Darkened Skye
Action-adventure game using Skittles candy for magic spells.
Darkened Skye is a 2002 action-adventure game developed by Boston Animation. It is notable for integrating Skittles candy into its magic system, a product placement that drew both criticism and recognition. The game follows a young woman named Skye as she searches for her mother in a fantasy realm, using Skittles to cast spells and a staff as a weapon.
- Developer
- Boston Animation
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Interactive
- Release Year
- 2002 (North America), 2003 (PAL regions)
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows, GameCube
- Genre
- Action-adventure
- Protagonist
- Skye (voiced by Linda Larkin)
- Companion
- Draak (voiced by Robb Pruitt)
Lore & Background
Darkened Skye was developed by Boston Animation, with much of the programming outsourced to a team in Ukraine. The game originated from Simon & Schuster Interactive's desire to create games based on M&M's; when negotiating with Mars, Inc., Skittles were considered a backup. Mars eventually licensed both brands, and the Skittles game was developed under producer Elizabeth Braswell, who initially refused but later focused on gameplay and humor. A 300-page script by lead writer Andy Wolfendon was submitted to Mars, which requested only minor changes: removing a joke, the word 'damn,' and all actual snakes (though snake-like creatures were allowed). Executive Producer Dale DeSharone stated the game's concepts were inspired by Skittles' 'Taste the Rainbow' commercials. By the time the game was finished, Simon & Schuster considered removing the Skittles association, but the developers had already integrated the candy into gameplay and text, so only the box cover omitted Skittles references.
Reader's Guide
Darkened Skye is significant as a licensed game that used product placement as a core mechanic, with Skittles serving as both a narrative device and a gameplay resource. The magic system required players to collect and combine colored Skittles to cast spells, including combat and non-combat abilities. The game received mixed reviews on Metacritic, with critics comparing its gameplay to Tomb Raider and Star Fox Adventures. While some praised the creative use of product placement, others called it the most blatant since ChapStick in The Mothman Prophecies. GameTrailers ranked it second on its 'Top 10 Shameless Licensed Games,' and GamesRadar included it in lists of worst mash-ups and worst product cameos. Despite this, the game's juvenile-friendly tone, accessible dialogue log, and notebook tracking system were noted as player aids. Its legacy lies in being an unusual example of a candy-branded action-adventure game that attempted to integrate advertising into gameplay rather than merely slapping a logo on a title.
Did You Know?
- The game's magic system uses Skittles candies, which have limited but slowly regenerating Mana; depleted Skittles appear dull in color.
- Skye suffers from a fear of drowning, leading to many water-jumping puzzles, especially in the Ogmire Archipelago.
- Mars requested the removal of all actual snakes from the game, though snake-like creatures were permitted.
- The game was developed simultaneously with M&M's The Lost Formulas by a team of over 50 people in Kyiv over two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darkened Skye?
Darkened Skye is a 2002 action-adventure title in which a young woman named Skye journeys through a fantasy realm to find her missing mother. The game is best known for folding Skittles candy directly into its spell-casting mechanics.
Who developed and published Darkened Skye?
Boston Animation handled the development, while Simon & Schuster Interactive took on publishing duties. The game launched in North America in 2002 and arrived in PAL-region markets in 2003.
How does the Skittles magic system work?
Skye consumes individual pieces of Skittles to fuel her spells, using them as the resource that powers her magical effects during exploration and combat. In addition to the candy-based magic, she carries a staff that serves as her primary melee weapon.
Who voices the protagonist Skye?
Linda Larkin provides the voice for Skye, carrying the character's determination and personality throughout the adventure.
What platforms was Darkened Skye released on?
The game shipped for Microsoft Windows and the Nintendo GameCube. No other hardware received a version at launch.
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