The Darkness Games - An Updated Review

[@dumbsville]

Emo Godfather srsly tho this franchise needs to come back

[@doomslayer539]

You watch gman

[@matiasbenitez980]

The Gothfather

[@thedotgiver2820]

.

[@kaysenix2343]

Preach! It really needs to come back

[@theresapimentacointheglove8760]

That would be great, as long as Machine Games is able to do it (the original developers that made the original Darkness game before they left Starbreeze). But that probably won't happen since Bethesda (now Microsoft) owns Machine Games. That's probably why we won't see another Riddick game by Machine Games either.

[@jessechuff]

Mike Patton is unreal. His vocal range allows him to do insane things with his voice.

[@jorge15266]

"I was the lead singer of Fate No MOAHH!"

[@MultiZours]

Yeah his range is insane. Jesus, 6 octaves! The dude will try anything that challenges his vocal cords... He also did all the zombie screams in Left 4 Dead and I Am Legend. It's like it's nothing to him.

[@TheReal6ro]

100 fax

[@maidbread2395]

My dad said he seemed really happy between high school and Faith No More. He saw him scare a kid new pale by charging at him and growling once in the halls. My dad's more of a fan of Mr Bungle though

[@doomdtn]

The 3 bungle albums are masterpieces

[@Dylan-cu4ty]

These games are so damn underrated. Hell, the entire Darkness character is underrated. Such a cool concept and power set.

[@ohmygoditisspider7953]

Check out the comics if you wanna be really disappointed. The games are the best implementation of it.

[@matthewj.barnette3851]

@@ohmygoditisspider7953 Damn. No love for the comics at all. Damn shame.

[@princeofbased5730]

@@ohmygoditisspider7953 you didn't like any of them?

[@vilomaxus2463]

Your mom is underrated

[@simonrief1013]

Invincible turned out to be a great show. Maybe the darkness will get also more attention and we get new games ^^

[@Mr.snuggles10]

i'm glad people haven't forgotten about these games, really underrated imo.

[@xm214-aminigun9]

That's not what you call an opinion.

[@billclemons5593]

VERY UNDERRATED

[@brandonice9137]

@@xm214-aminigun9 his opinion is that he's glad people haven't forgotten about the game and the game is really underrated in his opinion... your either just dumb and or stupid.😂🤡

[@TheBlizzardElf]

Played this game on normal until I got the Darkness. Decided to say fuck it and beat the game on the hardest difficulty and immediately went to beat Don. Darkness is one of my favorite damn games and I need to go back and get all the secrets.

[@skullboy824]

I can say the same thing about prototype

[@4zt3c]

The voice actor for the Darkness, Mike Patton, is also the singer for Faith No More, he is well known in the metal community as singer with the highest range going from beautiful melodic singing to low satanic growls and high pitched screeches, so he was pretty much the perfect voice actor here

[@SYCZ]

Don’t forget he started fucking Dillinger

[@aaronwood1133]

@@SYCZ DONT FORGET MR. BUNGLE!

[@Donkehy-puncharello]

​@@SYCZclose... helped them with the i.i.a.d.s. ep while looking for a new vocalist after Dimitri left before they found Greg.

[@kennymccormick8295]

Everyone already knew this.

[@lyrikzsk5406]

@@kennymccormick8295I didn’t

[@KingDaveth]

The second really did make Jackie look like the comic counter part. I remember playing the game and reading the comics and saying "I didn't know he had a fucking suit" The Darkness Armor is amazing.

[@Invidente7]

Yeah, in the first game he looked like a heavy metal roadie. It was a massive improvement, indeed.

[@IncognitoSprax]

Prefer the first well over the second. First at atmosphere..second doesn't.

[@Christhewiztv]

That and I happened to love the artifacts and Johnny narrating that shit. It was dope.

[@BDozer666]

@@Invidente7 Heavy Metal Roadie you say? I guess he wouldn't feel out of place in Brutal Legend, especially with his Demon powers heheh.

[@Sheridan2LT]

The second game does so many things right and I love the significantly less douchebagy Jackie, with a lot more personality, character and depth.

[@sunburst8810]

The red arms. You never realized you can knock out lights with them did you? You press RB and they knock out whatever light source is within range. It dramatically changes the entire game, since you dont have to shoot them out anymore.

[@mikaelhauk]

What do you mean? Which game?

[@alexeyeliseev6322]

@@mikaelhauk I guess he means the first one

[@jetex1911]

@@alexeyeliseev6322 He does, I remember that feature.

[@binary1123]

Dude yes! I remember that feature made taking light sources out a lot easier, satisfying even, you felt badass just smashing lights by stabbing them with the red arm

[@greendude7650]

Your very right i was a little confused too when he said they dont do anything i remember the Monsters on your shoulders doing more then just eating hearts.

[@TheIronArmenianakaGIHaigs]

If I recall right this was one of the first reviews that zero Punctuation ever did

[@SonOfAlma]

ZP reviewed the demo version and technically it was on his own KZbin channel before The Escapist picked him up

[@thedotgiver2820]

.

[@RustlessPotato]

Is zero punctuation still doing this ? And oh god, the escapist. I remember i spent quite some time on the forums. I don't know how they're doing these days actually.

[@lehelisbored]

@@RustlessPotato ZP is still going strong and never lost its identity and quality. And the Escapist, after having almost died a few times, had a resurgence a few years ago when a new Editor-in-Chief took over. The KZbin channel and the website are actually fun and really active now.

[@viraticwars]

The first, I believe was Mercenaries 2

[@birdman4birdlegs]

I can't unsee Tommy Wiseau being the main protagonist. I guess that gives "You're tearing me apart" a new meaning though!

[@BenBlackEquinoxEngelhard]

Read the comics. You'll have a different impression of JE.

[@jorts_master69]

The Room would've ended a lot differently if Tommy Wiseau got his hands on The Darkness powers. "YOU'RE TEARING ME APART LISA. AND NOW I'M GONNA TEAR YOU APART!" (We'd show you what happened to Lisa 5 seconds after this statement, but it would get the movie an X rating)

[@MetalArrow]

I absolutely loved The Darkness 1. The raw and gritty atmosphere, dark story, loud shooting with heavy metal playing when your demons are active. Starbreeze are one of a kind!

[@MetalArrow]

@albert fish exactly. Jackie's voice was perfect. The sequel felt like, they were "trying" to act like the mob, whereas the first felt like the real deal.

[@sirrus6666]

@albert fish exactly the same feelings. as a stand alone game darkness 2 wpuld be decent but as a sequel to 1st its just a crap. replayed both now and still feeling like 2nd was just a generic fps (but this time i actually like it a little, my 1st playtrough i hated it with so much passion) :D

[@cal5750]

I love The Darkness 1 for the same reason I love Bloodbourne or VtM:B, they all hit that dark atmosphere just right. I really liked Darkness 2 but it def didn't feel like a "true" sequel.

[@JustFun-ho6qy]

I really liked The Darkness back then. I just always thought it was a weaker version of Chronicles of Riddick. The 2nd game I absolutely love. From the break neck pace to the gore to how insanely powerful you feel right away. I also really liked the story.

[@gentletal5101]

Death metal

[@H1KE]

THAT moment was the first time in a long time where I had to pause a game and walk away for a moment. Still sticks with me as one of the most amazing moments of a story in a game I've ever seen.

[@Mimoudoesgames]

Wot moment?

[@iAnimeDude]

@@Mimoudoesgames A certain scene with Jenny

[@danielthomas7193]

You're talking about when the Darkling pisses on guys right? Yeah it gave me the feels too. 💛

[@quinnmarchese6313]

dude the Darkness is one of the most memorable experiences ive had in gaming. D2 played and looked better, but D1 is infinitely more creative and interesting as a game, and that scene will always stick with me

[@nunyabizness6376]

The best mkment in video games!!! especially cause moments before they were the first couple to netflix and chill... quiet moment followed by...

[@abletothink]

The Darkness 2 has the most realistic depiction of a mental institution I've ever seen. It actually feels like a place that's meant to help people get better instead of being a horrible nightmare like mental hospitals are usually portrayed.

[@shawklan27]

Sounds like the opposite to the Alice games

[@nickm5419]

The Darkness version of the Hospital is Hell

[@equidistanthoneyjoy7600]

Which I thought was actually neat, because it makes you genuinely doubt what's real a little bit.

[@Jdemonify]

Senya says hello and am I joke?

[@lehelisbored]

@@Jdemonify Oooh I loved Senua's Sacrifice particularly for its awareness-raising angle. They consulted with actual people living with schizophrenia and with medical professionals and scholars studying the condition when designing the puzzles and writing the story. That aspect of it is so overlooked.

[@beneath11111]

My favorite part of The Darkness 2 isn’t really the gameplay or story, but just spending several minutes listening to Johnny Powell talking about the history of the collectibles.

[@kamikazestriker4675]

YES! His voice acting was top notch and always so entertaining to listen to and really made you feel like there was a bigger world out there waiting to be explored.

[@TheReZisTLust]

Its fun to do a run and go through the darkness relics through the first half of the game & then Angelus relics ending with the last when i pop Jennys chain cherry

[@SomeAustrianGuy_]

We seriously need another Darkness game, crazy underrated gems

[@lolrus5555]

I am still beyond pissed at the 2nd game's cliffhanger just being... well, left hanging.

[@Chamiliatic]

​@lolrus5555 i thought the post credit would be a boss fight. I want my angelus boss fight. (If they make the darkness 3 hope we get a witchblade cameo she was referenced in the first game)

[@jmz2144]

We need a remaster

[@jacobtopor9008]

BIG thumbs up for mentioning Beksinski - there's definitely a visual and thematic connection there. And first The Darkness, perhaps by the virtue of nostalgia, remains a minor classic. Certainly in the narrative and world building sense.

[@smek4254]

I always seen the darkness as art

[@kalhuaNG]

I remember watching full playthroughs of the series despite never having played it myself and just being drawn in and entertained the whole time, so underrated.

[@glass7923]

You really should play it.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

this game is so good and compelling that i beat it in two or three consecutive sittings, ON PLAYSTATION NOW. not only was i playing the BAD version, i was STREAMING it and it was still good enough to draw me to beat.

[@greatdelusion7654]

@@quinnmarchese6313 Sounds like a hidden gem. Just a shame there’s no PC version, that was a real missed opportunity. Oh well, at least we have FEAR.

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

@@greatdelusion7654 its definitely a gem. One of the games I miss never been a proper sequel of in the style of the first. Its generally sad Starbreeze stopped making Art like the Riddick game together with Tigon studios founded by Vin Diesel and like the first darkness game. Visually they just didnt age and storytellingwise especially riddick is a masterpiece. Good times. But i think we will never get that or a riddick 3

[@Drawnartist]

Well that's a shame bro play it

[@muddy5013]

I still love these games. Darkness 3 can join Prey 2 original Battlefront 3 and half-life 3 in game sequels that I wish existed.

[@GH05T-S0LDI34]

Totally agree and also MAX PAYNE 4 and RED DEAD REDEMPTION 3 and F.E.A.R 5 and SLEEPING DOGS 2 and GTA 6 and a SPLINTER CELL sequel and RAINBOW SIX VEGAS 3 and NEED FOR SPEED UNDERGROUND 3 and NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED 2 and CALL OF DUTY GHOST 2 and TOTAL OVER DOSE 2

[@wyatt4790]

@@GH05T-S0LDI34 call of duty ghost 2? I’m out on that one tbh but the rest for sure.

[@Mimoudoesgames]

@@GH05T-S0LDI34 theres a fear 4????

[@leoncer4719]

@@Mimoudoesgames exactly what I wanted to ask hehe

[@GH05T-S0LDI34]

@@Mimoudoesgames not exactly but the last F.E.A.R game we have ever got was this F.E.A.R co-op shooter game and it was the fourth entry of this series but this F.E.A.R game wasn't titled as F.E.A.R 4

[@removelimitbreak7524]

I actually LOVE the darkness 2. The gameplay was such a banger when I was a kid. It was one of the very few games I instantly replayed after the first finish.

[@silverzblue5246]

I beat it in a 4 hour sitting the first time

[@joerivandeweyer3056]

That, and The Punisher. Same feeling.

[@jeremyjohnson7676]

the first one was best. Jackie's 21st birthday night at Jenny's new apartment was amazing. Watching TV, the music, the mood.. just perfect.

[@MrGrizzzlik]

Imo the whole unique aspect of Darkness 1 was how grounded it was. Something really refreshing and has uniqur vibe I haven't seen in neither games nor any other media.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

to me, everything about the Darkness 1 is filtered through the perspective of a random bystander in 90s NYC. Rather than be a total power fantasy, you have to use the subway to get to different places, your main way communication is face to face or via payphone, the payphone numbers doubled as collectibles, and there were normal people all around. That grounding is something Starbreeze was brilliant at, Butcher Bay for example was entirely grounded in being a prisoner, so weapons were sharpened sticks and screwdrivers, collectibles were cigarette packs, and drugs were an alternate currency.

[@Lasagnaisprettycool]

I agree with you both. As nice as TD2 played, the first has an atmosphere. Subways, small rainy appartments, backalleys and warehouses all with a grainy, dark, realistic undertone.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

@@Lasagnaisprettycool man i still remember the weekend when i first played the darkness 1. it was already 10 years old, and i was playing it on playstation now, lol. ill be honest and say the PSNow version was, to my memory, totally fine--i had a solid, wired connection in my dorm--and the atmosphere totally blew me away, the shooting was fine, but it was how the story was presented, which these excellently written monologues by Jackie over the loading screens that felt totally natural, and these NPCs in the subway that asked for things that sucked me in. im so tired of shooters that are _only_ shooters, and D1 is a perfect example of how to do it right.

[@benedictandurs7200]

Darkness 1 was absolutely amazing and was such a mind fuck in some parts.. Kirk Acevedo as Jackie killed it. Very underrated game.

[@JnEricsonx]

He could have used the Darkness at Oz, that's for sure.

[@benedictandurs7200]

@@JnEricsonx ain't that the truth. Went out like a pog

[@JnEricsonx]

@@benedictandurs7200 More like went down.

[@sidewinder714]

Could have been the leader of El Norte.

[@100Servings]

How he sees in the dark is an amazing effect. It's almost like a form of sonar. It looks so good, and I've never seen a game do it as well.

[@JnEricsonx]

Well, same people did the first Riddick game, or helped with it, I think.

[@100Servings]

@@JnEricsonx Same company, Starbreeze. The difference with Riddick was that at close range, the bloom and reflections made it impossible to see and burned my eyes. With The Darkness's "vision", it ripples and moves, like sound waves over an object. The darker it gets, the better you can "see". Very cool.

[@JnEricsonx]

@@100Servings Fair enough. Havent played either in ages.

[@100Servings]

@Major Gear For its time? A technical achievement. Still a solid game today. The Assault on Dark Athena parts are trash though.

[@salokin3087]

Darkness' shooting is sloppy, but its ragdoll phys is so much fun

[@nortonhickie9188]

The Darkness 1 still has one of the best soundtracks out there to this day, love the way it changes as you go from regular human to darkness form.

[@pedroj3432]

The ost for The Darkness is simply perfect. It still gives me chills to this day. There is a reason this game is a cult classic and widely regarded as a stealth masterpiece by many, and the soundtrack plays a big part in that.

[@SquashyButton]

I absolutely loved The Darkness 2, one the first games I've ever gotten all the achievements for. Still holding out hope we may get The Darkness 3 one day.

[@Lord_Deimos]

I'm still salty about The Darkness not being on pc as it could have clearly benefit from better controls and performance.

[@viewtiful1doubleokamihand253]

Yessss !

[@txcforever]

Given how Chronicles of Riddick barely improves with the use of mouse and keyboard, I wouldn't expect a huge improvement unless they work on the controls quite a bit. Riddick is one of my favorite games ever and I still find the shooting aspect one of the worst ones ever. And Darkness isn't really that much better. But still, I would buy a port the second they announce it.

[@wes8723]

@@txcforever The shooting (and in general the whole controls) in Darkness 2 with M+K is actually pretty good, in my opinion that is

[@txcforever]

@@wes8723 In D2 yeah, but in D1 I doubt they will be that good without reworking them.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

@@txcforever i personally think Chronicles of Riddick plays exceptionally on PC, but i never played the OG Xbox, 360, or PS3 versions of it so idk

[@milosmisic89]

Darkness 2 is one of the most visceral fps games I ever played

[@JoshuaJacobs83]

I recommend Condemned. Gggman reviewed it. The melee combat is incredibly visceral and brutal. .

[@aaaron7481]

Just played the darkness 2, such an underrated series. The darkness 1 needs to come to pc!

[@robmorris4056]

Well you can use RPCS3 to emulate the PS3 version and get 60FPS, but for me even with 4K the game has more jaggies than the game running on Xbox one X plus there's still an issues with the lighting where it's bloom levels are blown out making everything to bright, so your best bet it backward compatibility as you get 16X AF, Vsync and better performace.

[@reshader8864]

@@robmorris4056 Plus there are loads of shader bugs on RPCS3 :( watch?v=3zE_IrLsnik

[@viewtiful1doubleokamihand253]

Yeah... That PS3 exclusivity is really hurting it... and Metal Gear Solid 4.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

@@robmorris4056 the x360 emulator xenia is supposedly finally good enough to use. I always found it confusing how the PS3 was harder to develop for and especially early on had inferior versions of games, only for PC players to get PS3 emulation down way faster than X360

[@chemergency]

@@quinnmarchese6313 This would be true, but unfortunately Xenia still needs some work, it fails to load a new game from the main menu.

[@kolardgreene3096]

The one thing I really love about the shooting in this game is headshots being instant kills on 90% of human enemies. Those mobsters generally didn't take inhuman amounts of damage. That's really the one thing to master here.

[@Dorraj]

Minus the fact that literally in this video he mentions how the enemies take rediculous amounts of bullets and just get back up like they tripped.

[@kolardgreene3096]

@@Dorraj If you play the game, that's literally only the enemies in a couple sections inside Jackie's head, which is mentioned in the review. And it makes sense there because they're in a world created by the Darkness to torment and slow down the character. In the rest of the game, 90% of it like I said, that isn't the case. Headshots just kill instantly

[@Dorraj]

@@kolardgreene3096 he specifically mentions it just being normal dudes, and you can see in the video him shooting people with half a mag square in the chest and just getting back up

[@yesidesigner1423]

I loved the engine they used for The Darkness 1, same one they used in the Riddick series, had this really polished vibe about it for the time.... I wish they made more games using it. Like some fist fighting beat em up game open world in the streets of a city like in The Darkness.

[@SupaRush]

I rented The darkness 2 for 3 days and it was so good I beat it playing it nonstop. The dual weilding weapons and demon limbs combination is up there with as feeling as invincible as the Doom Guy in Doom Eternal. Very fun game needs more love.

[@magicmanscott40k]

The gameplay great

[@MrNewVegas101]

No way same I rented it in blockbuster back in the day in the UK was £5 for 5days

[@jonnil1997]

Perfect game to rent, short, great experience

[@ArkayeCh]

Darkness 2 was entertaining as hell. Just a classic arcade-style FPS.

[@whodatninja439]

I miss the cinematic storytelling from the first game. Couldn't get into the sequel. Gameplay was better though

[@jonnil1997]

But it also has a super interesting emotional story, great game

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

Love those games. Someday I hope we get that third entry.

[@chinodigitalbath]

I would trade in my soul for a third part

[@andrewamp1]

@@chinodigitalbath count mine too

[@vividzx8034]

@@chinodigitalbath me too,the ending of the darkness 2 really left everyone hanging and i really hope some company makes the darkness 3 where Jackie is now fighting that angel that possessed jenny

[@duncanstevens63]

The first Darkness game, the Condemned series and a point and click adventure called Still Life are all fantastic mid 2000s gritty urban games that I'll always look back on fondly. Something about all of them just managed to capture the feeling of what the underbelly of city life is capable of hiding, similar to The Wire or the film Se7en. Very hard top put into words why it's so satisfying to watch or play such a genre, just something you have to experience to understand.

[@purplebatdragon]

I thought for the longest time that these were overly-edgy throwaway shooters, but after jumping in I gotta say that the storyline is one of the best in gaming period.

[@malcolmeharveste9028]

The collectibles are some of my favorite parts just listening to the history of this twisted world is great.

[@SpuddyWesker]

me too

[@harlannguyen4048]

My favorite one is the last collectible you get in 2, which is the device that holds the Angelus. The thing is, the Angelus isn't in it, so where is it?

[@AquaShibby3000]

The Darkness 2 is so underrated. I put off playing it because of how savaged it got in reviews and word-of-mouth, but now I think it's one of the better fps of that era. It's so much fucking fun.

[@spoike7027]

A great example of why you shouldn't always listen to reviews tbh, I also loved it when it came out. I just wish the first one got a PC port like it deserves

[@DoctorSess]

Yeah I’m pretty sure I only played a demo, either that or played it a little at a friends, but I remember being so surprised at how dope it was because I heard nothing but bad things. Cool ass game that I need to go back and play.

[@SuperHns]

why you blindly listen to reviews beats me. No own opinion?

[@TheBlizzardElf]

I’m still under the impression that Darkness is one of those games you play on either the easiest for getting your Ripper fix, or playing on Don for the satisfaction on filling each enemy with lead and then ripping them to shreds... god 4 Arms of Quad wielding mayhem and just eviscerating people...

[@BirdsElopeWithTheSun09]

2 has much better gameplay than the first one, but the story was really disappointing.

[@El-Burrito]

I remember the demon arm in The Darkness being awesome. I thought it did kill people, but even if it didn't, it completely incapacitates and enemy and hovers them in front of you to shoot them. It's a sadist wet dream

[@doctorbrown5957]

I swear I remember impaling people with it and throwing them around, but then again I haven't played the game since I was 13 or 14 so maybe I'm remembering wrong

[@firetools]

It's true the demon arm was capable of killing people by impaling them. A little surprised Gman thought it didn't kill lol.

[@pedroj3432]

Yep it killed people almost instantly. You could also destroy light sources with it super quickly while firing your weapons at enemies. You could also use enemies as shields with it and hurl objects at enemies with it as well... including the enemies you just used as a shield lmao You could even throw cars ffs 😂 It was one of the coolest powers imo and very versatile.

[@hellcatdave1]

@@firetools Yeah I don't think he's ever really been good at following any instructions especially with controls.

[@sirrus6666]

replayed it few weeks ago and u are totally right, demon arm kills people let u throw them and objects and kills the light :)

[@Drawnartist]

The voice of the darkness is so freaking awesome I will never forget this game! It is a masterpiece to me

[@pikkisful]

these two are on the list of my favorite games, thanks for reviewing them G! still waiting for The Darkness III 😢

[@zirconviper]

You're not alone.

[@theSemiChrist]

Man I remember powering through the first one in a weekend in high school. I never played the second one, but I loved the first.

[@Carnage7209]

The sequel has less free roaming than the first, but the whole game itself feels a lot tighter mechanically

[@donjon5442]

Literally almost everything is better in the sequel... I get people enjoy the first for nostalgia reasons but as a game the second one is far and above the better of the two.

[@rochahouse4883]

@@donjon5442 Lmao no, good joke though.

[@windebiesteultima3317]

@@rochahouse4883 the things that were vastly superior in the 1st game is the environmental storytelling and the open-ended-ness of the game. Everything else such as the gameplay itself is way better in the sequel. Plus, that cliffhanger is pretty dope

[@rochahouse4883]

@@windebiesteultima3317 Prefer the first game's gameplay, it was the same engine used as escape from butcher bay. Love how the arms move in orientation to your environment, little details like that make the game.

[@Grif43]

I played the hell out of the first Darkness game and only just now realized Jackie immediately ditches the engraved pistols he's given after the car case, the one his mafia 'pal' said "treat those like they were your own". Oops.

[@jdq9753]

I don’t think he does the guns cycle through and the engraved ones come back every now and again

[@IMN602]

When you use up all your hand guns he does whip them out still and they run out of ammo to tho LOL

[@Legather]

The thing that I miss the most about the first Darkness is the WWI sections, the supernatural and WW1 is a match made in the void.

[@slipknotsoad86]

If you havent already you should check out a film called Deathwatch. Its basically Silent Hill in a WW1 trench system.

[@ls200076]

@@slipknotsoad86 w40k

[@noobsa78]

Necrovision

[@garysmith4742]

I really loved this game. that part of the game that involves a couch and a movie(dont want to spoil it for anyone) has stuck with me all these years later. truly an engrossing experience. because of this game, I started reading the comics and the darkness has become one of my favorite comicbook heroes ever.

[@dahken417]

I sat on that couch for a good 45 minutes my second playthrough. The peace and happiness of it just rooted me when I knew what would happen once I progressed.

[@Vampshroom420]

The Darkness is my favorite story game i think. I played it as a kid and i understood everything and was quite invested in it. Was one of the most magical experiences in my life

[@HeffyG]

Remember enjoying this a lot as a kid because I considered it as sort of a spiritual sequel to Escape From Butcher Bay. With the subway station between missions and abundant downtime, both games had a similar flow. Great video Gman!

[@alanshaw6451]

I thought same it's like a reskin of escape from butcher bay

[@KSchawacker]

Kinda shocked this IP hasn't been given more love. I half expected a live action film adaptation as a kid after getting through the first game. I mean we got the Venom films eventually, but it's not the same. 100% agree this deserves a remaster or even full reboot.

[@CJNooberson]

Gman's editing is on point! It is very engaging and always enhances the comedic element of his show. This vid is a perfect example of his style.

[@spikey950]

The series is pretty near and dear to my heart. I remember when rumors of a third game coming out were spreading and I nearly lost my shit waiting. I def want to see it get some more love.

[@Henry_L]

Darkness is a good game but just gotta say I love your reviews. They are such a treat, either in the morning before work or in the evening when its time to chill. Thanks man. You're doing excellent.

[@xXSupahXFlyXx]

Good review Gman. I don't know if you know this but you can use the demon arm to smash light sources, as long as you're looking at its general location it'll hit the light, eliminating the complaint for shooting them.

[@moonlightbliss4791]

Or the Shockjocky Darkling.

[@SpuddyWesker]

you can also impale people with it, making you feel extremley powerfull. also its a one hit kill and you can throw the ragdoll where you want which is the most fun i have had with ragdolls in along time. just the feeling of impaling someone lifting them up and throwing them off a roof.

[@jount4195]

You could do some pretty wild $h!t and combos,think the reviewer missed a bit 💀☠🍻

[@SpuddyWesker]

@@jount4195 yeah, sadly.

[@chilldragon4752]

I loved these games. I remember playing the first one, the scene where you first get your power and the ending were probably one of the most badass scenes of its time. Really hope they remaster it or at least do a third game.

[@Falconchief56]

Such a great series, still holding out for The Darkness 3

[@zirconviper]

I have been too. I still believe we'll get it someday.

[@sista_fista_0364]

I hope we get a remaster of the first for ps4 cause ps3 version is ass

[@Vampshroom420]

Sadly i dont think The Darkness is big enough of an IP. Unless they somehow get The Darkness in some kind of major movie or game,no one will really know it exists.

[@matthewj.barnette3851]

@@Vampshroom420 Top Cow - the creators of the original comic the games are based on - are going to be relaunching The Darkness in a new ongoing series. Maybe this will improve interest in the IP.

[@Memovich47]

The Darkness 2 is still one of the best, most enjoyable, first person shooters I've ever played. Loved every minute of it.

[@agdewey]

I really like the feeling of the gunplay in this game, as it has real weight to it. I also miss the days of feeling like you were controlling a character, instead of a floating gun.

[@Psychoangel-d23]

DE knows how to make interesting combat when they try. had a blast playing through The Darkness 2 and even soloed the coop missions with the gunslinger lady (her darkness gun is satisfying af. the katana aint got shit on it)

[@lorddraugr3138]

Shoshanna I believe her name is ^^

[@jdq9753]

Nah jimmy wilson is the best but I’m biased because he’s a Celtic fan who’s scottish same as me

[@lorddraugr3138]

@@jdq9753 Inugami is the best ^w^ “Death whistles, the hound, comes.”

[@caramelconundrum9280]

I love this series with all it’s awesomeness and jank

[@SuaveWelshy]

The first game holds a real special place in my teenage years. Such a banging soundtrack.

[@badger297]

I remember these games so fondly

[@RetroGeek94]

It's a shame they never made a darkness 3. These game are really good and nostalgic for me. Especially the first one I played back in 2008.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

Darkness 2 i think misunderstood what made the first game great. It took the tenticles and made them a more viable combat option, but the tentacles weren't what was cool about the first game. the first game has a world that i actually pretty worthwhile to explore, side missions to do, i love the phone number collectable system, you can watch the ENTIRETY of To Kill a Mockingbird with Jenny, what game does that? The Darkness 1 does

[@HonkeyKong54]

Gameplays king and the first one doesn't feel great to play. It's passable and not to the point of refunding but it's not that great. 2 is better in those aspects which makes for a better more fun experience. Why are we playing video game's? To have fun. If there's a cool well put together story that's a bonus but I don't give a f abour collectibles and phone numbers if the gameplay isn't pushing me forward to want to play and collect them. Also kind of unrelated but the worst thing to happen to the industry and this new crop of gamers is they think good graphics=good game. They also don't understand what an artstyle is and any new game that isn't photorealism is considered not next gen even if it's clearly fn obvious that the artstyle isn't trying to be that. Photorealism in games is so boring and that mindset I bet over the years has stomped on many unique art department Like for example take the first psychonauts game and put it next to a game that came out around the same time but was coined for stunning photorealistic graphics and you'll laugh at how much better psychonauts looks. A great unique artstyle with good gameplay ages better everytime.

[@maineman5757]

The Darkness 2 doesn't copy what the first games does but it's still is a great game and closer the comic in feel.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

@@HonkeyKong54 good point about the art style, i would just argue that d2 didnt age all that well despite it. The gameplay is great, but generic when you think of the actual bullets and how you use the environment. you have the tentacles which can enable some fun, visceral kills, but you as Jackie are just as vulnerable as anyone, so the pace of the gameplay ends up feeling no different than CoD, take cover, kill an enemy, move on. D1, thanks to its ideas being more original, in my opinion aged better, but you are absolutely right about it looking pretty bad graphically nowadays. Also, "we play games to have fun" is just a MASSIVE generalization. it may be true for you, but there are plenty of games that i LOVE that just aren't fun. The Last of Us 1 comes to mind. its really not a fun game, but the narrative is so good, you probably won't ever notice how disappointingly boring it is as a stealth-shooter.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

@@maineman5757 im all for the art style of Darkness 2, i just think that the game itself is both less interesting as a story and as a shooter. D1 to me will always be better because Starbreeze was _trying some stuff out_ and experimenting a little to make for a game that still has a very unique feel to it.

[@JussiValtanen]

One of the most over looked and underestimated game series ever. Loved both games, especially II. Can only pray for III some day. Currently playing II on Steam for 100% all Achievements playthrough

[@theawesomeduo54]

Gman just wanted to say it's awesome stabbing and throwing men with the darkness arm, it's an instant kill, you can also take out lights and throw whole cars [which they sadly replaced with door shields in darkness 2]

[@whodatninja439]

Mike Patton. One of the greatest voice performances in a game. Up there with Mark Hamill in Batman and Armin Shimerman in Bioshock

[@noticemeonii-chan5347]

I loved this game so much back in the day along side with fear and condemned & Jericho

[@moonlightbliss4791]

I remember being scared of the underworld levels in The Darkness. Such a cool concept. And the Multiplayer was a fun way to piss about.

[@producerevan88]

The Darkness, the first game, is a classic FPS imo. Awesome that you've done a video on these games, dude!

[@TrojanSalesmen1]

The First Darkness game is so under rated. Yes it has some flaws but it is still SO DAMN GOOD!

[@gabenwatch1185]

Id love a Remake or Reboot of the Darkness that improves somethings in the second game that continues the story but also can fill-in the backstory through like certain sections of the game.

[@strayf0x683]

I remember this game, anyone remember Jerico? Also Prey was tight, even Turok was fine, man the 360 was awesome.

[@gentletal5101]

Left4dead...gears of War

[@100purenacl3]

The 2009 Wolfenstein, Timeshift, Fear... So many more examples I always wanted to play Jericho

[@SkydrawnIV]

I absolutely love The Darkness, the first game is an amazing masterpiece with so much content - but you're very correct in it not aging well at all. I was sooooo excited when a sequel was announced but the cliffhanger that was never resolved still haunts me today.

[@_ExTitus]

The first darkness is one of my all time favorites. I don't remember everything about the game but it lives fragmented in my mind almost constantly

[@neontiger1557]

Still to this day, the scene with Jackie, Jenny, and Pauly still is heartbreaking

[@zirconviper]

You're telling me. It still haunts me to this day. A scar that'll never heal.

[@andyfmiranda]

This game will always have a special place in my heart. Final cutscene and credits music are just pure beauty

[@matthewcollins9741]

Seriously a classic, I'd love remakes for these games.

[@KatOwO2235]

my friend got me both games on PS3 with the sequel being a collector's edition, PlayStation Now has both games as well

[@MrAlam471]

In the times of remasters and remakes, it always seems the games with the most potential get ignored, great review, well done 👌🏾

[@Ultimateprototype13]

I'm so glad you reviewed and enjoyed both games. I remember playing the second game when it came out, it was my first time hearing of the series. Then I played the first and read the comics. I definitely prefer the first game and love the soundtrack to death, but people shouldn't shit all over the second game. It's definitely great in it's own right.

[@firetools]

When I think about it the only reason people didn't like Darkness 2 was the huge change in tone compared to the first. Combine the feel/atmosphere of the first game with the gameplay and power fantasy of the sequel would be ideal.

[@Ultimateprototype13]

@@firetools oh yeah for sure and I can totally understand that, especially given that Mike Patton’s voice direction, in the first game was perfect. I don’t think a merger of the two would work too well. Since the first is more slow and atmospheric, really entrenching yourself in the moment. Whereas the second is a lot more fast pace. I think Mike Patton’s voice is a good example of where you can see that. But you never know, maybe you could strike a good balance somehow.

[@im.weasel]

Would love to see a remake of these games.

[@GAMEPRO24X]

this game was literally one of the first batch of games on 360 and its sad that its not remembered by more people. Definitely helped me through a rough life in my teenage years. been trying to find a copy of this game since theirs no pc port yet. really praying they do it eventually.

[@simondalton8375]

Probably the closest to a venom game we’ll ever get. I loved this game as a kid! Thanks for the awesome review, brings back good memories.

[@vrubayka]

Try Ultimate Spider-Man

[@simondalton8375]

No

[@deadoneeyetheunkillable3591]

@@simondalton8375 Why not?

[@T0temp0leman]

I was just watching the trailer for 2 again recently. Loved 1's art style way better than 2, that gritty realism just worked so well. If they made a new one, I'd love to see 2's combat put into the realism of 1's graphics. It just made a huge difference for me. Glad people are still talking about the darkness, such a cool story.

[@fuctupkidmiles]

Recently platinumed The Darkness 2, had so much fun, absolute masterpiece! Game looks gorgeous and plays equally great, Digital Extremes knows their shit. Thanks for the review, man

[@Randomizer482]

I'm very pleased with myself that I noticed the "you're playing a third person shooter from a first person perspective" thing almost right from the start, just to hear you echo it later. Something about the ADS and the way Jackie seems to react to the environment around him looks like the game was MEANT to be a third person shooter.

[@mrjbaird4717]

the darkness 2 on 360 was the first birthday present my now wife bought me when we first started going out so it will always have a special place in my heart.

[@dog_with_hat]

One of the best game reviewers on KZbin. Short, sweet, professional but still genuinely funny. Definitely nothing wrong with the more flowery game reviews but I enjoy your style.

[@TimHoekstra]

I remember in the first game saving up all the pistols till the last moment, the storage for that was huge and you were basically emptying them for 30 minutes straight.

[@ergifem]

I completely forgot about this game. I wish I could play it again. I loved the sequel.

[@pedroj3432]

You didnt get a kill with the tentacle ability in the first game?! Mate you can literally plunge the tentacle into people and then chuck them against the wall or other enemies! It was one of the most fun things you could do in the game! You could even use enemies as shields with the tentacle! You could even throw objects like enemies and CARS! Seriously, it was one of the coolest powers and you just brushed it off like its nothing lmao You could also use the tentacles to knock out lights super quickly while shooting at enemies. Theres a lot of things you didnt cover in regards to the powers, how they work and what you could achieve with them. Other than these points, this was a great review! Well done. This series truly deserves a comeback. The Darkness is still to this day one of my top 5 favourite games of all time. From the music, to Mike Patton, to the annoying but brutal gameplay, to the story, this game was truly a masterpiece imo and made with a lot of love.

[@kazukihiratani]

There's not always a new GmanLives video up when I wake up every morning, but when there is, it's definitely worth the wait and I know I'm in for a treat. For real man, the quality of your videos has gone up insanely over the last few months. I noticed the little animation thingy within the first few seconds and that was a really nice touch! Also, fun fact: The Darkness' VA (Mike Patton) is actually the vocalist for Faith No More. If you listen to a few of their tracks, you'll see how he can control his voice to do all sorts of crazy stuff. His range is unbelievable.

[@MatticusFinch1820]

I'll never forget how awestruck I was when I played the first game and it got to that scene where Jackie and his girlfriend are watching TV in his apartment and the TV actually shows real movies like to kill a mockingbird and I think there was some real life cartoons on there it was pretty cool you can literally sit there and watch a movie in full or the cartoons in full on the couch with both of them. Blew my mind at the time

[@AwbeeX57]

Fully upgraded gun channeling in Darkness 2 is literally a power trip, very nice game indeed. :p

[@DCGMatthew1]

This is my favourite series. I love the games and comics, and they have some amazing Statues of the characters. The Darkness 1 is still one of my favourite games. I own both games on everything they came out on. I can't get enough of the series. I remember sitting there with Jenny watching the entirety of Mockingbird. And the game introduced me to multiple bands that I still listen to, like Frame GBG Man, I wish The Darkness 1 was on PC, and I'd also love some remasters or remakes of both the games.

[@nannerpants7]

I love the way games from this time period look

[@Assassin90Nine]

I started playing this again last night. I wish a remaster could be done. The music and character acting is great, the atmosphere is just great.

[@deathcold_longplaysua4846]

I love Darkness 2. I beat it few times and i want more. Too bad that the first game never came to PC. I would love to check that one out too.

[@markedone9778]

Mike Patton from Faith No More did the voice of the Demon, it was so awesome to hear his vocal talents in this game.

[@darthmisogyny3828]

The darkness 1 gameplay wasn't the best but the story saved the hell out of that game

[@shawklan27]

Same with it's attention to detail

[@macho10101]

Darkness 1 was my favorite game on the ps3. Got it around the time it came out and had no idea what kind of game it was or anything since it was a gift. this game really felt far ahead of its time just the way enemies receive damage and all was just amazing to me

[@ZigealFaust]

I remember watching the full movie that plays during the opening scenes. Blew my mind I was able to watch a whole movie in a video game. Also helped me find some good music.