We've known for some time now that we gamers will have the chance to once again unleash our inner demons in Digital Extreme's The Darkness II. Now we have a definite date given to us by 2k Games in a smoky new trailer.

The trailer doesn't reveal much, save for the October 4th release date. Instead it serves as a teaser and recap for those unfamiliar with the first game. The trailer is narrated by protagonist, Jackie Estacado, former mob hitman turned vengeful agent of Chaos/ The Darkness. 

The Darkness II picks  up two years after the original, when Jackie finds himself once again succumbing to the power of the Darkness to vanquish his enemies. Of course, the Darkness has its own agenda, so we can expect to see Jackie struggle to remain his own master even while needing to use the Darkness to accomplish his goals. Details on the story are nonexistent at this point, and since the first game strayed from the source material of the comic a fair bit, it's tough to say whether the sequel might be adapting one of the comic's story arcs this time around.

What we do know is that the Darkness will once again be voiced by the uber-talented Mike Patton. We also had a chance to go hands-on with the game and try out the much hyped quad-wielding FPS gameplay that helps set The Darkness apart from other shooters.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axgMBjHvnlg

The October release date seems like an intelligent move on the part of 2k Games. Instead of trying to compete with huge names like Gears of War 3, Assassin's Creed Revelations, or Uncharted 3, players will have some time to purchase and complete the game before the big holiday release season.

There's been relatively little buzz surrounding the title, and it's a bit of a mystery as to why that would be. The Darkness was highly praised (at least for its single player campaign) and it became a cult hit, just like the comic it is based on. A sequel is the perfect opportunity to draw in many more gamers and grow your franchise. Maybe 2k has something in store for E3, however at this point it seems like this game is sticking to its main gameplay mechanics and hiding in the shadows until October.

Are you a fan of the original The Darkness? Are you looking forward to the new game?

The Darkness II releases October 4, 2011, for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.