ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard

*ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard*, the sequel to the cult-favorite first-person puzzle shooter, is set to arrive on February 12, 2026. Developed by Pixel Maniacs and published by PM Studios, the game expands significantly on the mechanics of its predecessor, bringing a vibrant, chaotic, and brain-bending experience to PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2. With a confirmed physical release for console platforms, the title positions itself as a major entry in the puzzle genre, promising to dial the original’s formula "up to 11" with clearer narratives, complex physics, and innovative accessibility options. The core gameplay loop revolves around the titular "ChromaGun," a device capable of shooting paint to colorize walls and objects. The central mechanic driving the puzzles is "Magnetoid Chromatism," a fictional physics principle where objects are magnetically attracted to walls of the same color. Players must utilize this tool to manipulate the environment, guiding WorkerDroids, moving crates, and activating switches to progress through test chambers. The challenge lies in the strategic mixing of colors; players combine primary colors on surfaces to create secondary hues, navigating hazards such as deadly floor tiles and hostile droids that must be neutralized or redirected using color-coded magnetism. While the original game was often compared to *Portal* for its clinical test-chamber setting and witty narrator, *ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard* distinguishes itself by introducing a multiverse element. The narrative pushes the protagonist through portals that span different dimensions and parallel universes. This is not merely a visual flourish but a gameplay evolution; each dimension introduces unique physics, varying mechanics, and distinct art styles ranging from comic-book aesthetics to high-tech sci-fi facilities. The story delves deeper into the lore of ChromaTec Industries, offering a comedic yet gripping tale about friendship, redemption, and the consequences of tearing the fabric of reality. A standout feature of the sequel is its dedication to accessibility, specifically regarding color blindness—a critical issue for a game entirely dependent on color recognition. Pixel Maniacs developed a "State of the Art" accessibility mode that overlays distinct symbols onto colored objects, allowing players with various forms of color blindness to distinguish between hues effectively. This innovation was recognized prior to the game's release, earning the "Horizon Award" for Technical Innovation at GG Bavaria 2025. Critically, the game is described by its creators as "bigger and bolder," designed to test the spatial reasoning and coordination of even seasoned puzzle enthusiasts. The inclusion of "subtractive color-mixing" adds another layer of complexity to the logic puzzles. By blending a humorous narrative with rigorous puzzle design and a kaleidoscope of multidimensional environments, *ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard* aims to be a definitive evolution of the first-person puzzle shooter.