THE DARKNESS II

THE DARKNESS II is a first-person shooter sequel. The player assumes the role of Jackie Estacado, a young New York Mafia boss. The action takes place two years after the events of the original game and Jackie is still mourning the death of his girlfriend Jenny. Jackie is cursed with 'The Darkness', a supernatural phenomenon that makes him part demon and a very formidable adversary. When he and his gang are attacked by a rival organisation he must again turn to 'The Darkness' in order to survive. The game was classified '18' for frequent strong violence and gore, very strong language and strong sex.

The BBFC's Guidelines at '15' state 'Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable'. The game includes very strong violence throughout and there is a focus on the infliction of bloody injury. In addition to having access to conventional firearms (pistols, shotguns, machine-guns and assault rifles), the player-controlled character possesses a pair of fanged 'demon arms' that enable him to grab or lash out at opponents and rip them to pieces. Shooting or slashing opponents with the 'demon arms' causes copious blood spurts and gory injuries. Heads can be shot or sliced off and legs lopped off. The player has the option of carrying out signature execution moves that include 'The Wishbone' (picking an opponent up by the legs and ripping him in two) and 'The Anaconda' (piercing an opponent with a 'demon arm', with the end of the arm emerging, Alien-like, from the victim's chest). The player-controlled character renews his energy by ripping out and eating the hearts of fallen enemies. Shooting dead opponents causes considerable 'ragdolling' and when heavier calibre weapons are used mutilation and post-mortem damage results. The killings therefore often include a sadistic element that, together with very strong gory images, are acceptable only at the adult category.

THE DARKNESS II contains frequent strong language throughout and occasional use of very strong language. One level takes place in a brothel and includes scenes of strong sex. Fellatio and sexual intercourse are implied but there is no strong detail.There are some strong verbal sex references