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. 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.
  2. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    1
    Absolutely boring. Violently unoriginal and repetitive. One of those games you feel you played it before all the time.
  3. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Damn, this game is satisfying to play. Sick gunplay, ragdoll physics are on point, nice graphics and good sound.
  4. 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 ****
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Atze
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    The story is mindblowing and i love the power from "the darkness".
    Very nice setting and intresting twist.
  8. SleepNot
    Apr 1, 2020
    10
    The Darkness is a very atmospheric mystic game! It's don't looks like other games. Great experience!
  9. 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
  10. SmileyHunter
    Dec 16, 2018
    10
    I would like part 3 of this game please with free roam again like part one Jens.A
  11. canceRnya
    Oct 30, 2018
    9
    Прекрасный, оригинальный, и мрачный экшон.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  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. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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!!
  30. 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
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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

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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.
    Read full review
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