The long wait for Retrofiction Games’ 2D survival horror title Dead of Darkness is almost over. The solo developer has announced that the game, which still has a demo available on its Steam page, will be launching on Thursday, January 23rd. Coinciding with the announcement is a brand-new trailer announcing the date, while also filling in fans on the story.
Set in England in 1985, Dead of Darkness is a 2D survival-horror action-adventure with cosmic horror influences, and an obvious Resident Evil inspiration. Featuring an expertly-crafted narrative, rich and foreboding atmosphere, deep lore and devious puzzles, the game sees players assume the role of private investigator Miles Windham, who, following the tragic passing of his daughter, heads to the mysterious Velvet Island to investigate a lead on her death.
Shortly after arriving, Miles discovers the residents to be increasingly hostile, and soon finds himself in a desperate struggle for his own survival. Only by facing grotesque creatures, surmounting deadly traps and managing his sanity, does he have a hope of unraveling the disturbing secret that lies at the dark heart of the island.
Narrative is the core of the experience in Dead of Darkness, equally inspired by classic tales of terror, contemporary weird fiction and the aforementioned Survival Horror classics of yesteryear. It aims to bring these influences together and plays with genre tropes to create a “fresh and surprising” gameplay experience.
Rendered with pixel-perfect, sprite-based two-dimensional art, the game’s dark story and locales are further brought to life with eye catching – and often unsettling – high-definition illustrations, atmospheric lighting and sound. All is which is backed up by professional voice acting from a cast that includes Bradley Gareth (My Time at Portia), Abigail Turner (Remothered: Broken Porcelain) and Paul Moran (Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader).