IGN Reviews "The Darkness" for PS3

IGN reviews The Darkness, on the PS3:

"The Darkness is a wonderfully gruesome adventure. There are some truly dark and even shocking moments in the story...It's too bad that the AI and gameplay mechanics couldn't be smoothed out a bit more to match the impressive visual presentation. The PlayStation 3 version is virtually identical to the 360, other than the occasional aliasing issues and sporadic slowdown."

[Violater]

As opposed to 7.8, but I guess at least the Margin between the consoles are narrowing come E3 it will Widen in the Ps3's favor

Graphics
Some nice effect, but the touchy framerate hurts a bit. The Otherworld is particularly cool. The animations in general are weak, though.

[razer]

I disagree. What makes you think it will widen in the PS3's favor??

I have the 360 version of The Darkness, been playing it for hours and it is one smoothe playing game. Absolutley zero slow-down, no framerate issues or AA issues. Makes it sound like the PS3 version has more problems.

The game is fantastic.. Great story, great acting and is one of the few games that really feels like your playing a movie. Starbreeze rocks! I can't wait to see their new Chronicles of Riddick. I think this game deserves at LEAST at 8.5 if not a 9. I question IGN's scores.

[JsonHenry]

but a few slow downs in a game is hardly a big deal is it?

Guess maybe I am just used to gaming on the PC and it does not bother me anymore.

[Ebay3rd]

I think the game is fun as they come at this point. Its different and I believe thats what they were going for...Good job guys...

[Arkham]

I might rent it. It sounds pretty short, and I'm not sure if I'm crazy about multiplayer in this game. I think I'll wait for Rainbow Six.

[AznSniper]

rainbow six beats the darkness in multiplayer

[lil bush]

man, i dont agree with some of ign reviews lately imo this is at least a 8.5 and they gave transformers a 5.7 when that game is acaully pretty damn good, i dont even want to know what there gonna give vegas.........

i think ign just expects to much imo

[MoonDust]

Fo real yo :)

[Marceles]

Eh...I have the PS3 version and I have no idea what they're talking about. But whatever, if they say so

[lil bush]

exacly my point

[THE_JUDGE]

and haven't played it yet so I'm pretty sure I can come to my own damn conclusion about it, thanks though.

[etownone]

it has to make all PS3 fanboys wonder.......when are the multi-plat games going to start looking better on PS3 compared to 360?? I mean last gen, it was clearly obvious in every game how Xbox looked better than PS2.

[felidae]

i think like me the most ps3 users don't care that much about FPS ports from the 360. i played rainbow s. months ago on 360.

the most people are waiting for the exclusive games and these are just .... different on the ps3

[etownone]

hmm....so now PS owners dont care for FPS??

i guess your not looking forward to Haze or that other game that sony's been working on for 3 years and spent 20 million so far.

[felidae]

if you could read ... i said "FPS ports from the 360".

of course we all want KZ2

[Omegasyde]

360 port?

The game game out the same time for both systems. Sure the 360 could of been the "lead design system", but that still doesn't qualify it under "port" status. I am sure the designers aren't as good with PS3 software as they are with Xbox360 software.

[popup]

Not really my kind of game but the gore looks good.

Shame about the occasional slowdowns but multiplatform always has one perfect platform while everything else is a compromise is some form or another.

Afterall, they could have upped the detail on the 360 version until it slowed down but they (quite rightly) chose framerate first when creating content. From this, I would bet that the 360 was the lead platform in this case.

If I buy this game, it will be on the 360 because of this.

[power of Green]

The lead platform theory/excuse goes a long way's but only goes so far when you have games with PS3 as lead and still don't run as smoothly or look as good as a port its alittle more than the lead factor.

EDIT: PUP you never will because it takes too much effort to get PS3 titles to run as good or look as good as their 360 brethern. The only game we can truely compare is Armored Core for some reason VF5 was develpoed later instead of simultaneously.

[popup]

Power...

If a PS3 lead appeared on the 360 with no loss in any area then it would of course prove your point with that particular game (unless it was tetris!) and I respect that.

However, I cannot imagine the port would be re-engineered and or artistically improved on a low level to be superior than the original lead though for a simultaneous release. (if thats what you meant)

[popup]

Either way, optimized code designed in a complex manner to take full advantage of a particular architecture and exploit the strengths of that said platform with a focus on its superior elements will always prove a messy and compromised port.

It is simply too early to give concrete examples of this, but it can certainly be said that the 360 and PS3 share very little compatibility when it comes to showcasing and exploiting each of the units strengths and processing capabilities.

For example, The parallel processing ethos on the Cell is still so little understood and hugely under used that I would bet that many ports from 360 hardly even touch the very component that gives the PS3 any chance of being a viable competitor to the likes of the 360.

I really am a very neutral person here but have an almost dangerous fascination in hardware, programming and the trend and history of generations of hardware and software.

I think the basic fault here really does lie with Sony's unfriendly architecture but I will not condemn 'unfriendly' to being underpowered until it has been given the lease it deserves.

[power of Green]

I guess the companies have gave reviewers unrealalistic exspectations due to the marketing hype of the console pre launch.

[genericname]

good point, the 360 has been dissapointing. If i had a dollar for everyone that broke down I'd be retired.

[TheMART]

Again a multiplatform game that performs better then the PS3 version?

"The PlayStation 3 version is virtually identical to the 360, other than the occasional aliasing issues and sporadic slowdown."

Seems to get common stuff.

[genericname]

but the PS3 will actually turn on and play the game. that really makes a huge difference imo.

[toughNAME]

why is this?
im a biased fanboy without a doubt but is there a real reason for why the ps3 version if worse?

dont give me excuses fanboys im just wondering whats the real reason for this

[chrno6]

The Mart has 5 bubbles lol, man u xbots are pathetic.

[Evoluti0n]

The biggest difference between the PS3 Version and the XBOX 360 version, is

XBOX 360 - 8.0 Graphics
Some nice effects and a solid framerate are a plus. The Otherworld is particularly cool. The animations in general are weak, though.

PS3 - 7.5 Graphics
Some nice effect, but the touchy framerate hurts a bit. The Otherworld is particularly cool. The animations in general are weak, though.

[milthaar]

i have a 360 and a ps3 i know that they say the 360 version runs smoother and has better AA but i just like the ps3 alot more then the 360 my brain says 360 yet my hart shouts out ps3....... what to do what to do :(

edit: i just want to point out that frame rate is very game session sensetive somthimes you do somthing realy cool with lots of on screen action while other times you just sneek kill them, and i have made up my mind i'm gona go for the ps3 because the 360 makes to much fan noise

[etownone]

too much fan noise?? so you would rather put up with slower framerates?? I never hear my fan. Maybe cause its like 10 feet from where I sit. Or maybe its because I have 5.1 surround sound. But that has never been a problem. But to each their own

[Auron]

The 360 controller works better with FPS and has rumble (which is nice)
also what they said about the graphics and other stuff makes me head toward the 360 version! but i love the ps3 controller for fighting games. just not fps.

[Siesser]

Game looks and plays great. Does stutter occassionally (I think three times so far for me), but it doesn't last long. It's annoying though, and disapointing to see when you're used to other games running smoothly.

Amazing opening sequence though; had me hooked like you wouldn't believe. And when you take out all the lights . . . ohhh, you feel so giddily unstoppable.

[sony4life]

i bought the game on the ps3 today and i must say im not to thrilled with what i got. this dude walks like a turtle and i noticed that some shadows and the outlines of the roof seem jaged edged. is it like that on the 360? this game will be on ebay in 30 min

[FirstknighT]

Sony fans have to be pissed about this. Seriously! Can a sony fan please give me a descent reply about all these multiplatform games that are better on the 360. Rainbow 6 and now The Darkness are all better on the 360. Sometimes they are small differences and sometimes they're big differences. But no matter what, it's always the same...the 360 is better. What is wrong with the mind of a sony fan when they continuously throw excuse after excuse. Check out my man on top here (milthaar)

"I know that they say the 360 version runs smoother and has better AA but i just like the ps3 alot more then the 360 my brain says 360 yet my hart shouts out ps3"

Any smart person would always pick the better version, right??? Well what is wrong with this guy? Why would anybody pick the inferior version just because his heart belongs to Sony???? Was he raised by Sony? Does he have Sony stock? What is the problem here? Easy choice...get the better version.

Seriously sony fanboys...doesn't this piss you off? Don't just hit the disagree button, speak your mind.

*Genericname... First of all it came out an year later. And it was build from the ground up on the ps3 and the best it can do was slight improvements in graphics. A simple patch was released to give the 360 the same graphical improvements. This is a huge problem for Sony when multiplatform games always look better on the 360.

Can I get a descent reply??? I'm sure sony fanboys have to be frustrated by this.

[genericname]

really need to define better. alot of these reviews have picked out minute details which you have declared as making it better. when oblivion was declared better on the PS3 you said the differences were so small and didn't matter, now all of a sudden minute differences matter? your just seeing what you want to push your x-kiddie agenda. yawn....

[weekapaugh]

"Any smart person would always pick the better version, right???"

dewd, seriously get the 360 version, some of the building look slightly better in the distance when you hold a magnifying glass up to your TV. [es]

[harpua]

well some people don't want bill gates cack in the mouth like you do. oh and by the way firstknight, you still have a little bit on your chin there.

[popup]

I am not a fanchild but I do understand that I am very happy with my Nintendo DS games (for example) without the need for vastly superior graphics in most cases.

When said PS3 owners do get an exclusive (that stays an exclusive!) and they like that game in the way I like my DS exclusive, then its all okay really and no amount of horsepower can conjure up a 'superior' 360 version when one simply does not exist.

For the time being, they appear to have made a bigger investment and are getting slightly slower 'copies' but I am sure there is no need to rub that in is there as you dont have one so lucky you.

The majority are not crying and vomiting blood about it really mate. They are just playing games.

[etownone]

TOTALLY AGREE. why anyone should choose the PS3 version instead of the 360 is just plain stupid. Now if all you got is a PS3, then you have no choice.

As for GENERICNAME yes Oblivion looks better, and it was said its a simple patch that PC owners as well as 360 will get in the future. So again, its not like the PS3 was more capable than the 360 version, it just showed how a developer with an extra ONE YEAR should and could make his game look better.

to WHOOPENMAN. FACT - yes oblivion looks better graphically. I said that earlier. FACT - there is a patch update on the way for PC/360 owners to make it have same textures as PS3. So you talking about one game that developers have already said can look the same on 360 with a patch update?? what about EVERY OTHER GAME that has come out...FACT - they ALL run and look better on 360.

[thewhoopimen]

Oblivion runs better. Before you mouth off on how there isn't any graphical "improvements," think about the fact that they're not going to design textures from ground up. No studio is stupid enough to waste time or money like that. Parity is the most you can expect. Instead they made Oblivion is silky smooth for a port.

[popup]

^^

I did not know that the devs had 'one whole year' with the PS3 for Oblivion.

They really got to know the hardware of the PS3 within that whole year that noone else had one I bet.

[Auron]

If you have both consoles and arent a damn fanboy! get the better version thats what I'm gonna do.

[Wargasm]

I think you can argue that the the consoles are very similar in power....

but i think what motivates Firstknight is that a game ported from a supposedly weaker system SHOULD be noticeably better on the stronger console.(think ps2 to xbox ports)

people keep pointing this out because the ps3 hasn't turned out to be as "MEGA" as it was hyped up to, and continually defended as.

[solideagle1]

just listen to ur heart wanna buy then buy....wanna rent then rent. some games r overrated some r underrated its the fact of life. lol

[etownone]

now reviews dont count? listen to your heart??? let me just guess...another PSfanboy. I guess thats how you go by life, just listening to your heart making uneduacted choices.

[HaKeRsCanRotINHEL]

Include a system update? If so, which version is it- 1.80?

[ElementX]

I think this is a good game. I have it on 360 because I don't own a PS3 yet. I only played a little over an hour but I can say I love the Darkness power thing. It's wicked when it eats out the enemies' hearts! Anyway, so PS3 version got .1 lower than 360. If you have both systems, then get whichever you want. The PS3 version has more cartoons and B movies to watch on the televisions, the 360 has better AA and frame rate.

I think this game will play longer than 8-10 hours. I usually add on a couple hours to what IGN says anyway. I turned off the auto aim. It makes it more difficult and if you die more, then you'll get a longer playing game. If I get absolutely frustrated, maybe I'll turn it back on. I think the IGN staff are pretty hardcore. They've been gaming a long time and they play more games (even the bad ones) so I believe they finish games faster than the average consumer.

[IBLEEDBLU]

could careless for ported games...its a cheap rip of something designed for some1 else..

the only game i would spend my money on that looks like a port is call of duty 4 - but i heard they are using the PS3 as lead platform so it really doesnt matter then

but ported game simply suck..devil may cry and army of 2 - i will need to consider buy now that i found out its also for the 360

stupid cheap 360 and their crappy hardware - we PS3 need to suffer bc of them *sigh* thank god for 1st party amazing titles

[Anything but Cute]

PS3 won't always suffer, I would think some games will be lead developed on PS3 in the future. Look at Haze and Unreal plus I've heard a few other developers say this also like Sega with Rally Car

[Nervsys]

So the PS3 version is weaker beacause the 360 is a worse piece of hardware. I guess you've never heard of logic.

If something runs fine on the 360 and has frame issues on the PS3 without having better graphics or other improvements, then guess what - Its the fault of the PS3, not the 360.

Take off those rose tinted glasses.

[Anything but Cute]

7.8 VS 7.7, seriously IGN? It's the same game, some people make a killing off fanboy fights it seems. If you look at IGN's breakdown in categories like presentation and sound it's the same, they just decided to take a .1 off the final score of the PS3 version. What a joke. Fanboys are everywhere.

Edit: Well then I take it back, I thought I saw the same scores down the board. Still, I think it's the same game.

[Evoluti0n]

XBOX 360 - 8.0 Graphics
Some nice effects and a solid framerate are a plus. The Otherworld is particularly cool. The animations in general are weak, though.

PS3 - 7.5 Graphics
Some nice effect, but the touchy framerate hurts a bit. The Otherworld is particularly cool. The animations in general are weak, though.

[xfrgtr]

xboxPRESS AVERAGE 8.3
ps3 press average 8.7
ps3 is better!!!!!!!!
ign xbox 7.8
ign ps3 7.7
gamespot ps3 and xbox360 8.5

[thewhoopimen]

I've changed my mind on how the PS3 real video content is just a gimmick. In fact, I think it really does introduce some interesting dynamics to the game. The first time i was caught in-game watching a oldie cartoon during the construction mission. I thought I had cleared out the enemies in the area. I literally had two guys creep up on me while I was staring at the tube and shoot me.

The second time I was watching "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Jenny's house in the game. The intro shots are still as artistically amazing as they were (whatever) 50-60 years ago. I thought it was the most amazing experience having her charc lay against Jackie's shoulder while Jackie touched her hands The availability of real content really gives the game that genuine touch. Very good game so far.

[Evoluti0n]

is in both versions of the game, 360 and PS3. Not just the PS3.

[hikikimori]

I have the ps3 version and it does have frame rate issues here and there.
Can a 360 owner please tell me TRUTHFULLY if the 360 version has any frame drops please?
As a proud ps3 owner. I am getting more and more depressed at the RSX's 'limitations' shall I say compared to the 360's ATI chip. It's really beginning to p!ss me off as for the money I spent, I expected at least equal or better gfx than the 360 not worse.
Is it true that ps3 will never handle AA with real hdr without slowdown?
And why would the darkness slow down when it has AA off?
Fkn depressing mang!
The game itself is pretty damn cool aside from this, It's got those Riddick production values. But I still can't get over the big fkn black borders on the top and bottom of the screen when viewing on my standard tv.
Does it do that on 360 version? (standard def Tv)

[Wargasm]

Ya it sucks that 360 games are SLIGHTLY better than ps3 games. But....

Blu-ray is just now starting to take over and fairly soon the included blu-ray player is going to be a major plus to every ps3 sold.

Hell the ps2 had horrible graphics compared to the xbox and it still managed to have great and entertaining games.

[candystop]

I think someone lied to you because COD4 is being designed from the ground up on 360 and not the PS3! After all the crap you talk it's just hilarious to know that you lust for COD4 running on a 360! In time you will jump over and understand that the crap hardware 360 is actually the best hardware and bite you tongue!

[VirusE]

Real gamers own a ps3 and an xbox 360.

Reminder to self; dust ps3 when i get a chance and pick up darkness for 360.

Its been said many times that its easier to code for the 360. MS is a software company and they have tons of experience with making development tools. Give the ps3 some time, it does have more horse power to work with than the 360, its just harder to extract. In the end its how the game plays not how it looks. Slowdown affects play so i will get the 360 version.

[akaFullMetal]

same crap, if it was the other way, people would be saying the same thing about the xbox sucking and blah blah, but whatever, i know the ps3 can do it, but man it better come soon, cant wait for e3, and i keep watching drakes fortune trailer on my ps3 and it looks so good, cant wait