D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Darkness Spell: What's the Point?

[Staffan]

For those who want 3.0-style darkness, the Spell Compendium has the spell blacklight as a 3rd level wizard spell which creates actual darkness, except the caster can see normally in it. It only lasts 1 round per level, though.

 

[FeistFan]

OK, I realize I'm late to the party on this issue, but I'm looking at a monster with the feat Quicken Spell-Like Ability (darkness). Since the monster only has low-light vision, is there any practical, tactical use for this ability in combat, other than as cover for a retreat? Someone, please show me how this could be cool.

If the monster has low-light vision and finds itself in an area completely devoid of light, that Quicken Spell-Like Ability (darkness) now gives it enough light to see by, in addition to maintaining the various hindrances against its adversaries that previous posters listed.