The Darkest Files: A true story with gripping gameplay.
The Darkest Files is developed and published by the award-winning German indie studio Paintbucket Games. Known for their other thought-provoking games, such as Through The Darkest Times, Paintbucket Games has once again created a compelling experience that blends historical truth with immersive gameplay. Their latest entry, The Darkest Files, continues this tradition by offering players an engaging investigative and courtroom experience rooted in real historical events.
This game is amazing; I just wanted to start off with that, but let’s get into the details. When starting the game, you are introduced to the story’s main character, Esther Katz. The game follows her journey through the challenges and triumphs of her investigations and court proceedings. As a young, aspiring prosecutor in post-war Germany, Esther works under Fritz Bauer, a real-life figure who played a crucial role in prosecuting Nazi war criminals.
One of the game’s most compelling aspects is its investigation mechanics, which allow players to gather evidence, interrogate witnesses, and reconstruct crimes. Unlike many detective games that rely on linear storytelling, The Darkest Files offers open-ended deduction mechanics, giving players the freedom to approach cases in various ways.
Throughout the game, Esther can rely on her assistant, Paula, for support. Paula can retrieve missing files, research legal precedents, and call in witnesses for questioning. Additionally, she serves as a source of information about ongoing events in the office. This system ensures that players always have a way to move forward, even when the investigation becomes complex.
To begin an investigation, players must search the archives for case files. The process requires using archive numbers, which can be found in filing cabinets. This aspect of the game adds a layer of realism, as prosecutors in real life would need to sift through documents to find critical evidence.
The game provides a notebook feature that helps players keep track of tasks, evidence, and leads. This tool is essential, as investigations can quickly become intricate, with multiple threads of evidence leading to different conclusions.
Interrogating witnesses and suspects is a core mechanic in The Darkest Files. After requesting a witness from Paula, the next in-game day will present an opportunity for questioning. These interrogations are not just static dialogues; they incorporate a unique memory system that allows players to visually witness the events as described by the person being questioned.
Memories act as interactive reconstructions of events, allowing players to explore scenes, search for inconsistencies, and even catch suspects in lies by presenting counter-evidence. This mechanic is one of the game’s strongest features, as it encourages players to critically analyze statements rather than passively accept them.
Exploring memories isn’t just about watching events unfold. Players can interact with objects, question the accuracy of recollections, and identify discrepancies in witness testimonies. By navigating between different golden circles in the memory, players can reconstruct events in chronological order while uncovering crucial details.
To solve cases, players must organize evidence and testimonies into a crime reconstruction system called the Blueprint. This system divides the crime into five key steps, each tied to a critical question about what transpired. Players can move icons representing suspects and witnesses within the blueprint to visually reconstruct the events.
Once a logical reconstruction is complete, players must support their theories by forming conclusions. This involves connecting three pieces of evidence that substantiate the theory laid out in the blueprint. This mechanic ensures that players think like real prosecutors, drawing logical connections rather than relying on guesswork.
Once an investigation is complete, players must bring their findings to trial. To initiate the trial phase, Esther must speak to Paula and then head home, as the trial will be the next in-game day. In court, the player presents conclusions and blueprints to build a compelling case against the defendants.
The courtroom sequences are tense and rewarding, as players must strategically present evidence to counter the defense’s arguments. If successful, players can introduce additional evidence to drive the final nail into the coffin. This mechanic ensures that every detail gathered during the investigation plays a crucial role in securing convictions.
Beyond its mechanics, The Darkest Files stands out for its emotional depth. The game does not shy away from the harsh realities of post-war Germany, where justice was often difficult to achieve. Esther Katz, as a character, is not just a prosecutor—she is a symbol of persistence, fighting against overwhelming odds to bring war criminals to justice.
The Darkest Files also captures the bureaucratic struggles and political resistance that real prosecutors faced when attempting to hold former Nazis accountable. It provides a stark contrast between those who wanted to move on without addressing past atrocities and those who sought justice for the victims.
The Darkest Files is more than just an investigative and courtroom game; it is a historical narrative that sheds light on real post-war justice efforts. Esther Katz, the protagonist, works under the guidance of Fritz Bauer, a historical figure who played a pivotal role in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.
Fritz Bauer was a German lawyer and a staunch opponent of the Nazi regime. As a Jewish man, he was dismissed from his position and sent to a concentration camp before managing to escape in 1936. After the war, he returned to Germany and became a prosecutor, known for his involvement in the capture of Holocaust organizer Adolf Eichmann and the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of the 1960s.
The developers at Paintbucket Games have emphasized that The Darkest Files is not just about history—it is about justice and the fight against systemic wrongdoing. Jörg Friedrich, one of the developers, stated:
“Above all, with The Darkest Files, we want to make a gripping investigation and court game based on real cases that captivates gamers with its open deduction mechanics, its captivating story, and its beautiful cell-shaded graphics in the style of pulp comics of the 1950s. But we also want to tell the story of Fritz Bauer, who, with his team of courageous prosecutors, fought for justice after the war against massive resistance. This story has become frighteningly relevant again today, at a time when the rule of law and democratic institutions are under unprecedented pressure.”
This statement underscores the game’s importance beyond entertainment. At a time when historical revisionism and authoritarian ideologies are gaining traction worldwide, The Darkest Files reminds us of the importance of truth and accountability.
The game’s cell-shaded art style is striking from a visual standpoint. The pulp comic aesthetic of the 1950s lends itself well to the tone of the game, striking a balance between artistic storytelling and historical realism.
Combined with an atmospheric soundtrack, the game immerses players in its setting, making each investigation feel personal and weighty. The Darkest Files excels in combining historical accuracy with engaging mechanics. The game’s investigation system, memory reconstruction, and courtroom sequences make for an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful.
The open-ended deduction mechanics ensure that every case feels like a genuine challenge, while the game’s strong narrative foundation keeps players invested in Esther Katz’s journey for justice. The inclusion of real historical figures and events adds weight to the experience, making it more than just another detective game—it is a lesson in history and morality.
For those who enjoy investigative games, courtroom dramas, or historical narratives, The Darkest Files is an absolute must-play. It not only challenges players to think critically but also reminds them of the importance of seeking truth, even when faced with resistance.
In the end. The Darkest Files is an absolute must-play. It challenges players and reminds them of the importance of seeking truth, even when faced with resistance and danger. The game’s art style is striking from a visual standpoint. The pulp comic aesthetic of the 1950s lends itself well to the tone of the game, striking a balance between artistic storytelling and historical realism.
