The Darkness 2

This review is a couple of weeks overdue now, and that'd be because a) I've been feeling a bit under the weather, and b) other games have really been distracting me. But I'm here now, so let's get on with it!

STORY
The Darkness 2 follows two years after the original game, and we join Darkness possessed mobster Jackie Estacado after this long period of keeping the demonic Darkness under wraps. The game begins with Jackie's mob getting hit at their restaraunt, forcing Estacado to unleash the force within himself to save his life and protect his gang. From here, Jackie must contend with a mysterious group who intend to take the evil power from him, whilst coming to terms with the death of his girlfriend 2 years prior.

The writing is pretty entertaining, with some interesting characters, and the ever constant struggle between the host and the parasite, between Jackie and the Darkness. Furthermore, there's enough mindfuckery going on (of the Batman: Arkham Asylum "scarecrow" scenes variety) to keep even the most on-the-ball gamers slightly confused.

PRESENTATION
Where, during my playthrough of the original, I would have complained about the visuals being far to dark, and highly uninteresting; the Darkness 2's visuals are surprisingly colourful and cartoonish (lending to the games comic book roots). The character models and environments have a lot more going for them now than in the previous title, though some of the characters look a little rough around the edges.

The animations are slick and fun to watch, with the executions being particularly visceral and instantly gratifying. The sound effects add to this sense of violence with the squishy sounds of limbs tearing, while the voice work for the main characters are all very well done. Victor Valente (the main antagonist) really sounds like someone you'd want to keep an ancient evil power away from, whereas Jackie's voice lends a very personal feel to him during his fourth wall breaking narrations.

The soundtrack is suitably dark, filled with lots of heavy guitar riffs, but is overall rather average, considering the interesting art style and gruesome animations.

GAMEPLAY
The best thing about the Darkness 2 is, without a doubt, it's superb gameplay. At it's core are solid gunplay mechanics that work just as well as any modern warfare game, but there's far more to the darkness than that.

First, there's the titular Darkness, normally manifested as two demonic arms, ominously framing the players view. Not only do these look really cool, they serve a purpose, being the main enabling feature for the Darkness's "quad wielding" feature. With the left arm, you're able to grab items like car doors or poles (for slicing and impaling when thrown) as well as enemies (to execute in a gory, fantastic style). With the right arm, however, you're able to slash your victims in half (vertical and horizontal).
Both of these abilities add a little more variety to Jackie's rampage through the underworld of secret societies, and they work really well.

This aspect also allows for a strange twist in gameplay that adds a weakness to Estacado. Similar to the first Darkness, standing in the light takes away the use of the demon arms, and stunts Jackie's ability tor egenerate his health. Staying in the dark is the key to success.

Secondly, there are light RPG elements, allowing players to use Dark Essence acquired through skillful kills, to personalize their play styles. While, by the end, you'll be able to unlock nearly everything, using all the different kinds of executions is certainly excuse enough to buy the abilities you desire. On top of that, dark channeling powers up your guns and ammo, making you feel like an absolute boss.

If I was to describe the gameplay of The Darkness 2 in one word, I'd say "Empowering". While the game never really devolves into "Cake walk" territory, the scales are normally tipped just enough in your favour to make Jackie Estacado feel like an absolute beast, tearing people down, left, right and centre.

Minor issues arise with repetitive enemies, as well as a lack of variety in weaponry. However, if that's not a deal breaker, then the gameplay of the Darkness 2 will more than satisfy.

REPLAYABILITY
The single player campaign is more than entertaining enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, but for the gamer's who have to have a "reason" for replaying campaigns, there are plenty of collectibles to pick up; all with interesting flavour text to fill in some of the Darkness's personal backstory.

If collectibles aren't your thing, then perhaps multiplayer Co-op will scratch that Darkness itch for you. In the co-op mode, you and up to three other players can take control of a Darkness "B-team" who are carrying out odd jobs for the Estacado family. Some of these are even tied to the single player story.

OVERVIEW
The Darkness 2 has stellar gameplay, generally above average visuals, an interesting and entertaining story, so the only thing stopping you from playing this game is your interest in first person shooters, or your current cash. Well, let me tell you, this is more interesting than your average war shooter, so that should be reason enough to at least give it a rent. Do with that what you will.

Next week, (that would be next Sunday, as I'm going to Soundwave this Sunday) I'll review either Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, MGS HD Collection or Asuras Wrath. I'll leave the actual decision a surprise. See you next time!