The articlegameplay, story, development, reception
Story
After previously saving the world from the Ancients, Mike Dawson suffers a mental breakdown from his experiences in the Dark World. He spends a year living with his mother in his childhood hometown of Crowley, Texas in an attempt to regain his sanity, but still suffers from vivid nightmares and memory lapses. Following his high school reunion, Mike's girlfriend Rita is found murdered, and Mike is named the prime suspect by Crowley's incompetent sheriff, Butler. Mike is forced to try and clear his name, aided by his only friend, Jack.
He also regularly visits his therapist, Dr. Sims; suffering strange nightmares about the Dark World and Crowley's inhabitants while under hypnosis. Upon discovering a portal to the Dark World hidden inside the mirror maze at the local carnival, Mike realizes that the Ancients have returned and are once again plotting to conquer the Earth.
Development
David Mullich was the producer and oversaw development of the game, while Raymond Benson wrote its script, dialog, and puzzles. His writing drew influence from David Lynch's Twin Peaks. H.R. Giger continued to license his artwork for use in the series and suggested the use of industrial catwalks to navigate the Dark World. While the character of Mike Dawson was played in the first Dark Seed by actual game developer Mike Dawson, the character in Dark Seed II is instead portrayed by actor Chris Gilbert.
