The Darkside Detective is a point-and-click adventure game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. The game was first released in 2017 and has since gained a cult following for its humor, charm, and engaging gameplay. Set in the supernatural world of Twin Lakes, players take on the role of Detective McQueen, a member of the underfunded and overworked Darkside Division, tasked with solving paranormal cases.

Gameplay

The gameplay of The Darkside Detective revolves around exploring environments, solving puzzles, and talking to characters to advance the story. The game is presented in a classic point-and-click adventure style, with hand-drawn backgrounds and characters. Players must use their wits and investigative skills to uncover clues and progress through the game's various cases.

The game's puzzles range from simple item combination tasks to more complex logic puzzles that require careful observation and critical thinking. Players can examine objects in the environment and interact with characters to gather information and solve puzzles.

The game also features a hint system that can be activated if players get stuck on a particular puzzle. This system provides increasingly detailed hints until the player is able to solve the puzzle or bypass it entirely.

Cases

The Darkside Detective features six main cases, each with its own unique story and set of puzzles. The cases range from a haunted library to a possessed hotel, and each presents its own set of challenges and mysteries to solve.

The game also features several smaller side cases that can be completed in any order. These cases add to the overall lore and world-building of the game and often provide a break from the more complex main cases.

Characters

The characters in The Darkside Detective are a highlight of the game, with each one bringing their own personality and quirks to the table. Detective McQueen, the player character, is a dry and sarcastic investigator who is always ready with a witty one-liner. Officer Dooley, McQueen's partner, is an enthusiastic but somewhat bumbling sidekick who provides comic relief.

The game's various NPCs are equally entertaining, with each one offering their own unique perspective on the supernatural world of Twin Lakes. From a vampire librarian to a ghostly janitor, the game's characters are memorable and well-written.

The Darkside Detective features charming hand-drawn graphics that are reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventure games. The game's environments are detailed and full of personality, with each location having its own unique style and atmosphere.

The game's sound design is equally well-done, with a catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's quirky humor. The game's voice acting is also excellent, with each character having a distinct and memorable voice.

The Darkside Detective is a must-play for fans of point-and-click adventure games. With its engaging puzzles, charming characters, and witty humor, the game offers a unique and entertaining experience. The game's six main cases provide a substantial amount of content, while the smaller side cases offer a nice change of pace. The game's hand-drawn graphics and catchy soundtrack make it a joy to look at and listen to, while its excellent voice acting brings the characters to life. Overall, The Darkside Detective is a well-crafted and entertaining game that is sure to keep players engaged and entertained from start to finish.