Guide Note

The Darkness is an action/horror first-person shooter developed by Starbreeze Studios for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The game is largely based on the comic book series of the same name, but with some creative liberties taken with the original plot and cast of characters. Critical reception at the time of its release was mostly favorable, attaining an aggregate score of 8% on Metacritic.¹ A sequel is also reportedly in the works as indicated by the contents of a letter addressed from a 2K Games employee to a Dutch rap artist in 2007.² However, neither the development studio nor the publisher have officially confirmed its existence.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Starbreeze Studios
2. Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
3. Genre: First-person shooter/third-person action
4. ESRB rating: Mature (M)
5. Release date: June 25, 2007

The story initially focuses on the origin of Jackie’s powers, which he inherits after being nearly assassinated by his adopted uncle, Paulie, who wants to get rid of him so that he assume complete control of the mob. Following this incident, Jackie is transported to a hellish realm where he discovers that he is part of an extended lineage of hosts for a malevolent creature known as The Darkness. Although their relationship is symbiotic at first, a power struggle eventually ensues with Jackie trying to retain his humanity while actively seeking revenge.

As a first-person shooter, The Darkness adheres to many of the usual conventions typical for the genre, with gunfights being the norm, but the inclusion of special powers also allows players to do various things such as summon various “darklings” to fight alongside them, use tentacles to impale enemies, break down walls, or sneak through vents to gain an element of surprise. Light and shadow also have major effects on Jackie as he is significantly stronger in dark areas.