2K games, a publishing label of the ever-controversial Take-Two Interactive, has announced that its supernatural first-person action game The Darkness is now available for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game console systems.
Developed by Starbreeze Studios,The Darkness is based on on the Top Cow comic series of the same name and focuses on mafia hitman Jackie Estacado, who is heir to “The Darkness,” an ancient mysitcal power that emerges within him beginning on his 21st birthday. Set in some of New York City’s less than friendly areas, Jackie uses both traditional weapons and his new powers to exact revenge on his own crime famiy. The game’s story line was written in collaboration with British comic writer Paul Jenkins.
“The Darkness takes the first-person action video game to new depths on both a visual and a gameplay level, and brings the graphic novel to grisly new life,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Starbreeze Studios really captured the dark and gritty storyline of The Darkness comic book. Players can experience The Darkness through an intense and engaging game that will stay with them long after they’ve set their controllers down.”
The Darkness is rated M for “Mature” by the ESRB—and its easy to figure out why. Jackie’s Darkness powers enable him to impale, devour, or implode his enemies, and Jackie can increase his strength by literally eating the hearts of his victims. Jackie can also summon “darklings” to help with fights or accomplish tasks. The game also features a multiplayer mode, and features in-game television which enables players to view entire shows, including Nosferatu and Popeye. The game also features real-time news bulletins tied to events in the game.
The Darkness is available now and carries a suggested price of $59.99.