Review: The Darkest Files (PC)

Alright, let’s dive in. So, there’s this game, “The Darkest Files,” and it’s tackling something super heavy — post-war Germany kind of heavy. Imagine slipping into the shoes — well, more like the heels — of Esther Katz, a young prosecutor trying to nail actual Nazis. Yeah, you heard that right. Bold, gutsy stuff. But don’t get your hopes too up too fast, because man, it’s a mixed bag — brilliant yet buggy.

The storytelling? Slam dunk. This thing digs into real post-WWII investigations, peeling back layers of denial and bureaucracy like some kind of historical onion. It’s like you’re not just solving puzzles for kicks; you’re actually uncovering truths that could chill your bones. The voice acting is legit, and the fact they snagged real German actors? Nice touch. Makes it all feel so, I dunno, grounded.

Now, there’s this graphic novel style they’re rocking, with those cel-shaded visuals and noir-ish comic panels. The colors are, like, these muted blues and yellows — it’s like stepping into a post-war political cartoon. Yep, that works.

Here’s the whole gameplay scoop: it’s slow. Like, deliberately slow. Less of the “I object!” courtroom drama and more of an “Oh, I found some old files” vibe. You’re digging through evidence, getting testimonies, trying to connect the dots. The whole pace might make you yawn if you’re into fast-action stuff, but for what it’s worth, it feels fitting. Short though—just two cases and bam, it’s over. Six hours and you’re done. Seriously, I’d love more. DLCs, anyone?

And the interface? Ugh. You ever try reading reports and it’s like the pages are playing hide and seek? That’s what you get here. There’s a bookmark thingy to help, but with the glitches — oh boy.

But, hey, despite the hiccups and minor rage-inducing UI issues, this game’s got heart. It doesn’t just entertain; it makes you think about justice, history, and all that heavy stuff. I’d say that’s way more than most games achieve.

In the end, “The Darkest Files” is this historical deep-dive wrapped in a courtroom drama vibe. It hits hard with its story, looks slick like a comic book, and even with some technical bumps, it’s worth checking out if you dig narrative games with some serious brain food.