Review: The Darkest Files (PC)

Alright, so here’s the deal. “The Darkest Files”—yeah, this game jumps straight into post-war Germany. Not every game has the guts to do that. You slip into the shoes, or maybe stilettos, of this young prosecutor, Esther Katz. She’s out to nail some literal Nazis. Heavy stuff, right? But man, it’s not just a slog through history. It’s both genius and glitchy in equal measure.

Without a doubt, the game’s got storytelling chops—like, really. It’s all grounded in actual post-WWII investigations, so expect zero sugarcoating. Piecing together these bureaucratic nightmares isn’t just about ticking off puzzles. It’s grim, real-world math of justice. The voicing? Nailed it. Genuine German accents in the English dub. It makes everything feel, I dunno, deeply anchored and real.

And the style? Picture this—graphic novel vibes, cel-shaded with shadows that whisper noir. Those blues and yellows are spot on. It could’ve been yanked out of a post-war comic strip. Not too flashy but just right, you know?

Gameplay-wise, I mean, you’re not shouting “Objection!” in a courtroom drama. More like detective work, piecing testimonies, matching them to dusty archive crumbs. It’s slower, sure, but more intentional than mundane. It’s not about who did it, but revealing the why and how.

Oh, and it’s short. Like, blink and you’re done—just two lengthy cases. Wrap it up in six hours, and you’ll be yelling for more, believe me. Could’ve done with more meat, like an extra DLC or something. Exploring more cases would be a treat.

The interface, though? Meh. Sifting through reports feels like wrestling with a reluctant folder. Stuff disappears, then it’s back, playing hide and seek. There’s a bookmark thingy meant to help, usually just confusing. It’s like… why is this so hard?

Yet despite all the hiccups, you can’t deny, this game does something special. It’s not just a game, it’s kind of a history lesson. Makes you squirm a bit, think about what justice means. How many games get you pondering that these days?

So, to sum it all up, “The Darkest Files” is like—get this—a gripping post-war court drama splash with comic visuals. Solid storytelling and acting. Some bugs, yeah, plus that clunky UI and short span are downers. But still, it’s one ride that’s worth a shot if serious, deep narratives are your thing.