20 Comic Book Video Games You Must Play Before You Die

15. The Darkness

There are some comic book properties that you just know are going to work a treat in the digital realm. Enter The Darkness, Starbreeze Studios' gritty and blood-soaked take on mobster Jackie Estacado as he becomes acquainted with a timeless malevolent force, the resulting usage of which sees him (and therefore, you) literally ripping apart his enemies, unleashing tiny armies of goblins on unsuspecting gangsters, ending by gulping down a heart or two to regain health. Make no mistake, this is a brutal game, but that's what makes it so damn fun. Jackie's embracing of the titular force just as his mob boss has betrayed him sets up a fairly simple revenge arc, but it's just an excuse to let you indulge in the beautifully merciless slaughter of it all. Starbreeze are the guys that made the two Chronicles of Riddick games, their custom game engine working wonders on the streets of New York City. Where The Darkness really shines is in the contextual way Jackie will adapt to any cover, his back-sprouting tendrils will eye up their prospective next meal or the A.I. will try to turn-tail and run mod-fight - all combiing into one of the most viscerally enjoyable experiences you can have.