The PlayStation 3 version of Starbreeze’s eagerly-awaited The Darkness has been postponed in Europe until July 20, according to publisher 2K Games. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 version remains on schedule and will launch in the region on June 29, as was originally planned.

The game, which has already started accumulating lofty scores from many outlets, was developed by Swedish developer Starbreeze, the same studio that was responsible for the Xbox’s (and soon-to-be Xbox 360’s) excellent The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

Based on the comic book of the same name, the title casts players as Mafia hitman Jackie Estacado, who inherits the powers of The Darkness, a family “Gift”. Estacado can use his new abilities to give his enemies a good bashing, but must also learn how to control his powers, which possess a will all of their own.

Part first-person shooter, part third-person action title, the game is shaping up to be one of the highlights of an otherwise typically barren summer. Unless you’re a European PS3 owner of course - in which case, you may have to endure another few weeks or so before the game finally reaches you.

2K Games has yet to give a reason for the delay of the PS3 version, but you can make the wait more bearable by heading to the Trailer Park to whet your appetite with a jolly scary promo. Adults only though, kids.