The Darkness II

childhood favorite. thanks for still selling it.

ONE OF THE BEST GAMES I PLAYED IN YEARS!

And yes, just played it now, in 2025...

The game has issues. A main plot from a B-movie, some bugs (not serious), monotony of enemies… But you can handle that. This is a typical linear shooter with a plot from the 2000s and early 2010s.

The game is short and doesn't waste your time too much. Emotional swings, good music, dynamic shootouts, a little fiend… These things make the game enjoyable and memorable.

It's not a masterpiece, but it deserve a chance. And maybe it deseve a sequel…

Had my headset on and the fist time i boot up the game it blasted my ears, game has more cinematics than gameplay, bugs out when i go through the first vent section at the whore house.
Gameplay is fun tho

Worked fine when I had win10 but not now that I have win11.

This game helped me through some shit 10 years ago.

Pair this game with a broken heart, and the song "Jenny" by Nothing More.

10/10 would almost lose my mind again.

A surprisingly good gorific FPS shooter expirience. I wish I had expirienced the first "The Darkness" game as well (if it even exist at all). The combat is top notch and it becomes insane with the death animations, plus some of the upgrades are really strong. If it becomes too easy, then you can try out the DON difficulty, and if it gets too boring, then you can try the "vendettas" mode. A pretty solid expirience overall.

I got this in the sale for £1.99 and at that price I'd say I got my monies worth. Half the game felt like cut scenes and dialogue. The other half is repetitive missions where you just go from the start of the map to a objective marker whilst killing enemies. I remember playing the demo for this game a LONG time ago and thinking it could be really good. It doesn't live up to the hype. It always seems to be one of those games people reminisce about when older FPS titles are brought it. My advise, don't play it if you don't want to be disappointed, but then that's just my opinion.
As standard the controls are off, it's like a bad console port in that regards. E regens your health via consuming hearts of dead bodies on the floor, E also picks up weapons on the ground. . .So you try and regen your health by consuming hearts and end up swapping out a weapon you didn't want. It's one of those games where you can't carry many weapons. I think the max is 3 different types and 4 slot is reserved for duel wielding. Personally? I hate duel wielding, you waste ammo, your accuracy is worse, I don't want that but you can't remove it. There also auto aim with the throwing objects. So your little sock puppet demon friends can pick up objects in the world. Scaffold poles, chairs, those pesky gas canisters people just leave around then you can throw them at the enemies. Sounds cool but it isn't rewarding because the hit boxes are either huge or it just homes in on the enemies.

Overall it's a 6 out of 10 for me. It's okay, it just doesn't do anything special or good.

TL:DR
too much dialogue (You can skip it), too many cutscenes (you can skip them) gun play is ruined by limited weapon to carry, running out of ammo is often click click, not much weight behind weapons, plenty of ways to kill enemies, levels are average in their design and it just feels like the game tries way to hard to be this deep story driven title. I wish they had spent more time and money on the game play.

Oh and is this a Prey copy? Main character looks very similar. Yes that's it. It's basically PREY 2006 but if you take away some gunplay from Prey, add in more cutscenes with worse level design you get Darkness ll.

a quick solid 8-10 hours gameplay with "fake ending" and true ending

Nostalgia - whilst an incredibly edgy game with an inferior story to the first in the series the art direction and gameplay out performs allowing for an interesting shooter. The Darkness arms allow for diverse combat options for slashing, throwing objects, grabbing car doors as shields and allowing for gory execution finishers they are truly what stands out.
If you want simple fun that is reminiscent of that edgy Xbox 360 era of games its worth trying
RIP piss boy

a blast from the beginning till the credits kinda short but still fun with an great story that sadly ends with a cliffhanger

10/10 for the game startup scenes blowing my ears out and surprising the sh./p;t out of me every time i play because I forget that happens

The Darkness II – A Stylish Yet Flawed Sequel

Overview:

The Darkness II takes a bold artistic leap from its predecessor, opting for a cel-shaded, comic-book-inspired visual style that sets it apart from the original's gritty realism. While the game starts off strong with an engaging story and fast-paced combat, its repetitive gameplay loop and frustrating design choices prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Story and Narrative:

The game continues the journey of Jackie Estacado, the mob boss cursed with the demonic power known as The Darkness. Haunted by the memory of his lost love Jenny, Jackie is forced into a violent war with a mysterious cult known as the Brotherhood, who seek to control The Darkness for their own twisted purposes. The story is one of The Darkness II’s strongest aspects, filled with supernatural intrigue, brutal revenge, and psychological torment. However, the way it unfolds feels somewhat disjointed due to the game's reliance on NPC conversations to advance the plot. This approach often slows down the pacing and doesn’t align well with the game’s chaotic and violent nature.

Gameplay and Combat:

At first, The Darkness II feels exhilarating. The quad-wielding combat system, where Jackie can fire guns while simultaneously using his demonic arms to slash, grab, and throw objects, is an exciting concept that makes for some intense encounters. However, as the game progresses, the combat starts to feel repetitive. Even with skill upgrades, there’s little variation in gameplay. The lack of impactful weapon feedback and a noticeable absence of satisfying hit reactions make combat feel weightless at times.

Another major flaw is enemy placement. The game frequently spawns enemies in frustratingly chaotic patterns, forcing players into constant crossfire situations that feel cheap rather than challenging. Instead of rewarding tactical play, this design choice often leads to unnecessary difficulty spikes that can become irritating over time.

Level Design and Flow:

One of the most jarring aspects of The Darkness II is its level progression. The first game allowed for a semi-open world with exploration, but the sequel opts for a linear mission structure. The problem is that many of these missions rely on a formulaic approach—talk to an NPC, move to the next combat section, repeat. While this structure isn’t inherently bad, it clashes with the dark, immersive tone of the story and makes the world feel less dynamic.

Audio and Dialogue:

The game’s sound design is a mixed bag. While the general audio effects feel somewhat artificial and lacking in depth, the voice acting carries much of the narrative weight. Jackie’s internal struggles and interactions with his demonic minions (particularly the Darklings) provide some great moments of dark humor and personality. The exchanges between Jackie and The Darkness itself remain compelling, but outside of those highlights, the rest of the sound design fails to leave a lasting impression.

Final Verdict:

The Darkness II is a game of contrasts. Its unique art style, intriguing story, and quad-wielding combat system make for an enjoyable experience—at least in the beginning. However, its repetitive gameplay, uninspired level progression, and frustrating enemy design hold it back from greatness. While it offers some moments of brilliance, it ultimately falls short of being a truly satisfying sequel.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆ (6/10) - Fair 🤔👌

Works surprisingly well. Turn Vsync on to avoid the invisible wall glitch.

But it is very different from the first game. More linear (although not by a lot. Although the first game had free roam it was largely empty and had little to do). It is a lot more violent but lacks any real stealth options. While there are some VERY brief stealth sections, they're barely stealth and you'll breeze through those sections regardless of difficulty.

But the action and story are very good. Definitely a lot of fun.

Having come straight from a replay of the original game, the sequel is a little jarring. Aside from the change of voice actor, returning writer Paul Jenkins has written a story with a very different feel, embracing more of the supernatural elements from the comics and featuring a much more angry protagonist, one who feels more like he could be a cold-blooded hitman than the original Jackie Estacado. Exploration has gone out of the window in favour of straight-forward running, gunning and, err, slicing.

Compared to the original game the whole thing is a lot more free-flowing and the controls make it much easier to combine sharp shooting and darkness powers together, while the canned executions are gruesome but satisfying. The game also does quite a good job of initially hiding the fact that its structure has shifted to walking into a room and massacring everything in sight, though the back half does turn into a shooting gallery. The asylum subplot works as a change of pace (though not as disturbing a foil as the Darkness' nightmare WWI) and persistent darkling Knobby is a good addition from both a narrative and gameplay perspective. It also doesn't outstay its welcome, having a lifespan appropriate the amount of gameplay on offer. It's getting on a bit, but i'd say its still worthy of your time. Though the original isn't available on Steam, this works more or less as a stand alone title and explains pretty much everything you need to know.

So keeping to my Modus Operandi, I'm reviewing a game made over 10 years ago (13 years actually). I am recommending this game, for sure, but there is a but and it's kinda a big one. Shout out to Sir Mix Alot. I just looked and the game is at $30. For this game? I'm sure I didn't pay that for it. Would I though? At this point? Probably not $30 but maybe $20. Actually, definitely $20. I've definitely got $20 of fun out of this game.
With all that being said, this game isn't for everyone. If you were born before 2000 and you are looking at the reviews then you would probably like it. It's not your run-of-the-mill FPS but that is a lot of what you will be doing. I think it has a solid story and it's done in a very comic-esque style both visually and conceptually. It made me laugh a few times. It's like Goodfellas goes to Hell. If you can find it on sale for $20 or cheaper then check it out.

A fun shooter with a decent story and cool comic book style visuals

This game was a Big part of my childhood Along with dishwasher. If you liked the first one It has More Shoot-em-up mechanics but if you like gore games play dishwasher

Give me the sequel and I am going to save Jenny again

SCARY FUN WITH THE RIGHT LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY WAS A VERY ENJOYABLE GAME

probably the loudest game ive ever played. controls are also very wonky

core childhood game for me. started it on the 360 over a decade ago and have now 100% it on steam a decade later. this game is better than some current day games and would highly recommend EMBRACING THE DARKNESS. 10/10 would lose sanity again.

Story goes nowhere and there is no payoff. Game feels like it only exists to set up for a sequel that doesnt exist

Short and sweet, story wise. There's also a co-op mode, but I have no one to try that with.

Although on the shorter side even when taking the co-op into account, this game is a lot of fun. Fingers crossed on Nightdive bringing the first game to PC.

This game was great when it was released ,its still fantastic and plays so well on the deck ,

Very atmospheric and very short.

Honestly expected something better as I heard so many positive opinions on this game and while it's definitely not bad it's not that great either.
Story's ok - it often feels rushed, gets better in the end, but was quite boring for most of the time. Felt very generic, which may work for a comic book, but not so much for a game.
Most characters are bland and I couldn't really care less for them, but voice acting - on the other hand - is really good.
Good variety of guns and upgrades, fun mechanics, good levels - overall a very decent, yet average experience.

Buy only on big discounts.

This is one of my all time favorite games, it breaks my heart they never made a third game and the first is restricted to console only. In my opinion this is a must play game.

It was nice to play thig game again after so long (I played it first in my Xbox 360)

I haven't played the first but I loved the recap you could be gievn in the beginning of the game! I love the movement of it all, the story, the graphics and the mechanics!!!

main character is a spineless hypocritic idiot that makes my blood boil... Other than that - a great game xD

upd: the main character doesn't redeem himself he is a pathetic loser. a main villain breaks character in his last moments too... game would be great if they got some good writers since idea and design is superb....

Very good game, though i wish there was a sequel... It'd be about time.

Also, wish that the game had a steam points shop, just the banner it has in your library is awesome.

Was a good game when i played it and probably still is but it just feels clunky now. but thats just me i guess.

Basically cod on a budget with fantasy elements plus you get to imagine yourself what its like to loose a girlfriend.
Definetly recommended =)

The Siphon! For Jenny! Excellent game. Bring The Darkness 1 (2007) to PC. Cliffhanger at the end, would like to see a sequel to this game. As most fans will. One of my favorite game series.

Great game from the Xbox 360 era. Still looks great because of the art style. Lots of destruction and violence.

Great, fun action packed first person shooter 10/10

I loved the first one
but i forgot how good the second was!!
this game is awesome and the soundtrack is pissa i just heard Prong, Snap your fingers snap your neck, blasting the shit out of pidgeons LOL! guys SOMEONE MAKE A THIRD!!! ITS TIME also make TRILOGY remake this would be Fahkin huge guy trust me!!!

love this game short and sweet, first one was better surprised they never made a third one, extremely cliche story but ion give af its a 10/10

Loved this game when It first came out and still love it as much today if not more compared to the shit that's out today this game is a masterpiece. Where the hell is the Darkness 3 and a remake of the first 2 games. Had some trouble getting this one to work properly on my PC. What the hell devs your supposed to look after your games not leave them to rot. Love this game to bits need more like it. Highly recommend and for those that are having trouble with hitting things in game enable Vsync worked for me.

game looks like trash.First game was actually good.

Great sequel - I prefer the first game but this is also a fantastic instalment. Mike Patton reprising the voice of The Darkness is also an added bonus! One of the greatest franchises!

Pro
-Very fun and unique experience

Con
-flashing, loud irritating lights and sounds makes nauseous after playing for this game for a while

nostalgia isn't strong with me, but i'd say give it a shot.

Thanks! The intro made me rip my headphones off and break them.
Great game though, BUT THAT INTRO MAH GAWD.

Very good shooter! i love the comic book style visuals!

when i opened the game , the 2k games intro was super loud and made me shit my pants

I played the first game and fell in love, even with this game too.

A good short story game, reminds me of max payne.

just like a lot of really cool dudes, it finishes a little too early. That joke is meant for only grownups kids :)

Crashing as soon as i try to start a new game i got a relatively new build i9 7900xtx24 gbcould use a bit o help



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