Darkwatch

 Xbox
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
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  1. netjak
    73
    With the laughably bad art and writing in the cutscenes, and gameplay clocking in at less than a day's worth of casual play, I would MAYBE recommend this at a half-price purchase. This is a definite rental. You definitely should play this, but you definitely shouldn't pay for it.
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  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    72
    Throw in the aforementioned boobies - crammed into some hot leather corsets, mind you - and Darkwatch is all this bloodthirsty pardner really needs. [Oct 2005, p.104]
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  3. AceGamez
    70
    The ever changing campaign, which goes from gunplay to horseback and even skeleton crushing buggies, does a good job of offering new experiences to keep the gameplay fresh, which definitely makes Darkwatch one to spend some time with during the next gaming drought.
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  5. Total Video Games
    70
    Forgetting the somewhat forgettable Multiplayer experience in Darkwatch, the core Story mode is full of intense gun battles that will satisfy an FPS fan's lust for action.
  6. GamerFeed
    70
    The death matching is fantastic, but that aside Darkwatch is like a quality restaurant appetizer, tasty as all hell but not enough to sustain my burning hunger.
  7. Game Revolution
    67
    Deathmatch and Capture the Flag are online stalwarts, but the unpopular Soulhunter game - which has you collecting soul marbles around the map - is the only new addition. It all feels a bit bland.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    62
    Playing good or evil has little effect on the loopy story; although the game kept me entertained, I didn't feel the need to replay for the alternate ending.
  9. games(TM)
    60
    The real joy of Darkwatch, however, is its simplicity. It's a pure, no-nonsense shooter, entirely focused on allowing the player to dispose of innumerable undead in ever more amusing ways. [Dec 2005, p.115]
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  10. 1UP
    60
    The FPS isn't the smartest of genres to be sure, but there are more creative ways of designing enemy encounters that make the player think "now how am I going to beat these guys?" rather than "how many of these guys do I have to beat now?"
  11. G4 TV
    60
    The biggest draw in DarkWatch is the setting. It's just different enough to remain interesting the whole way through.
  12. Edge Magazine
    50
    Nearly all enemy behaviour consists of direct charges, calling on the butt of your gun as frequently as its barrel. While it's undeniably intense, it soon becomes apparent that this intensity is the only string on the designers' banjo, plucked with increasingly feverish rapidity instead of ever-changing chords. [Nov 2005, p.105]
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  13. XboxAddict
    50
    It sort of waffles around with a weak story, and that, coupled with generic gameplay and some sloppy execution on the fine points, makes it hard to press on at some points in the game.
  14. Computer Games Magazine
    50
    Quotation forthcoming. [Nov 2005]
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Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Xbox Game of 2005
61
#61 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. TheChaser1985
    Apr 1, 2011
    9
    I bought this a few years after it came out and this game was a BIG surprise! Why hadn't I heard about this game? I want a sequel. TheI bought this a few years after it came out and this game was a BIG surprise! Why hadn't I heard about this game? I want a sequel. The controls are great and it feels as good as a COD game. It shoots well and the story is pretty good. The graphics are okay but it was an XBOX game so it's alright. SEQUEL NOW! ON XBOX 360!… Full Review »
  2. DaveW.
    Apr 19, 2006
    8
    Its a really well put together game as far as visual effects and sound go. I was a little disapointed in the action though. I felt that the Its a really well put together game as far as visual effects and sound go. I was a little disapointed in the action though. I felt that the characters would be doing there signature move and I would land a head shot and sometimes it would not register (really frustrating). And I wish there was more online play! Otherwise a great game.… Full Review »
  3. MichaelB.
    Nov 21, 2005
    7
    While a bit on the short side, Darkwatch is a pretty entertaining game. Graphics and sound are on point. The action is pretty frantic, and While a bit on the short side, Darkwatch is a pretty entertaining game. Graphics and sound are on point. The action is pretty frantic, and the Vampire powers quickly become an integral part of gameplay. Unfortunately, it's in a genre that is so flooded with titles right now it will probably be passed up by many for the big-name titles like Doom and Half-Life. I recommend at renting this one.… Full Review »
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