The Darkness

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 247 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 188 out of 247
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 247
  3. Negative: 24 out of 247
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  1. DickS
    Jan 13, 2010
    9
    The excellent story makes up for virtually all the clunkiness of the engine. Defiantly one of my top two favorite games. Starbreeze has a nice engine that delivers realistic game play but it needs a MAJOR upgrade to compete with todays games and fix the unrefinement that bogs the game down.
  2. bird_b85
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    One of my all time favorite games. This game all about the story line. It sucks you in and holds you there. Makes you fall in love and makes you HATE every enemy you come accrossed. I never yell at my TV so much as I killed groups of bad guys. Plus make sure you write down phone numbers you find. You will want to call them all.
  3. AndyP.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Superbly produced game with excellent graphics. Do not believe the reviews that claim next to no optional quests, there are tons! Also working out what is required for and actually achieving the achievements is great fun in itself. Highly recommended.
  4. JHango
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    This is my favorite fps game. great graphics, very good story. Some bugs but the game is great. Waitng to se sequel!!
  5. osprey
    Aug 28, 2016
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. The story is amazing and it takes you places you would never expect to go. This game does things like let you sit down and watch an entire movie on t.v. and makes you really feel things deeply. It is very special and not to be missed. Stay with this game to the end and you will be rewarded with a truly unique gaming experience.
  6. cmainthuging12
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    The creators did a good job emerging the player to the story and the characters, So much that it feels strangely like your in the game at some moments, even though it's just a videogame, This game emerged me into it like no other game ive ever played, Made me feel uncomfortable at times but there is some light to this game and not all of it was morbid, I wish more games could immerge thereThe creators did a good job emerging the player to the story and the characters, So much that it feels strangely like your in the game at some moments, even though it's just a videogame, This game emerged me into it like no other game ive ever played, Made me feel uncomfortable at times but there is some light to this game and not all of it was morbid, I wish more games could immerge there players like in this game instead of the typical shootemup.… Expand
  7. MartinW.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    This is one of the most original games i've played in a while, try it out, you`ll see what i mean.
  8. GabrielM.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    The best game this summer, as a matter of fact, this year. The Darkness is an incredible achievement in interactive storytelling, one of the most emotianally moving games I've played IN THE DECADE superb Grraphics, intense firefights fantastic powers ( i could spend 15 minutes just throwing a dead corpse around a New York street using demon arm) AI is meh at some points, but most of The best game this summer, as a matter of fact, this year. The Darkness is an incredible achievement in interactive storytelling, one of the most emotianally moving games I've played IN THE DECADE superb Grraphics, intense firefights fantastic powers ( i could spend 15 minutes just throwing a dead corpse around a New York street using demon arm) AI is meh at some points, but most of the time they'll take cover and use teamwork. darklings are hilarous and all characters are brimming with personality. if this game LOOKS good to you, PLAYING it will be a blast. ( if you can stomach the blood-spewing, violence-ridden, HEART-DEVOURING) Fantastic game deserves "Universal Acclaim"… Expand
  9. CoreyM.
    Jul 20, 2007
    10
    Its great u cant find a single gllich or loading screen in the game i dont know what yahoo are talkin about they must be playin the ps3 versoin because it so fun that games great buy it soo worth it.
  10. JeffA.
    Dec 10, 2007
    8
    This game is one of a kind. It's storyline is one of the best to come out for this platform, although slightly confusing at first. The graphics are first rate. Long gone are the boxy characters of old FPS and this game pushes the envelope when it comes to character detail. Graphics and storyline aside, there is something immensly satisfying about eating someone's heart or This game is one of a kind. It's storyline is one of the best to come out for this platform, although slightly confusing at first. The graphics are first rate. Long gone are the boxy characters of old FPS and this game pushes the envelope when it comes to character detail. Graphics and storyline aside, there is something immensly satisfying about eating someone's heart or impaleing them and flinging their body across the screen. Although the world is somewhat small, there are various side quests to keep you occupied as you revisit old areas of the game. And the macabre aura the game puts off is excellet. It keeps your attention through the entire game. And all of the extra content is for the most part, worth picking up. Now the bad points. The game is very empty of reactive NPCs. Meaning all of the bystanders that should be filling the streets simply are not there. Sometimes there are lulls in between plot points that leave you feeling frustrated from having to go back and forth between the same small areas. And it would have been nice to have more diverse weaponry. Grenade launchers and such. Explosives. Things of that nature. Your special darkness powers keep the main guns slightly underpowered. Other then a few blemishes, this game is a great one to pick up. It's definately a game ill tell others to pick up, because hey, we all have a dark side to us, do we not?… Expand
  11. EstherN.
    Jun 28, 2007
    9
    A game so good that it makes me realize how absolutely crappy so many releases have been of late. The atmosphere is wonderful, the facial models fantastic (although the lip movement is paralytic), the action is not only fun, but it gets very tense. The creative use of imps is a hoot.
  12. happyslug
    Apr 8, 2012
    9
    Sick of same old FPS? Then get this 5 years old game. Great graphics. Great story. A nice change in this often stale genre. The AI is a bit mixed. Sometimes the enemy will peak out from behind cars etc. Then will just walk by a dead body. Sometimes the controls can be slightly clunky. But all of this can be forgiven as the game is such a great overall experience. And I picked it up forSick of same old FPS? Then get this 5 years old game. Great graphics. Great story. A nice change in this often stale genre. The AI is a bit mixed. Sometimes the enemy will peak out from behind cars etc. Then will just walk by a dead body. Sometimes the controls can be slightly clunky. But all of this can be forgiven as the game is such a great overall experience. And I picked it up for £5. Absolute bargain.… Expand
  13. Mrtheownageman
    Aug 8, 2012
    9
    One of the best games I know. Great storyline and great gameplay it also has an amazing sountrack that has made me find out about great artists. If you are going to buy this game BUY IT, it will be the best thing that will happen to you
  14. AddMeForCoOp
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    2018 review: PSA: The multiplayer on XBOX 360 is dead (both ranked and unranked). The singleplayer story however, is one of the best I've ever played. Better than the sequel actually (which went for a more cartoony and less serious style. So this is still a highly recommended game.
  15. ArkonBlade
    Oct 22, 2010
    8
    a intresting game with a really good story for a FPS game . this game was kind of a suprise to me . i really liked the powers you get and they are very useful and fun to wach in use. playing a villian i thought was a nice touch out to take down your uncle for trying to kill you. the graphics are very well done the story grabs you nicely . the gun play is a mixed bag the up close anda intresting game with a really good story for a FPS game . this game was kind of a suprise to me . i really liked the powers you get and they are very useful and fun to wach in use. playing a villian i thought was a nice touch out to take down your uncle for trying to kill you. the graphics are very well done the story grabs you nicely . the gun play is a mixed bag the up close and personal kills look great but range shooting is very iffy .the online is a giant mess and should never be played it was very tacked on . i would have liked to see a sequel to this game.… Expand
  16. coopert
    Jan 18, 2014
    9
    This game was bought for me and from the cover art I was led to believe this was a B-movie level production but I gave it a chance and found one of the most compelling experiences the 360 has to offer. It has everything, fantastic art style (that even makes New York not boring for one of the only times this gen), solid gameplay, gripping story line and a great comic book presentation. TheThis game was bought for me and from the cover art I was led to believe this was a B-movie level production but I gave it a chance and found one of the most compelling experiences the 360 has to offer. It has everything, fantastic art style (that even makes New York not boring for one of the only times this gen), solid gameplay, gripping story line and a great comic book presentation. The story runs on the edge of gritty gang crime in New York and adds dark fantasy to the mix but the Darkness is based on a comic book, having not read any of the comics I can not tell you how well it captivates the general ideas, moods and characters. Overall a great videogame and well worth a play, not much replay value but a good chunky single player campaign that can be picked up for very cheap now.… Expand
  17. DarkJEM
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Although short in terms of the games I usually play (Oblivion, Morrowind, Skyrim and the like), the Darkness proves that not all games have to be monumentally long to be superb. You really get a feel for the characters both dark and light. The game was a pleasure from start to finish.
  18. MightyQuinn21
    Jul 4, 2013
    8
    Wow this game was way better than I thought it was gonna be especially for buying it used at GameStop for only $6. The best thing about the game is it story involving the main character Jackie and the being he's fighting against the Darkness. For a game that came out in 2007 the graphics are decent and the gameplay is pretty good as well. Also the fact that you can watch whole tvWow this game was way better than I thought it was gonna be especially for buying it used at GameStop for only $6. The best thing about the game is it story involving the main character Jackie and the being he's fighting against the Darkness. For a game that came out in 2007 the graphics are decent and the gameplay is pretty good as well. Also the fact that you can watch whole tv episodes and old cartoons on the TVs in the game was a really nice touch and have never seen anything like that in a video game. So if you own an Xbox 360 this is a must own game for only $6.… Expand
  19. SmileyHunter
    Dec 16, 2018
    10
    I would like part 3 of this game please with free roam again like part one Jens.A
  20. Samanosuke0
    Feb 22, 2016
    0
    It's hard to someone in 2015 find this game fun. But if we think that Bioshock, which is a GREAT GAME even TODAY, was released in the same year that The Darkness we can see how terrible this game is. The problem is not the graphics or history but, mainly, the game play. Every thing is so hard, even to take aim, is really, really bad. The movements is much unnaturally, like a lego videogameIt's hard to someone in 2015 find this game fun. But if we think that Bioshock, which is a GREAT GAME even TODAY, was released in the same year that The Darkness we can see how terrible this game is. The problem is not the graphics or history but, mainly, the game play. Every thing is so hard, even to take aim, is really, really bad. The movements is much unnaturally, like a lego videogame (Oh sorry, lego video games are more realistic than The Darkness)

    The second game is very cool, but is sadly you might try to play the first before. Do not worth to play.    … Expand
  21. DarcyD.
    Jul 4, 2007
    4
    A massive disappointment for me. Excellent graphics and voice acting, but what happened to the gameplay? Plus the narrative barely makes sense. The writing is an embarrassment to the comics. In the comics we are properly introduced to the power of the Darkness - the writers take time to show Jackie's reactions as he comes to terms with it. In the game everything is completely rushed A massive disappointment for me. Excellent graphics and voice acting, but what happened to the gameplay? Plus the narrative barely makes sense. The writing is an embarrassment to the comics. In the comics we are properly introduced to the power of the Darkness - the writers take time to show Jackie's reactions as he comes to terms with it. In the game everything is completely rushed with none of the character depth of the comics - OK I didn't expect pages of dialogue but I expected Jackie to at least say something along the lines of "What the **** is happening?' Instead he says absolutely nothing like this until about an hour or two after he's received the power. Weird. This should have been a classic but it just didn't come together. Still looking forward to the next Riddick game though - hopefully Vin Diesel's involvement will ensure the same kind of quality gaming we had in the first game.… Expand
  22. GaryW.
    Jun 28, 2007
    3
    Do NOT be fooled, this game is pathetic. You character leisurely strolls around the fight scenes. No interactivity with objects (oo you can smash the odd window). The baddies are a mixture of psychic and completely stupid. They spot you within a millisecond and start shooting, but just stand there. The game auto aims for you. (to an extent) Some doors you can open, some you cant, but they Do NOT be fooled, this game is pathetic. You character leisurely strolls around the fight scenes. No interactivity with objects (oo you can smash the odd window). The baddies are a mixture of psychic and completely stupid. They spot you within a millisecond and start shooting, but just stand there. The game auto aims for you. (to an extent) Some doors you can open, some you cant, but they all look identical. Great. The graphics are subpar. Weve all seen Doom 3 and Chronicles Of Riddick ,they look far better graphically and theyre donkeys years old. It really does feel like playing a psone game with some shadows dumped around the scene. Think 'dead to rights' but with a silly story and terrible AI and gameplay. Why did I give it a generous 3? god only knows.… Expand
  23. gameBUSTA
    Oct 14, 2012
    2
    This game is BORING AS HELL. I mean the story is confusing and the graphics and game-play are really stupid and cheap also the main character looks a lot older than a actual 21 year old.
  24. [Anonymous]
    Aug 9, 2007
    4
    The gameplay is so clunky and slow that i wanted to cry because everything else about it is so amazing. after playing halo so long i can't go back to something this sluggish and tedious.
  25. ICUH8N
    Jul 2, 2007
    2
    I was really looking forward to this release, and like Gary W. I was let down by the poor A.I., bland level designs, auto aiming and dated controls/gameplay. While I thought the graphics were good, the physics felt like a 6-8 year old game. Gears of War and F.E.A.R were much more enjoyable because of how intense the fighting was, the physics and how real the A.I. reacted. This game is I was really looking forward to this release, and like Gary W. I was let down by the poor A.I., bland level designs, auto aiming and dated controls/gameplay. While I thought the graphics were good, the physics felt like a 6-8 year old game. Gears of War and F.E.A.R were much more enjoyable because of how intense the fighting was, the physics and how real the A.I. reacted. This game is basically walking around for blocks on end, find some guy shooting at you while standing still, kill him and then move on. I don't get how this game can be so much worse than the Chronicles of Riddick, which I thoroughly enjoyed.… Expand
  26. CarlosZ.
    Jul 12, 2007
    3
    Bad graphics, bad history, bad game for me.
  27. KevinM.
    Jul 1, 2007
    6
    I liked this game a lot, but i felt the atmosphere of New York City was dead. Even though most of the game took place at night, there would be more than 2 people walking in a whole neighborhood. Though I loved the gameplay, you can really play the whole game without using one darkness power. After waiting for this game(especially since Riddick was awesome), I felt underwhelmed.Though the I liked this game a lot, but i felt the atmosphere of New York City was dead. Even though most of the game took place at night, there would be more than 2 people walking in a whole neighborhood. Though I loved the gameplay, you can really play the whole game without using one darkness power. After waiting for this game(especially since Riddick was awesome), I felt underwhelmed.Though the fast paced guns blazing tactic was fun, it does get old. The best part of this game was the story and the close combat kills. Though the close combat kills sometimes got repetitive, the gore and violence can put a smile on anyones face. Overall this was an ok game, with a fantastic story, and moments that would make you yell HOLY SHIT. But overall an underwhelming follow-up to Riddick.… Expand
  28. Higher_Standard
    Sep 21, 2010
    7
    The story has made it a personal favorite of mine, however the game is so unrefined and could have been so much more. Though I cut Starbreeze some slack because I think they operate on a low budget.
  29. Wellbag
    Dec 12, 2011
    5
    Graphics 3 STARS: This game is supposed to be played in the dark. Not that you're going to turn off your own light but you are going to flick every light switch in the game or just shoot the hell out of the lightbulbs. Even though you don't shoot out the lights the game is still being to dark even if you're playing with the gamma and light at max. If you're playing with gamma on the maxGraphics 3 STARS: This game is supposed to be played in the dark. Not that you're going to turn off your own light but you are going to flick every light switch in the game or just shoot the hell out of the lightbulbs. Even though you don't shoot out the lights the game is still being to dark even if you're playing with the gamma and light at max. If you're playing with gamma on the max it's to dark in i.e Alleys or behind dumpsters but when you are then going down into the subway station it's too bright so you may need to lower the light settings or gamma settings. For being such an old release for this generation The Darkness has a lot of good spots here and there in the graphics. Lightning when you don't have total darkness is okay for it's time being but when you are in too dark areas you spot pixelated shadows and low res textures. It haves animation worth the price. Awesome animations. The game world is based in New york but it doesn't seem like the big apple since the environment is just boring houses and the city that never sleeps ..... SLEEPS!

    Story 1 STAR: It don't want to spoil the main plot(what i know about it) for you guys but for me this plot aint that attractive. The story is being told to you in such a way that it doesn't matter. I've played this game for more then 5 hours and so far i haven't really got it. To me it's just a game of hide and seek. I take the train to every subway station and just go up to the surface and ding here is a part of the story. You're being attacked by people with what seems to be too pale faces. All the sudden you're in "WW2" and shooting what seems to be nazis... i'm just confused. For me this is the biggest problem of it all. I don't get it.

    Audio 4 STARS: Something that Starbreeze never fails with is the audio. The audio is awesome and with surround headphones it's incredible. Unfortunately the game have some corny voice acting except the voice acting on the darkness. People in the subway have "dead" sounding voices and sometimes the voices from the darkness sound different than before. Gun sounds are as good as they can be. Gameplay 3 STARS:
    The gameplay is okay for an 2007 shooter but it has some flaws(Control issues both when you play as jackie and as the darkness.) Sometimes the darkness get stuck between wall and ground if your trying to smash a lightbulb. The gun play is close to the second resistance game or for 360 owners Perfect Dark Zero. It's kind of stiff but you will get used to it. The game has alot of cool animations when you're in close combat, unfortunately these are animated and you can't do anything with them so you can't basically die in a close combat situation. When you have your'e time lapse back to ww2 the control issues come forward but that is corrected with excellent gun play. I paid 5$ for this game and it's worth that but i wouldn't pay 59,99 for it. That's for sure. btw. i'm swedish and it's 3am so don't complain about the language.    … Expand
  30. wesker2012
    Feb 28, 2013
    4
    I wanted to like this game, but the controls were way too frustrating and nothing was pulling me forward to keep playing the game. The beginning grabbed me in with its atmosphere, dark music, and the voice of the darkness...but the shoot outs are terrible, the game feels like it wasn't finished. The environments are very bland and there's barely anything to interact with. One thing II wanted to like this game, but the controls were way too frustrating and nothing was pulling me forward to keep playing the game. The beginning grabbed me in with its atmosphere, dark music, and the voice of the darkness...but the shoot outs are terrible, the game feels like it wasn't finished. The environments are very bland and there's barely anything to interact with. One thing I enjoyed about the game was the humor, but even that can't save this game. I payed 5 dollars for this game and it still wasn't worth playing.… Expand
  31. Broyax
    Mar 20, 2020
    1
    Moué, c'est tiré d'un comics, lequel est peut-être moins bordélique (ou du moins, on l'espère) que le pseudo-scénario de ce jeu vaguement horrifique qui mélange n'importe comment le surnaturel inexpliqué avec des règlements de compte entre mafieux... et une amourette à l'eau de rose pour faire bonne mesure dans le drame dramatique qui accapare le héros "maudit"...

    Evidemment, ça se veut    Moué, c'est tiré d'un comics, lequel est peut-être moins bordélique (ou du moins, on l'espère) que le pseudo-scénario de ce jeu vaguement horrifique qui mélange n'importe comment le surnaturel inexpliqué avec des règlements de compte entre mafieux... et une amourette à l'eau de rose pour faire bonne mesure dans le drame dramatique qui accapare le héros "maudit"...

    Evidemment, ça se veut ou ça se prétend en même temps un polar, un polar très noir avec la voix asthmatique du jeune héros coiffé comme l'as de pique et attifé comme un charlot... on dézingue donc les vilains tout en ayant pris bien soin de déglinguer la moindre lumière parce que sinon on se fait étendre un moins de deux ! les fusillades sont donc brutales mais très caricaturales et trop mal faites dans tous les domaines pour convaincre... même en 2007.

    Pareil pour les graphismes, pas extraordinaires mais bon... l'infiltration est aux abonnées absentes alors que le jeu aurait pu s'y prêter quelque peu... mais ce ne se sera pas pour cette fois ! alors la curiosité nous pousse malgré tout à avancer... mais le pire concerne les périodes d'errance dans les niveaux (et le métro) vu qu'aucun indicateur virtuel n'est là pour vous guider : est-ce qu'on est revenu dans les années 90 ou quoi ?

    En tout cas, l'incohérénce générale atteint son sommet avec ce niveau pendant la guerre, confus et abscons : qu'est-ce que ça vient faire là ? on ne sait pas ! de guerre lasse en tout cas, on laisse tomber ce jeu peu agréable et décidément trop mal fait !    … Expand
  32. AlanD.
    Jul 14, 2007
    9
    This game is good overall, but the reason i gave it a 9 from the 8 it probably deserves: The summoned demon who says "I like penguins" and the eating of hearts.
  33. KevinMarquardt
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    The Darkness a one of a kind game that is a refreshing break from what the console world has to offer right. This game is one of the best looking, sounding, and story driven games I've played for a long time. When I first started playing it, i thought i wasnt going to like it very much, but after and hour I was really into it. The game has its flaws though, Jackie walks like a zombie,The Darkness a one of a kind game that is a refreshing break from what the console world has to offer right. This game is one of the best looking, sounding, and story driven games I've played for a long time. When I first started playing it, i thought i wasnt going to like it very much, but after and hour I was really into it. The game has its flaws though, Jackie walks like a zombie, there were some major anti-aliasing problems in the beginning, and more can be desired from the gun play, If you enjoyed Chronicles of Riddick, then you should play this cause it offers awesomeness aplenty. OH YEAH BEST GRAPHICS EVAR< EAT YOUR HEART OUT GEARS@!!… Expand
  34. JohanO.
    Jul 2, 2007
    8
    This was one of the most enjoyable FPS I've played on the 360. Graphically it looks good, nothing amazing, but good. Enemies aren't sharp, but you're going to kill them anyways. Interactivity? You can flush a toilet, knock out the lights (essential to playing) and toss around objects in the environment. How is this not interactive? The multiplayer is mediocre, and the This was one of the most enjoyable FPS I've played on the 360. Graphically it looks good, nothing amazing, but good. Enemies aren't sharp, but you're going to kill them anyways. Interactivity? You can flush a toilet, knock out the lights (essential to playing) and toss around objects in the environment. How is this not interactive? The multiplayer is mediocre, and the environment and story is where The Darkness shines. It's a good FPS, it does have too much down time, but fun nonetheless.… Expand
  35. RonC.
    Jul 3, 2007
    9
    This game had an excellent single player experience. It was a little short, I bet it in three days. It had great voice acting, great charecters, great story, great gameplay ( you fell like a total bad ass by the end), and good graphics. That two out of two from Starbreeze. But, the multiplayer was horrible. Not, much thought was put into it. So, since the game is short also, this is a This game had an excellent single player experience. It was a little short, I bet it in three days. It had great voice acting, great charecters, great story, great gameplay ( you fell like a total bad ass by the end), and good graphics. That two out of two from Starbreeze. But, the multiplayer was horrible. Not, much thought was put into it. So, since the game is short also, this is a great rental.… Expand
  36. MarkT.
    Jul 4, 2007
    7
    This game is really fun. Its possibly one of the nicest 360 games to date, the graphics are stunning. Game play and shooting enemies has never been so fun. The action is very tense and ai is pretty unpredictable. Its a short game which will keep you occupied for around 12 hours. But it is one thrill ride, and up their as one of the top games this year.
  37. BrianW.
    Jul 5, 2007
    8
    Fun to kill people with tentacles ;).
  38. PatrickS.
    Aug 8, 2007
    9
    Good story, kept alive with the graphics and unique game play. Lots of fun, and the only thing keeping it form a 10 is the multiplayer and, at times graphics seem slightly lower quality than they could be. Overall a great game, everyone should at least try.
  39. JohnT.
    Oct 29, 2008
    9
    Excellent game - definitely a lot of 'wow' moments, and memorable experiences. There are occasional minor hiccups, but this game really exceeded any and all expectations I had for it. Number one tip - adjust the controls and sensitivity. There's pretty good customization available for these, and with a few tweaks you can sort the sluggishness out of movement and combat, and Excellent game - definitely a lot of 'wow' moments, and memorable experiences. There are occasional minor hiccups, but this game really exceeded any and all expectations I had for it. Number one tip - adjust the controls and sensitivity. There's pretty good customization available for these, and with a few tweaks you can sort the sluggishness out of movement and combat, and get focused on enjoying the game.… Expand
  40. IainF.
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    THIS GAME IS AMAZING. The graphics are sublime and realistic, and above that the gameplay is phenomenal. There are loads of guns at your disposal, and creatures to kill our enemies with in the most gruesome ays imaginable. The gore is amazing, and the thought of introducing The Darkness, demon heads out of your back that have demonic powers, was original and brilliant. And don't get THIS GAME IS AMAZING. The graphics are sublime and realistic, and above that the gameplay is phenomenal. There are loads of guns at your disposal, and creatures to kill our enemies with in the most gruesome ays imaginable. The gore is amazing, and the thought of introducing The Darkness, demon heads out of your back that have demonic powers, was original and brilliant. And don't get me started about the story, which is enthralling and moving.… Expand
  41. ChrisH.
    Jul 1, 2007
    9
    A highly unique and refreshing FPS, and one of the years best so far.
  42. HWNDarkside
    Jul 11, 2007
    7
    It's a good game and worth playing through once. One of the more innovative FPS I've played for a while. Darkness powers are cool. The story is a little confusing and doesn't make much sense but doesn't dectract from the gameplay. You will get sick of seeing subway stations though!! Multiplayer is appallingly bad - as shame as it could have offered something different It's a good game and worth playing through once. One of the more innovative FPS I've played for a while. Darkness powers are cool. The story is a little confusing and doesn't make much sense but doesn't dectract from the gameplay. You will get sick of seeing subway stations though!! Multiplayer is appallingly bad - as shame as it could have offered something different to other FPS currently available… Expand
  43. Gott
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    This game is awesome. So original...the powers that you can use make the game a blast...you have many options when dealing with enemies...amazing game. Could have been a book the story is so good...
  44. dsega
    Jul 23, 2007
    8
    VIOLENT! very violent . the darkness just looks awesome all the time . no HUD so it looks pretty on my plasma. Close combat kills. Heart ripping . impaling. very atmospheric a well written story . great unlockables . including the original comics . ((looks great on hd)) offers a lot of control of how the aiming works so you can fine tune it for yourself . go download the demo off xbox live.
  45. GiancarloB.
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    Fantastic graphic
  46. JamesK.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    I absolutely love this game. It shall sit on my Xbox 360 till either Stranglehold or Bioshock comes out. The reason why most gamers hate this is because they are unfamiliar with New York City. Well I am from LA and knowing NYC is easy! Just buy a map or call a New Yorker for directions.
  47. TommyM.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    This game deserves serious credit. Absorbing, intense and action packed. People complaining about loading times need to relax... it really isn't ever that long and the rewards outweigh the wait. I loved the use of "to kill a mockingbird" in your missus's apartment... i wanted to hang around and see how long it lasted but couldn't resist getting up to develop my Dark side. This game deserves serious credit. Absorbing, intense and action packed. People complaining about loading times need to relax... it really isn't ever that long and the rewards outweigh the wait. I loved the use of "to kill a mockingbird" in your missus's apartment... i wanted to hang around and see how long it lasted but couldn't resist getting up to develop my Dark side. You actually care about the characters and i really think this is very important in building your blood lust for revenge. I agree with Ryencoke.... there are some problems but whoever at yahoo wrote the review is an idiot with no soul and hence cant understand why this game is so damn good. Starbreese have done a great job and every 360 owner deserves to give this game some playtime.… Expand
  48. AlexanderL.
    Aug 3, 2007
    8
    Really polished, but the controls take getting used to and the general experience of the game is less than other FPS's on the market.
  49. RobertN.
    Sep 10, 2007
    9
    Thought this game was great. The action is repetitive and you'll likely not play it again once finished, but for the 30-40 hours it lasts, it was a blast. Graphics and sound were great and the story was good as well. The streets are kind of deserted and it gets kind of depressing wandering the streets at night all by yourself, but once the action starts, it's fun trying to Thought this game was great. The action is repetitive and you'll likely not play it again once finished, but for the 30-40 hours it lasts, it was a blast. Graphics and sound were great and the story was good as well. The streets are kind of deserted and it gets kind of depressing wandering the streets at night all by yourself, but once the action starts, it's fun trying to decide which hours you'll use, given the conditions. All in all, an enjoyable game and one of the best released this summer. Come Fall there'll be better slternatives to this, but over the summer it was fun.… Expand
  50. JoshuaK.
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    The game is amazing, the art holds true to the comic, and the graphics look amazing. The gameplay is truly something to behold, with the Close combat moves being so flashy and the just everything comes together so perfectly.
  51. Coonami
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    If you like a strong narrative, great graphics, tight gameplay, and top notch voice acting this game is for you. A very cinematic game experience. A very strong follow up to starbreeze's last game Riddick.
  52. FPSMaster
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    If you loved Riddick, you'll love this. Not because it plays the same, but because it gives the same type of feeling and Starbreeze is king with making an atmoshere in a video game that even Valve, Bungie, Infinity Ward, Epic and id have yet to pull off. The menus, the pacing, the upbeat music that starts when a firefight is about to happen, the voice acting and character gestures, If you loved Riddick, you'll love this. Not because it plays the same, but because it gives the same type of feeling and Starbreeze is king with making an atmoshere in a video game that even Valve, Bungie, Infinity Ward, Epic and id have yet to pull off. The menus, the pacing, the upbeat music that starts when a firefight is about to happen, the voice acting and character gestures, to the overall astonishing look of the graphics, lighiting, environments, textures and even your fluid CGI-like arm movements bring back those memories of playing Riddick 3 years ago because they put the same amount of effort into this. The gore and gruesomeness of the kills, especially the hand-to-hand kills (much like the cool ones in Riddick) look very hardcore as do the darkness power kills. Blood and bodies are all over the place to say the least. This plays like a first person shooter, but you also have the darkness powers to utilize but you don't have to if you don't want to. They just make it a hell of a lot easier, and sometimes feel a bit gimmicky, but not as bad as reviewers like the one from IGN would have you believe. The only downsides are you move a little slow and some of the controls are a little loose and clunky for the darkness powers and you have to constantly shoot out lights to make the game work properly and stay alive which does grate after a while and feels slightly gimmicky. The optional stuff like sitting with your girlfriend and watching tv to helping bums that want to play harmonica but are being harassed about it by street thugs are a big plus and help keep the atmoshere feeling realistic and less linear. The multiplayer is also a little gimmicky and short lived (even the developer says it's not to be taken seriously), but like Riddick I don't care about the multiplayer with a single player mode with this much quality and effort put into it. The fact that the loading screens show your main character talking about things you are about to do like a flashback make this feel like a big budget movie like Payback. It's sort of Max Payne-esque when it comes to your character's dialog, just not cheesy like that game but instead very serious. You can actually walk around and explore looking for hidden pieces of paper that give you phone numbers to call unlocking concept stuff just like the hidden cigarette packs did in Riddick so some free roaming and exploring do exist here. With this game, Starbreeze has shown me once again if given the time they can make a great single player game where other developers just get by and move on to putting all their time into multiplayer. I gave it a 9 instead of 10 for some minor framerate and control issues but it really deserves a 10 for effort but no game is perfect. iIf you never played Riddick, you owe it to yourself to see why Starbreeze is considered one of the best development studioes of our time that also gets very little credit for it. Riddick is being remade for 360 this winter, so give it a try if you never did before and see what the fuss about this developer is all about. Or just play this and see now.… Expand
  53. JackE.
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    This game is innovative, entertaining and just plain fun for those who can stomach it. Darkness/darkling powers are practical and engaging, especially creeping darkness, though not without minor control issues and gunplay, which you'll still rely on to a large degree, is fairly standard. But the exceptional production values, attention to detail and interesting story and gameplay This game is innovative, entertaining and just plain fun for those who can stomach it. Darkness/darkling powers are practical and engaging, especially creeping darkness, though not without minor control issues and gunplay, which you'll still rely on to a large degree, is fairly standard. But the exceptional production values, attention to detail and interesting story and gameplay elements will keep you coming back to see what happens next.… Expand
  54. DeeCee
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    This game is simply amazing! It looks supurb! The lighting, ambience, character mocap, models, and even Framing during scenes are incredible! It feels so real... unlike most FPS'. Worth a purchase, it's truely a great gaming experience.
  55. Ryencoke
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    This game is really awesome. One of the best FPS for 360 by far. Some glitches, some things they missed/didn't want to do. Other then that awesome. The person who wrote the review at Yahoo! is a complete moron. This game doesn't have mass loading screens in any way, loads fast don't load very often either. Well done to the creators.
  56. RikardW.
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    This isn't just an action game, it's an action game with a whole lot of depth, great characters and atmosphere. I have a hard time understanding how this game could dissapoint anyone.
  57. Shadowman007G.
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    Awesome Game! Nothing like it since resident evil. Online play needs work, but still worth it.
  58. TaylorM-G
    Jul 19, 2007
    7
    Nothing made me happier to hear Mike Patton's voice as the darkness. And I'm delighted to say that the writing in this first-person shooter is the highlight of the game. The story is compelling, the characters unique and the gameplay engrossing. What's not to like when you take Tony Montana and possess him with the devil. Unfortunately, the game play becomes repetitive and Nothing made me happier to hear Mike Patton's voice as the darkness. And I'm delighted to say that the writing in this first-person shooter is the highlight of the game. The story is compelling, the characters unique and the gameplay engrossing. What's not to like when you take Tony Montana and possess him with the devil. Unfortunately, the game play becomes repetitive and boring. Yeah, it's cool that you can use your demon snake-like creatures to eat hearts, sneak attacks mobsters and create mini black holes with which to suck crooked cops into. But that gets old after ten minutes of monotonous results. It has a decent shooter mechanism with a small-town weapon diversity. Though, you end up never using them once you receive the "demon gun." It's a decent release with great attention to detail and wity banter. But the game developers shot themselves in the foot when they set it in NYC. I live here, and let me reassure you. At no time during the night will there be less than fifty people in any given chinatown.canal street area. It's as if NYC is a ghost town. Darkness has sweet graphics and a cool idea for demonic abilities, but it's story soon becomes the only reason to play. And, truthfully, I'd rather go rent King of New York, Goodfellas or the Exorcist.… Expand
  59. Daz
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    Don't be too nitpicky this is a great game! The story is obviously its strongest point, it feels like the story all comes together at the end, the graphic bar GoW are the best i've seen on the 360, gritty realistic but added with the macabre style of the darkness worlds ( THE HILLS!) make the atmosphere excellent too. The aiming is alittle annoying but nothing bad, and once you Don't be too nitpicky this is a great game! The story is obviously its strongest point, it feels like the story all comes together at the end, the graphic bar GoW are the best i've seen on the 360, gritty realistic but added with the macabre style of the darkness worlds ( THE HILLS!) make the atmosphere excellent too. The aiming is alittle annoying but nothing bad, and once you get the black hole you could say it makes pretty much all otehr powers obselete, in most ways, it kills,breaks lights and knocks away scenery. Good game.… Expand
  60. AdamReid
    Aug 4, 2011
    7
    The story line in this game is really amazing, but the gameplay is a little bit strange, Jakie walks as if he has 2 broken legs, and the accuracy on the guns are retarded, but still, this is almost the best game ive played in a long while, mostly becuase of the epic storyline, another bad thing about this game was the terrible multiplayer it was by far the worst, i liked the idea of theThe story line in this game is really amazing, but the gameplay is a little bit strange, Jakie walks as if he has 2 broken legs, and the accuracy on the guns are retarded, but still, this is almost the best game ive played in a long while, mostly becuase of the epic storyline, another bad thing about this game was the terrible multiplayer it was by far the worst, i liked the idea of the game modes, but hated the fact that the multiplayer was an utter lagg fest. In the end, i really enjoyed this game and cant actually wait until the second game.… Expand
  61. SpunkyMonkey
    Nov 21, 2011
    9
    First of all, it's gonna have to be a pretty bad game that can mess up a combination of trigger happy Mafioso style bloodlust and demonic evil-bound carnage. Thankfully this game far from messes it up and instead pulls it off and pulls it off in style! Itâ
  62. Welterweight426
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    A great story. However, the gameplay is kinda meh. The targeting system seemed a little awkward to me. I liked using the darkness powers but it was kinda awkward with those too. I loved the story and the voice acting was top notch. I don't like metal music but I felt that the soundtrack was really good. I felt energized when I played it. Either way, a good game.
  63. rutulgandhi
    Jun 18, 2014
    8
    Without a doubt, the first thing that will catch your eye after you slip The Darkness into your drive is the incredible job the folks at Starbreeze did on nailing all of the little details that immerse a player in a world. The presentation is top-notch, from the menus to the cutscenes, each of which happens in real-time. As you explore the world, you'll likely notice dozens of littleWithout a doubt, the first thing that will catch your eye after you slip The Darkness into your drive is the incredible job the folks at Starbreeze did on nailing all of the little details that immerse a player in a world. The presentation is top-notch, from the menus to the cutscenes, each of which happens in real-time. As you explore the world, you'll likely notice dozens of little things that catch your eye, be it the graffiti in the subway stations or the peeling paint in the abandoned buildings. There's no doubt about it: this is next-gen eye candy. Our only real qualms with the whole open-world thing is the fact that you need to travel across town using subway stations which, while very realistic, are just as much a pain in the ass as they are in the real world.

    The first half hour or so of the game feels like a fairly standard first-person shooter, albeit one that looks excellent. Jackie's weapons of choice are dual-wielded pistols, although you'll find plenty of old standbys (shotguns, rifles, etc.) as you progress through the game. When you're dual-wielding, each of the triggers fires a weapon, while the left trigger is used for melee attacks when using a single firearm. It's likely that you won't use the firearms that much once you unlock the Darkness powers, but it's always nice to have them handy. One of the coolest gunplay elements is the ability to pull off "execution-style" kills when you're close to a foe. It's a lot of nasty, noisy fun that fits in perfectly with game's twisted theme.

    Although the shooter is all well and good, it's the Darkness powers that really make the game special. After a little while, you'll gain the ability to send out a snake-like appendage called The Creeping Darkness. You can use this guy to sneak through vents (allowing you to open locked doors from the other side) or simply send it off to literally bite the faces off of your foes. They also have the ability to devour the hearts of your fallen enemies, which allows you to gain more power when you're in the dark. You'll also earn a tentacle that can impale foes and smash out lights, as well as Darkness-powered pistols that actually aren't quite as cool as they sound. You'll need to spend a bit of time in the shadows to fill up your stores of Darkness power.

    The most powerful of the Darkness powers is the Black Hole, which sucks anything within about 20 feet into a swirling vortex. While this power is impressive, it's actually too overpowered and makes the last few hours of the action a lesson in repetitive gameplay. Actually, all of the Darkness powers are like that, and you'll probably spend most of the game killing enemies in an area, breaking all of the lights to power back up, then moving on to the next batch of enemies. This "lather, rinse, repeat" style of gameplay gets old around the 5 hour mark, which is only about halfway through the game. Of course, you could always just fight your way through with the firearms at your disposal, but then you'll be missing out on the gory fun.

    While the Darkness powers add a nice bit of fun to the game, the "Darklings" that you can conjure are simultaneous awesome and annoying. When you're in Darkness mode, you can stand near any of the portals on the ground and create one of several mean little imps. The Darklings come in a variety of flavors, from the Berserkers that jump on your enemies to the Kamikazes that will act as suicide bombers (they can clear paths or kill baddies). The one that comes in most handy is probably the Lightkiller, who can enter a room and destroy any light that threatens you. Although the Darklings are a blast to watch (they'll urinate on your dead enemies or say some horribly inappropriate things), they can be extremely frustrating to control at times.

    Once you're done with the single-player campaign (which, unfortunately, has a disappointing ending), you can take the action online against your buddies. The Darkness features some fairly run-of-the-mill multiplayer gametypes, but the proceedings are improved by the fact that you can play as a human, a darkling, or a shapeshifter. This make the multiplayer fun for a while, but the action is ultimately hindered by poor controls and an unstable framerate. The maps are all surprisingly small, too, which theoretically keeps the action intense, but in reality just makes everything that much more confusing. If you don't have an Xbox Live account you can play via System Link, but there's no splitscreen mode or anything for single-box play.

    In the end, the development team may have been a little too ambitious, as the game tries some new things, succeeding in some areas and falling just short in others. The presentation and visuals are absolutely top-notch, but the gameplay ultimately becomes a bit too repetitive and the multiplayer feels tacked-on. Still, this is definitely a promising next-gen start for the folks at Starbreeze, and I can't wait to see what they've got in store for us next time.    … Expand
  64. SleepNot
    Apr 1, 2020
    10
    The Darkness is a very atmospheric mystic game! It's don't looks like other games. Great experience!
  65. Xprimentyl
    Jun 22, 2016
    9
    I feel a bit silly writing a review for a 9 year old game, but conversation in another forum got me feeling nostalgic, so I figured “why the hell not?” In my humblest of opinions, “The Darkness” is easily one of the best games of the last gen that no one played; oddly enough, the few that did pretty much universally agree that it is a great game. You’d hope that kind of promise wouldI feel a bit silly writing a review for a 9 year old game, but conversation in another forum got me feeling nostalgic, so I figured “why the hell not?” In my humblest of opinions, “The Darkness” is easily one of the best games of the last gen that no one played; oddly enough, the few that did pretty much universally agree that it is a great game. You’d hope that kind of promise would spread its popularity, but if I recall correctly, it launched (under-hyped) as a new IP right around the time some fairly big and well-tried franchises were dropping titles, so to say it was overshadowed is an understatement. It saw a near immediate and dramatic price drop and was stacking up in the used bins faster than level 20 Tetris blocks. Seeing that, I took it as a sign of poor quality, discounted it entirely and forgot about it. Fast-forward some time into a personal gaming drought, I saw it in the used bin for $5 and decided to bite…

    I was convinced $5 was a steal within the first 30 minutes; nearly called Game Stop to offer them the other $55 I felt I owed them. From the beginning, “The Darkness” drew me in unlike any FPS prior to it or since. The world was dark and brooding, the characters incredibly deep and fleshed out and the Darkness Powers you unlock were a pure, brutal joy to use. Let me just say that had more people played it when it launched, the Darkness Tendrils could easily have been as iconic for the last gen as the “Gears of War” Chainsaw Gun; creeping along the floor and biting my enemies’ faces off right before ripping out and eating their still beating hearts never got old throughout my half-dozen or so playthroughs! As an FPS, “The Darkness” has some work to do; the gun work is mediocre at best, but the Darkness Powers are so much fun to use and so varied, more often than not, I found myself forgetting I even HAD guns preferring to move in closer for a bloody melee, using my tentacles to slither up unnoticed and rip enemies to pieces or casting a crushing black hole to clear entire areas of threats without breaking a sweat!

    However, the biggest draw that really makes “The Darkness” stand out for me still to this day would have to be the emotions it put me through. Without spoiling anything, the writers and voice actors made Jackie, his girlfriend Jenny and their relationship real enough to me that I became emotionally invested; that was unprecedented for me. The game opens up allowing the player (Jackie) to actively experience an intimate moment between the two young lovers, nothing sexual at all, just a very close moment that actively involves the player in a unique way, eschewing skippable cutscenes or annoying, clumsy quick-time events like other titles might have differed to. With Jackie and Jenny being so well written and voiced to that point, when that moment was over, it felt like I loved Jenny, which made the subsequent revenge-fueled visceral gore-fest of the 8-hour campaign extremely personal and satisfying for Jackie and me both. Not saying everyone did, will, could or should have the same emotionally intense experience as I, but I think most could, at least one some level, appreciate how the experience differs from the way most other games might attempt to tug at your heartstrings    … Expand
  66. eva3si0n
    Feb 15, 2022
    7
    Darkness is the last worthy project from Starbreeze Studios. In 2007, the game really looked great, but it did not survive the influence of time. Having launched it for the first time in 2022, I faced many gameplay problems, primarily here the terrible interface, combined with the complexity of level design, turns into suffering. I don't go to Darkness extra quests, I Google how to findDarkness is the last worthy project from Starbreeze Studios. In 2007, the game really looked great, but it did not survive the influence of time. Having launched it for the first time in 2022, I faced many gameplay problems, primarily here the terrible interface, combined with the complexity of level design, turns into suffering. I don't go to Darkness extra quests, I Google how to find them and where to go. The story of Darkness itself is very quickly blown away and turns into a farce, the mission in hell is the most terrible gameplay solution in general, they look like games of the early 2000s. In 2022, it is very difficult to play such a game, although the game is unique, but the gameplay did not allow it to go completely. I could only go until the second return to Hell.… Expand
  67. canceRnya
    Oct 30, 2018
    9
    Прекрасный, оригинальный, и мрачный экшон.
  68. Dperks
    Jun 3, 2022
    7
    The Darkness is a very atmospheric game with an at times emotionally gripping tale about love and lost. And the game has some fairly interesting gameplay mechanics surrounding the Darkness itself. Like how you need to stay in the dark to recharge your powers or that you can stab dudes with a tentacle or open up a black whole to suck up enemies. These aspects of the game are a lot of funThe Darkness is a very atmospheric game with an at times emotionally gripping tale about love and lost. And the game has some fairly interesting gameplay mechanics surrounding the Darkness itself. Like how you need to stay in the dark to recharge your powers or that you can stab dudes with a tentacle or open up a black whole to suck up enemies. These aspects of the game are a lot of fun but the game is held back with a whole lot of jank. Its hard to describe but the movement and gunplay is really quiet rough and can be hard for people to get used to. Enemy AI is also really basic and lacks variety. The game is kinda open world in a very linear sense with small areas connected together by streets and the subway but the world by the end of the game can feel really dead and boring when you have to walk awhile through empty streets and subways tunnels. And the side mission aren't that much better most are boring and all lack interesting rewards for your time. If you play this game your definitely playing for the story and not the gameplay not that its awful its just really dated by this point.… Expand
  69. legless_unicorn
    Jul 31, 2022
    1
    Absolute garbage. You are controlling not a man, but a tank. You die instantly on normal difficulty, and you cannot change difficulty once you picked one. Checkpoints are like 10 hours apart. No plot can carry this ****
  70. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Damn, this game is satisfying to play. Sick gunplay, ragdoll physics are on point, nice graphics and good sound.
  71. Atze
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    The story is mindblowing and i love the power from "the darkness".
    Very nice setting and intresting twist.
  72. goodgriff33
    Sep 2, 2023
    8
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  73. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    1
    Absolutely boring. Violently unoriginal and repetitive. One of those games you feel you played it before all the time.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
14
#14 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
31
#31 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 63
  3. Negative: 1 out of 63
  1. DailyGame
    65
    The back-and-forth structure is tedious, and the narrative needed to be much more fleshed-out. Too bad great loading-screen treatments can't make up for overall shortcomings.
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  2. The New York Times
    86
    Part of The Darkness’s charm is its wealth of extravagant, often irrelevant detail.
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  3. ZTGD
    85
    A fantastic game with an engaging story that only manages to slip up towards the end. The unforgiving amounts of violence are enjoyable and the demonic powers more than make up for its lack of innovation in the gunplay department.
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