DARKWATCH

I was finally able to play Darkwatch for PS2, so here at last is my review. In the interest of full disclosure I must say that I was on the Darkwatch online "street team" and I received a t-shirt for my efforts.

“Welcome to the Wild West, circa 1876.” Darkwatch is a first person shooter in which, “You are Jericho Cross, seasoned outlaw.” You are also kind of a dumb-ass, because while attempting to rob a train that you think is loaded with money or jewels, you accidentally let lose the oldest and most powerful vampire on earth, Lazarus Malkoth.

Lazarus was the Roman who founded the Darkwatch in 66 A.D. to battle the real reason Rome fell: Vampires. Lazarus was also a dumb-ass, because while trying to fight fire with fire, he got burned and was possessed by a demon thus becoming a vampire himself.

During your ill-fated train robbery attempt you team up with Darkwatch agent, Cassidy Sharp voiced by Jennifer Hale. Cassidy will help and instruct you throughout the game. Despite her help, you are quickly bitten by Lazarus. The game then becomes a race to Darkwatch HQ, where the watch can help get the curse under control before you succumb completely. Once you reach HQ and pass an initiation, you join the Darkwatch and go on a few missions for them. You also meet sexy agent, Tala voiced by Rose McGowan. At points in the game you have the choice of indulging your vampire nature or resisting it. Your choices determine what sort of vampiric powers become available to you, but apparently do not affect the final outcome of the game.

There’s only so much a developer can do with a first person shooter. It mostly comes down to the art design and general sense of style. I like the style of Darkwatch. It’s dark, steampunkish, and violent. The western/horror blend is reminiscent of the tabletop RPG Deadlands. The Darkwatch uniforms perhaps try a little too hard to be cool and Jericho seems to be competing with Vampire Hunter D for the Biggest Hat award, but on the whole the design is beautiful.

There are a few different types of undead to fight. Most are of the zombie variety, but there are also flying Banshees, acid-puking Oozers, and teleporting Vipers. Some of the zombies, known as Keggers, tote kegs of TNT. The Keggers strike me as rip-offs of the black powder toting trolls from the lord of the Rings games. On the other hand I really liked the design of the Banshees. They look like tattered purple flying old west hookers.

The game also has a decent variety of weapons, a few riding levels, a driving level, and an occasional turret to mow down enemies with.

The story mode is short, so I’d recommend renting it. There’s a few multiplayer options that could extend the length of your enjoyment, but I didn’t get the chance to play those.

I give Darkwatch 4 out of 5 bloody crosses.

Darkwatch is available for the PS2 and X-Box.
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: High Moon Studios
Rated M: Mature 17+ for violence, gore, and sexual content.