90s Arcade Chaos Meets Modern Roguelite: ‘Dark Scrolls’ Launches May 28

• The Developer: doinksoft, the creative minds behind Gato Roboto and Gunbrella.
• The Publisher: Devolver Digital, which officially acquired doinksoft in 2023.
• The Launch: Scheduled for May 28, 2026, on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch.
• The Hook: A chaotic “dungeon scroller” blending old-school arcade aesthetics with modern roguelite progression.

If you spent your childhood (and allowance) huddled over arcade cabinets or corner-store consoles, doinksoft has a treat for you. Their latest title, Dark Scrolls, aims to recapture that frantic 90s energy while offering the depth and replayability of a contemporary roguelite. Supporting solo, local co-op, and online multiplayer, it’s built for both lone wolves and party-play chaos.

A Symphony of Pixels and Saxophones

The first thing that hits you about Dark Scrolls is its striking visual style. Using bold, high-contrast pixel art, the game modernizes the classic arcade look with vibrant explosion effects and expressive cartoon designs. This retro charm extends to the audio, featuring rhythmic sound effects and a high-tension soundtrack that keeps the pace blistering.

The roster of heroes is where the game’s quirky personality truly shines. Players can choose from 9 unique characters, ranging from traditional archetypes to the utterly bizarre:

• The Classics: An axe-throwing warrior, a spell-slinging mage, and a swift thief.
• The Wildcards: A dog, an alien, and—most importantly—a rat that plays the saxophone.

Each hero features a distinct attack style, and the roster can be expanded by rescuing new allies hidden within the game’s secret paths.

Procedural Peril and Strategic Shopping

The dungeons in Dark Scrolls are a hybrid of procedurally generated layouts and hand-crafted rooms. This ensures that every run presents new branching paths, events, and bosses that demand quick reflexes and sharp decision-making.

To survive the screen-filling waves of enemies, players can visit Bruce & Goose’s Shoppe. Here, you can spend hard-earned coins on:

• New Perks: Passive buffs to enhance your survivability.
• Special Attacks: High-impact moves to clear the screen.
• Summoned Companions: Allies to help draw fire and deal damage.

The doinksoft Legacy

Since its founding in 2019, doinksoft has established a reputation for high-intensity action and experimental polish. From the monochromatic charm of Gato Roboto to the gritty traversal of Gunbrella, the studio has consistently delivered “short but intense” experiences. Dark Scrolls appears to be the culmination of that journey, backed by the full publishing power of Devolver Digital.

“Sharp reflexes and split-second judgment are the keys to survival in these ever-shifting dungeons.”

Information regarding ‘Dark Scrolls’