The Darkest Files

The Darkest Files explores the investigation of Nazi war crimes during the 1950s, focusing on a little-known yet significant chapter of post-war German history. Using court records and witness statements, players reconstruct the events of real cases that were actually tried at the time, in an episodic format.

The Darkest Files succeeds remarkably well in maintaining a constant balance between depth of content and playful ease. The gameplay is engaging and interesting, whilst the graphics, sound design and voice acting are consistently cohesive and of a very high standard. Studying the case files is a unique and entirely new investigative mechanic, as players are not guided to the relevant parts of the files by text highlights or obvious clues. Instead, the images, letters and texts must be analysed and recorded in detail, aided by a free-form marking system that allows players to independently save important passages and connections using colours, symbols or bookmarks of their own choosing.

The graphic design is confident and striking. The pop art elements capture the period setting perfectly, and the combination of 2D illustrations and 3D spaces feels organic and seamless. Changes in perspective, the interface and typography interlock naturally, providing guidance without breaking the immersion. Form, colour and composition specifically support the emotional impact, and the dramatically staged lighting creates great tension. Changes to the lighting and colour scheme are also carefully chosen to make certain moments in the game even more striking and to convey emotions. The result is a consistent, recognisable look that takes the historical setting seriously whilst demonstrating a clear design ethos.

Thematically, the game is highly topical: the exploration of historical responsibility feels more important than ever given the current political climate. At the same time, The Darkest Files manages to be educational without losing its entertainment value. It builds on the quality of Through the Darkest of Times, yet feels more mature and immersive. Overall, it delivers a significant, emotionally rich gaming experience that brings historical reckoning to life in an innovative way.

The DCP Jury, March 2026