Fans of spooky point-and-click adventures finally have something new to explore. The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon has officially released its first playable demo, giving players a fresh look at the next chapter in the beloved indie franchise.
Announced on March 19, 2026, the new demo is available right now on Steam and lets players experience a brand-new case titled “Honey, I Shrunk the Detectives.”
First Look at the “Honey, I Shrunk the Detectives” Demo
The new demo offers a sneak peek at what fans can expect from The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon ahead of its full release. This short but quirky case puts the spotlight back on the fan-favorite duo:
- Detective McQueen
- Officer Dooley
In the demo case, the detectives find themselves mysteriously shrunk to the size of mice inside the Darkside Division office. Surrounded by magical artifacts, talking rats, and a not-so-reliable plumbing system, players get a small—but hilarious—taste of the game’s trademark humor and supernatural mystery.
The demo is available across multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, Linux, and even Steam Deck, making it easy for both longtime fans and new players to jump in immediately.
A New Chapter in the Beloved Indie Adventure Series
The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon marks the third installment in the popular Darkside Detective series. First revealed during the 2025 Unity Awards showcase, the game brings players back to the paranormal chaos of Twin Lakes, where every case features strange occurrences, bizarre characters, and classic point-and-click gameplay.
According to the developers, the full game will feature six spooky cases, all set in the franchise’s signature pixel-art world. Fans can expect more puzzles, humor, and supernatural mysteries when the complete version launches later in 2026.
What Makes the Demo Worth Playing Right Now
If you enjoy narrative-driven indie games, the new demo delivers exactly what the series is known for:
Classic Point-and-Click Gameplay
Players can interact with objects, solve puzzles, and uncover clues while exploring the Darkside Division office in a fun and creative mini-case.
Signature Pixel-Art Style
The handcrafted pixel visuals return once again, bringing the world of Twin Lakes to life with charm and personality.
Perfect Entry Point for New Players
Even if you’ve never played the earlier games, this demo works as a great introduction to the series’ humor, mystery, and puzzle design.
Developed by Spooky Doorway and Published by Akupara Games
Spooky Doorway is once again leading development on the game, continuing its focus on story-driven indie experiences. The game is being published by Akupara Games, known for supporting narrative-heavy indie titles.
Together, the two teams are bringing back the world of Twin Lakes with more paranormal chaos than ever before.
For more information, visit The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon on social media on Akupara Games’ official website and X, as well as Spooky Doorway’s website and Bluesky.
