You might not think a mobster story mixed with demonic possession would be a good idea. But the two themes work together quite well in The Darkness, an extraordinary action game for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. Based on a best-selling comic book series of the same name, the game begins with a bang. You play as a Mafia hit man, Jackie Estacado, who awakens on his 21st birthday in the back seat of a speeding convertible, after being knocked out during a deal gone bad. The car is being chased by corrupt cops through a New York City tunnel. Associates throw you a shotgun to help clear an escape route by taking out rival mobsters and crooked cop cruisers. Eventually the car crashes into a subway construction zone, where you'll begin your fight on foot, through underground areas and on the city's streets. At the climax of this lengthy introductory sequence you find that the head of the crime family you work for -- "Uncle" Paulie Franchetti -- has put a hit on you.

The game is equally fun in single-player and seven unique multiplayer Internet modes. Just when you think things are truly as bad as can be, a demonic voice begins to speak in your head. You must learn how to harness "the Darkness" and use the ancient power to exact revenge on Paulie and his henchmen. You transform into somewhat of a demon yourself with serpent-like appendages growing out of your shoulders, glowing eyes and an aversion to light. You will need to lurk in the shadows and summon impish creatures called Darklings to do your bidding. The Darkness is as gory as it is gorgeous.