I have waited what feels as forever to see what the developer Starbreeze would release next after the perfectly designed Chronicles of Riddick action game for the ol' XBOX. Maybe I have given too much credit presumptuously in anticipation of Starbreeze's new FPS as I felt mostly underwhelmed in most of Darkness' gameplay conventions. Don't write off my underwhelment as to say this is a bad game. I still had fun, and as what the usual storyline would go for a straight up shooter, Darkness gives some high quality marks in its emotional capacity. Still in hoping to see an evolution of the gameplay known in Riddick, it felt a step backwards to games a few or more years before it. Mostly, by Darkness' setting, I became reminded much of the Max Payne series, as it takes place in similar parts of New York. Darkness lacks the Coreographnessability [totally new word] of Max Payne's Bullet Time, but allows a new freeness of vengefull roaming to find your next mission objective. And while lacking the one-two-punch shankings of Riddick, Darkness fills a leu of creative superhuman powers, which I must say that after some experience working with are tactically destructive and allow an interesting toyish play. The most noteable parts of Darkness are the sub missions, as they feel what is now classic Starbreeze, and are just as enjoyable to complete as they were in Riddick. The main game will yet overshadow much of this "small stuff" giving an emptry feel to the reality of this Manhattan world.
Darkness also has some Multiplayer. It feels old school.. In a fuzzy warm feeling way... but does not live up to today's standards.
The main quest of Darkness is easily the real focus of this game, and it follows some of the best storyline formulization that a comic book theme could hope to provide to a gaming medium. Some of the dialogue could seem a bit cheesy at first, but in allowing a little time to familiarize ones self with the game it will be easily forgiven, and much welcome. I definately felt the Darkness overcoming me when it was supposed to be.
This, at its core is a first person shooter that plays exactly like other shooters, except you are the darkness. This game lets you be the horror, instead of facing it. You will strike fear in hearts. Here is a few ex... Read Full Review
THE GOOD: Impressive graphics, engrossing story, well-developed characters, excellent voice acting, insane violence and gore. THE BAD: Too easy, tedious traveling, and little replay value. The Darkness is full of g... Read Full Review
