| The Darkness II | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Digital Extremes |
| Publisher(s) | 2K Games |
| Producer(s) | Sheldon Carter |
| Designer(s) | Tom Galt |
| Writer(s) | Paul Jenkins |
| Engine | Evolution Engine (Proprietary) |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Release date(s) | EU February 10, 2012[1] NA February 7, 2012[1] |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter, first-person action, survival horror |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, Multiplayer, Cooperative |
| Media/distribution | DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital Download |
The Darkness II is the upcoming sequel to 2007's The Darkness. It is being developed by Digital Extremes, published by 2K Games and written by Paul Jenkins. Originally scheduled to be released on July 10, 2011 and then on October 4, 2011, it was delayed for both dates and instead will be released February 7, 2012 in North America and February 10, 2012 in Europe[1] for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.[2]
Contents |
The Darkness II has game play that is mostly similar to the first game, but the sequel features a new tactic called "quad wielding". It allows lead character Jackie Estacado to use The Darkness while at the same time use firearms. There is more focus on the aspect of Darklings, with there now being only one primary Darkling which will hold greater importance and will be more involved in the storyline and who is useful in all situations. It will be able to interact with the environment by using items such as a worker drills to attack and torture your enemies and it will also be able to use standard weaponry such as pistols to attack or threaten them. Jackie can use the environment to his advantage, such as using car doors as shields and parking meters to eviscerate or impale enemies.[3] Unlike in the first game, Jackie can use both his weaponry and The Darkness in public places.
The game textures are more aligned to the comic book and are designed using a cel-shading technique, similar to the style used in Sly Cooper and inFAMOUS, to give this effect. The style was achieved with the development artists hand painting the majority of the game assets, instead of relying on digital methods to create a comic book style.[4] Jackie can also use his demon arms for 'finishing moves', whereas the player can execute the enemy in ways such as ripping people into two, and your darkling can also use special attacks, such as urinating acid on enemies. There's a new feature whereas each kill, heart collected and enemy urinated on add towards Jackie's 'dark essence'. a substance that clings to people and objects that have come in contact with The Darkness, which can be used to make purchases from a tree of abilities from 'talent shrines', such as 'black hole' which allows Jackie to charge a enemies' heart with energy and throw it to create a void of vacuum encased in darkness, the ability to see and attack through walls, 'swarm' which allows Jackie to disable and stun multiple enemies at once, and 'gun channeling' which gives Jackie unlimited ammunition and deals supernatural damage for a short period of time. The character and player will feel more uncomfortable in light, with exposure to light resulting in blurring of vision occupied with a high pitched ringing.[5] Light will be more of a physical threat as well with there having a 'light vs darkness' feel. The voice of The Darkness will again be voiced by musician Mike Patton, however the voice of Jackie Estacado, Kirk Acevedo, will not be returning. In his place will be actor Brian Bloom.[6]
The Darkness II takes place two years after the events of the first game. Jackie Estacado, the current wielder of The Darkness has used his powers to become the Don of the Franchetti crime family. He has been unable to shake the thoughts of his dead girlfriend Jenny Romano and has since, with the help of estranged occultist Johnny Powell and his study into dark essence, contained his supernatural powers, and now The Darkness "wants out in the worst way". A sudden, unprovoked attack on Jackie’s life while relaxing at a restaurant heralds the start of a full-scale mob war, which has clearly been orchestrated by some outside force. The assassination attempt leaves Jackie on the verge of death and with no choice but to release The Darkness, sending him on a mission to discover the mystery of the attack and the motivations of The Darkness himself. This quest brings Jackie to an abandoned carnival and into a confrontation with Victor Valente, a mysterious figure who knows what The Darkness is and wants this power for himself. Victor is the head of an ancient secret society known as The Brotherhood, formed thousands of years ago by a saint for the sole purpose of protecting the world from The Darkness. However the saint became corrupted and now The Brotherhood wants The Darkness for themselves.
So far there have been two demos that have been released exclusively to game critics and have been received with high praise. The first depicts Jackie being crucified and torched by a mob who want him to give up his powers. The second one shows Jackie experiencing an unexpected attack in a restaurant and then ultimately having a gun fight on the railway lines before being struck by an oncoming train.