80
The Darkest Files doesn’t simply retread expected courtroom cliché — it asks hard questions, demands patience, and treats its players with the respect they deserve. Putting a few minor mechanical shortcomings aside, The Darkest Files succeeds by refusing to sanitize history and doesn’t oversimplify the complexities of justice and the human spirit.
80
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.
80
The Darkest Files is more than a game; it’s a profound exploration of justice, memory, and the human capacity for both denial and redemption. Through its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay, Paintbucket Games offers players a chance to engage with a pivotal moment in history, challenging them to consider the cost of truth and the courage required to pursue it.
8
I am a fan of all these investigation games that have been coming out lately (Obra Dinn, Golden Idol, Duck Detective). This one is more like a serious Phoenix Wright, which is cool. They really did a great job with the theming and look for the game. Everything looks fantastic. The subject matter is also super interesting and history buffs of WW2 era Germany will have lots to engage with here. The game only goes over 2 cases, but both are fairly long, about 4-5 hours each. I liked planning the case on the blueprints and combining the evidence as well, that felt good when it all comes together. Wish there was bit more here, but its all done so well with lots of care, so its hard to ask for much more.
9
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
9
Great Game.Loved to find all hints and learn about our history.Until i played this game i had no idea that these trials existed. Love it when History is teached in this way. I wished the game would belonger with more cases. But still it's awesome!
The Darkest Files
Released On:
Mar 25, 2025
Metascore
Generally Favorable
80
User score
Generally Favorable
7.6
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
22% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 14, 2025
90
The Darkest Files is a well-crafted courtroom game that’s grounded in history, offering deep investigative gameplay and excellent storytelling.
Mar 31, 2025
90
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.
User score
Generally Favorable
78% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
6% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
17% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Sep 2, 2025
9
Great Game.Loved to find all hints and learn about our history.Until i played this game i had no idea that these trials existed. Love it when History is teached in this way. I wished the game would belonger with more cases. But still it's awesome!
Jan 12, 2026
80
The Darkest Files doesn’t simply retread expected courtroom cliché — it asks hard questions, demands patience, and treats its players with the respect they deserve. Putting a few minor mechanical shortcomings aside, The Darkest Files succeeds by refusing to sanitize history and doesn’t oversimplify the complexities of justice and the human spirit.
May 17, 2025
80
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.
Apr 30, 2025
80
The Darkest Files is more than a game; it’s a profound exploration of justice, memory, and the human capacity for both denial and redemption. Through its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay, Paintbucket Games offers players a chance to engage with a pivotal moment in history, challenging them to consider the cost of truth and the courage required to pursue it.
Apr 9, 2025
70
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.
Apr 1, 2025
70
It's dark, it's exciting, and at the same time difficult which is hugely appreciated. At least during the first act, which is reason enough to play through to experience something new.
Mar 29, 2025
9
Excellent indie mystery/detective game .
You're a prosecutor in post-WW2 West Germany who has to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during the **** era. You do this by collecting evidence from paperwork and interviewing witnesses, with their recollections being done in 3d to explore - similarish to Obra Dinn in some ways, and then constructing theories about what happened. Ultimately you then present the case in court where your theories need evidence if the prosecution is to be successful.
The art style and music combine for almost a noir feel to the game, which worked really well for me.
The harder investigation mode does very little handholding, and the writers give you plenty of room to either spot a hint or to miss it, and the story mode brings out how strong the game's narrative side alone is.
Really impressive game all round by Paintbucket.
Jan 5, 2026
8
I am a fan of all these investigation games that have been coming out lately (Obra Dinn, Golden Idol, Duck Detective). This one is more like a serious Phoenix Wright, which is cool. They really did a great job with the theming and look for the game. Everything looks fantastic. The subject matter is also super interesting and history buffs of WW2 era Germany will have lots to engage with here. The game only goes over 2 cases, but both are fairly long, about 4-5 hours each. I liked planning the case on the blueprints and combining the evidence as well, that felt good when it all comes together. Wish there was bit more here, but its all done so well with lots of care, so its hard to ask for much more.
SummaryGermany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?
