Dark Around You

Dark Around You is a challenging 2D platformer inspired by classic 90s games, offering a dark fantasy atmosphere and pixel art visuals. Players control a hero navigating treacherous dungeons filled with deadly traps, puzzles, and mysteries, testing their skills with hard and dangerous challenges.

Dark Around You: A Masterpiece of Pixelated Horror and Platforming

Introduction

Dark Around You (2020), also known as Devoured by Darkness, is a 2D platformer that has carved out a niche for itself in the indie gaming landscape. Developed by FlutterBeam and published across multiple platforms, this game is a love letter to the golden age of 90s platformers, blending nostalgia with modern design sensibilities. With its atmospheric dungeon setting, challenging gameplay, and haunting pixel art, Dark Around You stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic platforming mechanics. This review will dissect the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and its lasting impact on the industry.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators’ Vision

Dark Around You was developed by FlutterBeam, a studio known for its passion for retro-inspired games. The developers aimed to capture the essence of 90s platformers while infusing the game with contemporary design elements. The game’s initial release on Android in February 2020 was followed by ports to Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch in subsequent years. This cross-platform availability speaks to the game’s broad appeal and the studio’s commitment to reaching a wide audience.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in an era dominated by high-fidelity 3D games and open-world experiences, Dark Around You bucked the trend by embracing pixel art and 2D gameplay. The game’s development was likely influenced by the resurgence of retro-style games in the late 2010s, a trend fueled by the success of titles like Shovel Knight and Celeste. The use of the Unity engine allowed FlutterBeam to create a visually striking game with tight controls, despite the technological constraints of the 2D platformer genre.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Dark Around You immerses players in a mysterious dungeon filled with dangers and puzzles. The protagonist, a nameless hero, must navigate treacherous environments, including sharp spikes, dangerous gears, chasms, and burning flames. The game’s narrative is minimalistic, focusing more on atmosphere and exploration than on intricate storytelling. However, the enigmatic setting and the whispers of the dungeon create a sense of foreboding that drives the player forward.

Dialogue and Themes

The game features sparse dialogue, with narration and environmental storytelling taking center stage. Themes of isolation, mystery, and the unknown permeate the game’s atmosphere. The “whispering dungeon” concept adds a layer of psychological horror, as players are left to wonder about the origins of the dungeon and the fate of those who have ventured into its depths before.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Dark Around You is a side-scrolling platformer with a focus on precision platforming and puzzle-solving. The game’s core mechanics include jumping, dodging obstacles, and solving environmental puzzles. The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to navigate the game’s challenging levels with ease.

Combat and Character Progression

While combat is not the primary focus, the game features occasional encounters with enemies that require quick reflexes and strategic movement. Character progression is minimal, with the game emphasizing skill-based platforming over leveling up or acquiring new abilities.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, with a minimalistic HUD that includes a health bar and a map. The game’s innovative use of lighting and shadows creates a dynamic atmosphere that enhances the player’s sense of immersion. The “whispering” mechanic, where the dungeon seems to react to the player’s presence, adds a unique layer of interactivity.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a dark, labyrinthine dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The pixel art style is reminiscent of classic 90s platformers, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the dungeon to life. The game’s atmosphere is further enhanced by its haunting sound design, which includes eerie whispers and ambient noises that create a sense of unease.

Visual Direction

The visual direction of Dark Around You is a standout feature, with meticulously crafted pixel art that captures the essence of the 90s while feeling fresh and modern. The game’s use of lighting and shadows adds depth to the environments, making the dungeon feel alive and dynamic.

Sound Design

The sound design is a crucial component of the game’s atmosphere. The whispers, creaks, and distant echoes create a sense of isolation and mystery. The soundtrack complements the game’s dark theme with haunting melodies and eerie sound effects.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Dark Around You received positive reviews from players, with a Steam Player Score of 82/100 based on 22 reviews as of October 2025. The game’s challenging gameplay, atmospheric setting, and retro-inspired design were praised by critics and players alike. Its commercial success led to ports on multiple platforms, expanding its reach and influence.

Influence on Subsequent Games

The game’s success has inspired a new wave of retro-inspired platformers, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the genre. Its innovative use of atmosphere and sound design has influenced other indie developers, who have sought to capture a similar sense of mystery and immersion in their own games.

Conclusion

Dark Around You is a masterful blend of classic platforming mechanics and modern design sensibilities. Its atmospheric dungeon setting, challenging gameplay, and haunting pixel art make it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape. While its narrative is minimalistic, the game’s focus on exploration and discovery creates a compelling experience that lingers in the player’s mind long after the credits roll. With its positive reception and lasting influence, Dark Around You has secured its place as a modern classic in the platformer genre.