The Darkness II is a grim and violent first-person shooter with a modern-day horror setting. The game follows the unholy misfortunes of Jackie Estacado, a fearless crime-family enforcer who inherited gruesome supernatural powers, personified as a spirit called "the Darkness." The game plays along with the strengths and weaknesses the spirit bestows, while emphasizing its vile and hateful compellations. Jackie is stronger in the shadows, as his powers feed on actual darkness, and bright light causes blurred vision and an uncomfortable ringing in the ears.

By mutilating defeated enemies and defiling their corpses, players can build up Jackie's "Dark Essence," which is used to unlock new powers and abilities. In addition to a selection of dual pistols and other deadly firearms, Jackie can wield weapons and other objects found throughout the adventure. He can also use his four demon arms for auxiliary attacks, and to perform hideous finishing moves.

Two years after the events of the original adventure, Jackie has taken revenge on Paulie, and then risen to take his place as mafia don. His only true enemy is the Darkness itself, which corrupts so much of his humanity in exchange for the power it gives. Unreal co-creator Digital Extremes takes on development duties for the sequel, which is again based on the Top Cow Productions comic. Graphics are more stylized than in the original, using a cel-shading technique for an illustrated look that is closer to the graphic novel source material.

The Limited Edition of The Darkness II comes with artwork by Top Cow artist and CEO Marc Silvestri and access to digital versions of volumes one and two of his The Darkness Origins comics. The special edition also grants players two in-game ability upgrades -- "Gourmet Hearts" and "Relic Hunter" -- as well as an alternate darkling outfit called "Crazy Abdul."