In The Dark 2
A sci-fi puzzle adventure with 200 story-driven challenges, endless replayability through Free Play and Challenge modes, and a bonus shoot ’em up side game.
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ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Crude Humor
A deadly virus is corrupting the Federation’s neural network, threatening to isolate the galaxy. As Captain Ikalo Pann, follow cryptic clues, solve intricate puzzles, and explore alien worlds to stop the spread and uncover a deep sci-fi mystery.
- 200+ puzzles across 4x4 and 5x5 grids
- Uncover a galaxy-spanning sci-fi mystery
- Endless puzzle combos in Free Play and Challenge Modes
- 20 unlockable visual themes
- Bonus arcade-style shmup game
- Premium Cartridge
- Instruction Manual
- Chromatic Charm featuring game-specific character
- Genre: Adventure Puzzle
- Platform: Chromatic
- Developer: Gumpy Function & Pearacidic Games
- Players: Single player
- Play Time: 20+ Hours
- Replayability: High
- Supported Languages: English
- Compatible With: Chromatic, Game Boy®, Game Boy Color®









About the Developer
Bio
Name / Studio Name
Bryan Taylor / Pearacidic Games and Tom Lockwood / Gumpy Function
Location
Tampa, Florida, USA (Pearacidic Games) and Melbourne, Australia (Gumpy Function)
How It Started
Bryan: Like many others, the pandemic gave me a rare opportunity to dive into game development and really explore it. I learned a ton during that time.
Tom: When I became a stay-at-home dad in 2020, I finally had the time to turn a hobby into something more serious. That was the spark that pushed me toward game development as a long-term career.
Other Games / Projects
Bryan: In The Dark 1, a Little Nemo fan game, and Grimace’s Birthday.
Tom: Quite a few Game Boy projects! Highlights include Unearthed (1st place, GB Compo 21), Grimace’s Birthday, Feed IT Souls (2nd place, GB Compo 23), Super Dassalo Land, Dicee!, Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge 2, and My Dinner With André.
Fun Fact
Bryan: I’ve got ADD, which, strangely, helps me juggle lots of different tasks at once when coding or scripting. Also, my background as a chess teacher has definitely shaped the way I think about systems and design.
Tom: I love using LEGO to prototype puzzle ideas. Especially with Unearthed, I’d physically build puzzles on the table before I ever touched a keyboard.
The Idea
Why I Made This Game
Both of us loved the pick-up-and-play feel of In The Dark 1 – a simple, satisfying logic puzzle game that fit the Game Boy perfectly. But at the time, GB Studio had serious limitations. When those constraints were lifted in later versions of GB Studio, we saw the chance to revisit and reimagine the original idea from the ground up. The result is In The Dark 2 – a complete expansion of the concept with a bigger story, better visuals, and significantly more puzzles.
What Makes This Game Special
Bryan: The first In The Dark was my debut published title, so it’ll always be important to me – but In The Dark 2 is the fully realized version. It has the story, the polish, and the depth we always wanted to include.
You'll Love This If...
You're a fan of sci-fi, puzzle games, or philosophical themes. If you’re into logic-based challenges, rhythm shooters, or narrative-driven indie games, there’s something here for you.
Inspiration / Influences
Bryan: Definitely Alien, Star Trek, and other space westerns. The main character, Ikalo Pann, draws a lot from the strength and tenacity of Samus Aran (Metroid).
Favorite Feature
Bryan: The shmup mode is my personal favorite – it breaks up the brainy puzzle segments with a fun change of pace.
Tom: Without spoiling anything, there’s a moment late in the story that completely re-contextualizes one of the shmup missions. That twist is probably my favorite.

- SEAN D.Verified Buyer2 days agoRated 5 out of 5 stars2 dark
In The Dark 2 raises the stakes of the original with more intricate puzzles, eerie atmospheres, and clever mechanics that push players to think creatively. The lighting-based gameplay remains its unique centerpiece, transforming every level into a test of wit and timing. Its moody soundtrack and haunting design amplify the tension, creating an unforgettable retro puzzle experience that feels both innovative and faithful to classic design philosophies.
Was this helpful? - Paul C.Verified Buyer4 days agoRated 4 out of 5 starsFun
If you enjoy logic puzzles and retro sci-fi vibes, In The Dark 2 is a rewarding title — well-crafted, pretty, and satisfying. But if you’re looking for a lot of mechanical variety or deep exploration, you may find it a bit narrow.
Was this helpful? - Nicola W.Verified Buyer6 days agoRated 5 out of 5 starsGreat game
Can highly recommend
Was this helpful? - Zach H.Verified Buyer1 week agoRated 5 out of 5 starsAnother Charm added to the collection!
As always, another great Modretro game. I love the packaging that each of the games comes in, with its own manual and a charm that is connected to the game's theme. I'm looking forward to their next release!
Was this helpful? - Justin M.Verified Buyer2 weeks agoRated 5 out of 5 starsGreat horror game
This is a great little horror game
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