The Darkside Detective is a 2D point-and-click adventure game set in the fictional city of Twin Lakes. The player controls Detective Francis McQueen who is part of the Darkside Division investigating cases with supernatural elements. He is assisted by his partner Patrick Dooley who is there mostly for comic relief in the buddy cop tradition. There are six standalone cases to solve, unlocked gradually, with three bonus ones after the last one has been solved or unlocked straightaway from the options menu. Cases are often linked to the Darkside, a ghost world reflection of the city. While all cases are built around supernatural events, there is a lighthearted tone with many humorous moments, a lot of satire and various references to pop culture.
Each case consists of a small number of fixed screens linked together. The detective can only move between the scenes, not inside one of them. A single action is used to start conversations with characters, pick up items and interact with the environment. Items are stored in an inventory where they can be combined and are used to solve puzzles.
The game does not have voice acting and uses a retro pixel art style. Saving is available both manually and automatically. The nine available cases are:* Malice in Wonderland: a small girl has disappeared.
Tome Alone: a library is haunted.
Disorient Express: a ghost train causes the train station to close down.
Police Farce: a mysterious urn turns up at Officer McNugget's retirement party.
Loch Mess: there is an emergency at the campsite of the Bloodwolves scout group.
Don of the Dead: there are strange occurrences during a city-wide riot.
Buy Hard: Santa Claus is transformed into a monster.
Polterguys: Dooley's television is possessed by a poltergeist called Paulie. Baits Motel: the Baits Motel is closed down due to a strange, localized sandstorm.
