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The Darkest Files

The Darkest Files

|Germany|Simulator, Indie

9.6 /10

Aww Amazing!

Niche

745 ratings
Trailers & screenshots
Why play it

The Darkest Files is a historical investigation and courtroom game based on true crimes of the Nazi era. Investigate cold cases, search for clues, interrogate witnesses, immerse the crimes and defend your case in court to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Story and worldbuilding

You are Esther Katz, a young prosecutor who has just joined Fritz Bauer's new special unit. Your task seems impossible: to investigate crimes committed years ago, where evidence has been destroyed, witnesses silenced and the perpetrators embedded in the highest ranks of society. Every decision matters. Every interrogation can bring you closer to the perpetrator or lead you astray. Silence is your worst enemy. Time is working against you. And German society is not ready to face its past.

Game highlights
Rating momentum

Aww Amazing!: 9.6/10 across 745 ratings. This score says: bump it to the top of your backlog.

Play style

Leans into Simulator, Indie, Adventure — a quick read on whether that fantasy matches what you usually enjoy.

Reviews

11 media reviews

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GameGrinAlyssa Rochelle Payne · 12 Apr, 2025
9/10

The Darkest Files is a well-crafted courtroom game that's grounded in history, offering deep investigative gameplay and excellent storytelling.

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GameBlastJoão Pedro Boaventura · 9 Apr, 2025
7/10

Overall, The Darkest Files does a very interesting job of blending education and gameplay into a single product. After books, films, and even games that use World War II as a backdrop, it's refreshing to see a unique approach that treats the subject with the delicacy it deserves, which at times, even in the 21st century, tends to be almost trivialized. The thing is, although the game manages to implement its distinctive approach effectively, it doesn’t evolve it throughout the very short campaign, resulting in a positive experience for what little it offers, but with an overall inconclusive impression.

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Qualbert.comRenee O'Flynn · 8 Apr, 2025
8/10

The Darkest Files takes something that no one would ever consider making a game out of and creates a thought-provoking experience for players. The melding of the storytelling, gameplay, visuals and sound allow the horrendous events to become a bit more bearable. While there are a few issues with the game in terms of the occasional bug, I believe it’s the sort of game that everyone should play. It’s just unfortunate that it’s very short with only two cases available. I hope that if it sells enough, they might create a sequel with more cases. The aim of the game isn’t to bring people to justice, that’s just a happy side effect. It’s to make sure these things never happen again.

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GameLusterNairon Santos de Morais · 6 Apr, 2025
9/10

The Darkest Files is a satisfying courtroom game with a somber tone and serious subject matter. But even more than that, it's an important reminder of a dark time in history that is more relevant now than ever.

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KonsoliFINPetri Leskinen · 4 Apr, 2025
8/10

Investigating old stories and cases is fascinating. The cases are complex tangles, where the crime is clear, but finding the right culprit requires precision and reasoning. Unfortunately, the trials sometimes require too much understanding of the game developers' logic than the events of the crime itself, which is frustrating. Nevertheless The Darkest Files offers a fascinating peek into humanity's darkest moments and the aftermath - in the form of a puzzle game.

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KeenGamerAshley Martínez · 29 Mar, 2025
9/10

The Darkest Files is a courtroom game where you take on the role of a prosecutor seeking justice for Nazi-era crimes. Its well-designed mechanics include interactive interrogations, strategic case-building, and multiple difficulty settings. Though occasional bugs and lip-sync issues slightly detract from the experience, the stunning cel-shaded visuals, immersive storytelling, and well-crafted gameplay make it a must-play.

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Digitec MagazineKim Muntinga · 28 Mar, 2025
10/10

“The Darkest Files” is a haunting, narrative investigation adventure which deals courageously and seriously with a dark chapter of German history: the legal investigation of National Socialist crimes in West Germany in the 1950s. The game approaches this sensitive topic with the necessary seriousness, without lapsing into pathos or simplification. The narrative always stays credible, supported by realistic characters, genuine historical references and a palpable moral urgency. It deliberately dispenses with classic entertainment elements and instead focuses on emotional depth, historical accuracy and a quiet but intense presentation.

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NoobFeedMorgan Wagener · 24 Mar, 2025
9.5/10

If you're a fan of history or just like challenging puzzle games, you'll love The Darkest Files. The game's unique interrogation and evidence-collecting techniques, along with its emphasis on historical accuracy and authenticity, provide an immersive experience.

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IGN DeutschlandElena Schulz · 22 Mar, 2025
8/10

The Darkest Files is a touching crime adventure with a real historical background and an important take on the Nazi era. Even with some of the conclusions seeming a little far fetched, the mesmerizing feeling of slowly unraveling a real mystery prevails.

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GamesCreedRexifirus Nightshade · 22 Mar, 2025
9.6/10

The Darkest Files pushes players to their limits and emphasizes the value of relentlessly pursuing truth, regardless of the obstacles or risks they may encounter. The game's art style is remarkable, and it's a must-play for anyone who loves investing games.

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