A Sinister Retro Experience

The upcoming horror film Buddy, featuring Cristin Milioti, is set to expand its dark universe beyond the cinema screen. ModRetro has officially unveiled Buddy: The Video Game, a title inspired by the movie's disturbing fictional children's program. A debut teaser has already been released, showcasing the game's eerie 1990s aesthetic.

Scheduled for release later this year, the game is designed for the ModRetro Chromatic handheld but maintains full compatibility with the classic Game Boy Color. The teaser trailer opens with a bright, nostalgic children's show vibe before shifting into a sinister tone, underscored by the orange unicorn mascot's haunting line:

«It's your chance to be brave. You got to be scared to be brave.»
The footage highlights a blend of pixel-art exploration, dialogue sequences, and tense, arcade-style horror mechanics.


Gameplay and Modes

Buddy: The Video Game offers a variety of ways to engage with its unsettling world through four distinct modes:

  • Story Mode: Allows players to navigate the film’s narrative, offering choices to either comply with Buddy’s demands or resist him.
  • Survival Mode: Focuses on stealth and resource management as players attempt to evade the titular unicorn.
  • Buddy Mode: Shifts the perspective, putting players in control of the orange unicorn as they hunt down children.
  • Mini Game Mode: Provides a collection of activities inspired by the show-within-a-show, such as painting, dancing, dusting, and riding.

Production and Launch Details

Developed by playinstinct and brought to market by ModRetro, the title is currently aiming for a Q4 2026 launch on physical cartridges. The film itself, directed by Casper Kelly and co-written with Jamie King, boasts a star-studded cast including Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, Michael Shannon, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key. Following its theatrical debut on August 28 via Roadside Attractions and Saban Films, fans can look forward to the game's release in late 2026. According to reporting by Surya Singh, this project serves as a unique companion piece to the film's theatrical run.