The next chapter in Jackie Estacado’s crime-family epic, The Darkness 2, has shipped today for Xbox 360 and PS3. The title will be available internationally on February 10. Inspired by the comic book series created by Top Cow Productions, The Darkness 2 follows Jackie, the head of a New York crime family and wielder of an ancient and brutal force of chaos and destruction known as “the Darkness.”
Whereas the original The Darkness let players use octopus-like arms as weapons, The Darkness 2 lets them use those arms along with their weapons via “Quad-Wielding” combat. The game also supports four-person cooperative gameplay distinct from the first-person campaign.
Quad-Wielding allows players to slash, grab and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and maintains the stylistic violence visualized through a hand-painted graphic noir technique, true to its comic book origins.
Also new in The Darkness II is the cooperative Vendettas campaign, a fast-paced, story-driven experience that takes place parallel to the single-player campaign. Vendettas lets up to four friends play together as one of four new playable characters – all with their own unique Darkness weapon – and begin their dangerous and bloody journey. Designed as a team-focused, mission-based experience, Vendettas explores the crucial role each character plays in Jackie Estacado’s campaign to defeat the Brotherhood.
We have a copy of The Darkness 2 already in our grubby little hands and will bring you a full review in the days ahead.