of four distinct characters, can play through a variety of the scenarios. All four characters come with their own personalities, and perhaps more importantly, unique skill mini-trees and darkness weapons. Events which take place in Vendettas actually have a rather strong narrative, accompanying the events of the single player campaign. Most of the missions disappointingly boil down to fighting your way to a destination and defending it for a few minutes from waves of enemies. The online play is smooth and games can be joined in progress, or you can play offline if so you choose. With four even moderately skilled players, the Vendettas campaign is also disappointingly short, at well under two hours at most. There are also a few Hit List missions, but they are neither longer nor any more interesting.

Much of the game is well presented. The voice work for the Darkness itself is excellent, with Mike Patton once again providing the voiceover. Jackie’s voice actor Kirk Acevedo has sadly not returned, and was replaced with Brian Bloom who does a good job but not quite as strong as the Kirk was. The Darkling (now an actual, singular character instead of just a Darkness-spawn minion) starts out crude but evolves to actually be one of the more memorable and sincere personas. An accompanying soundtrack for the game is moody and smooth in tone, but doesn’t particularly stand out.

If The Darkness was a diamond in the rough, the sequel is a more polished, but slightly less valuable gem stone. Players, those new to the series in particular, will no doubt appreciate the unique mechanics, visuals, and overabundance of gore with solid shooting mechanics. However, those who have experienced the original Darkness will likely feel a bit let down by linear progression, déjàvu story elements and loosely defined light mechanics. The Darkness II, then, is a game that most can appreciate, and while some will be more pleased than others, it’s an adventure worthy of your time.

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Our ratings for Darkness II, The on PlayStation 3 out of 100 (Ratings FAQ)

Presentation

A comic book style and over-the-top gore go a long way to giving the game a unique feel, with very strong voice acting to boot.

Gameplay

The darkness powers have been expanded and outfitted with a character progression system, and tight controls offer the ultimate satisfaction while performing executions.

Single Player

A solid story that sometimes feels too familiar to the previous title. Now a linear experience, the game at least feels well paced and with decent replay value. Short length may put some players off.

Multiplayer

With a narrative cooperative focus, Vendettas offer an entertaining distraction that also encourages multiple playthroughts. With a full set of players though, those sessions will be disappointingly short as well.

Performance

The game runs without problems, though during heavy action in coop some screen tearing and lag was experienced.

Overall

Perhaps not the sequel that fans were hoping for, The Darkness II is instead an accessible and violent romp through an imaginative world with some very moody undertones. If the relatively short length doesn't put you off, it's a trip worth taking.