The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark

The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark’s new levels mean it’s absolutely time to play this spooky pixel art gem. With nine spooky cases to solve as Detective McQueen with Officer Dooley by your side, the occult simply doesn’t stand a chance. Don’t let this pixel art point and click haunt your backlog any longer — pick up The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark and crack the original six scenarios plus the three new bonus cases before they drag you to the Dark Side.

I only can’t believe that I’m only learning about the existence of these games now. It was only by a most serendipitous happenstance that I even stumbled across The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark. I might have known about it until now, but I’m officially a fan. For anyone that likes retro-styled point-and-click adventure games, you must give The Darkside Detective games a try. I myself am about to go back and play the first game to see where all the magic started.

A Fumble in the Dark may have lost sight of what made the first iteration great in some respects, but for those who want more of the charismatic duo and excellent observational humor, this is an admirable sequel. More is on the way, as well, so for those who worry we’ll be waiting another three or four years for Francis and Dooley to return, fear not. As for me, I’m okay with the break if it means an assurance of quality in the future.

Ultimately though, Fumble In The Dark is a triumph. It takes the solid foundations from Darkside Detective and gently improves upon them, while still offering up a hugely charming adventure.

The puzzles don’t present much challenge except for a few oddly vague ones, but you’ll be having so much fun solving mysteries and laughing along with the protagonists that you probably won’t even notice. Whether you’re returning for a second dose of supernatural comedy or a newcomer just looking for a terrific point-and-click adventure, The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is sure to fit the bill.

The game is certainly lengthier and grander in scope, and while it occasionally feels a tad bloated with unnecessary tasks, it’s largely an immensely fun ride with the same excellent visuals from the first game. If you enjoyed The Darkside Detective, then its sequel is an absolute no-brainer; for newcomers, we recommend checking out the first game before diving into this one.