The Darkness II

About The Darkness II

The Darkness II is a first-person shooter from Digital Extremes, released in 2012 for PS3, PC, and Xbox 360. It follows Jackie Estacado, a mob boss haunted by his girlfriend’s death and the supernatural force called The Darkness. The game blends action with a gritty, character-driven story about power, guilt, and revenge. Set in a New York crime underworld, it pits Jackie against a secret organization called the Brotherhood while wrestling with his own demons, literally. The sequel expands on its predecessor’s formula with co-op multiplayer and a darker tone. Think violent shootouts, psychic-powered chaos, and a protagonist caught between mortal and inhuman forces.

Gameplay

You play as Jackie, using a mix of traditional firearms and The Darkness’s psychic abilities. Combat involves summoning ravenous black creatures, telekinetic slams, and energy blasts to dispatch enemies. Missions range from stealthy takedowns in mob dens to chaotic firefights in city streets. The single-player campaign focuses on Jackie’s personal vendetta, while co-op lets you team up to tackle co-op-specific missions. Controls feel responsive but clunky at times, especially when juggling multiple abilities. The Darkness’s powers have cooldowns, forcing you to balance offense and resource management. Each session typically lasts 2-3 hours, with optional achievements hidden in side missions and collectibles. The game’s rhythm leans toward aggressive, high-stakes encounters over strategic pacing.

What Players Think

The Darkness II holds a 76.8/100 on IGDB, with 248 ratings. Community playtime averages 14 hours, and 24.1% of players unlock achievements. The rarest achievement, “You’ve Made My Hit List,” is solved by just 4.9% of players, likely tied to a hidden boss or mission. Community vibes skew dark and creepy, matching the game’s tone. Reviews praise its frenetic combat and unique psychic mechanics but criticize its convoluted story and uneven pacing. One player called it “a wild, messy ride with great set pieces,” while another griped, “the plot meanders too much.” Completion rates for main story hover around 58%, suggesting some lose interest mid-campaign. The 50-achievement list includes challenges like defeating enemies with specific powers or collecting rare items.

PlayPile's Take

The Darkness II is a high-octane shooter for fans of chaotic action and supernatural themes. It’s not a classic, its story falters and mechanics feel dated, but the combat and co-op mode keep it engaging. With 50 achievements and a $15-20 price tag on most platforms, it’s a low-risk pick for players who enjoy power fantasies and don’t mind a messy narrative. The rarest achievements demand patience, so casual players might skip them. Stick to single-player if you prefer focused action, but avoid if you want a polished or story-driven experience. Worth a try for its energy, not its execution.

Storyline

It’s been two years since Jackie Estacado used The Darkness to kill the men responsible for his girlfriend’s murder. He’s been unable to shake the memory of Jenny’s death since bottling up his supernatural power and now The Darkness wants out. A sudden, unprovoked attack by a mysterious organization known as the Brotherhood heralds the start of a full-scale war and opens the door for The Darkness to reemerge, setting Jackie on a journey to hell and worse.