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The Darkest Files

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2025

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Quick resume

Germany, 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?

Global score

96/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Puzzle

Pros

  • Compelling and historically rich narrative
  • Engaging detective and courtroom mechanics
  • Stylized art and strong voice acting
  • Thoughtful handling of serious subject matter
  • Flexible difficulty and investigation modes

Cons

  • Short length with only two cases
  • Some technical bugs and ui issues
  • Evidence presentation can be overly restrictive
  • Abrupt ending and limited content
  • Minor frustrations with investigation mechanics

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over investigation, evidence gathering, and courtroom decisions, with freedom to explore theories and draw conclusions."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game challenges players to carefully analyze evidence, interrogate witnesses, and prove cases, requiring skillful deduction and attention to detail."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal investigation and case solving without comparison or ranked competition against others."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players are engaged and motivated to continue playing to solve cases and uncover the story, though the game is relatively short with only two cases."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay centers on individual investigation and courtroom presentation with limited collaboration or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players creatively piece together evidence and form their own theories, though within a structured investigative framework."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced and respectful, focusing on legal justice rather than exerting power or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players engage deeply with a serious historical topic, providing meaningful immersion and distraction from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in history and detective gameplay, not due to obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore different evidence combinations and interrogation approaches to solve cases, encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore detailed environments, documents, and witness testimonies to uncover new information and piece together cases."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Customization is minimal; players work within predefined narrative and investigative structures without avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "The game is grounded in realistic historical events and legal procedures, avoiding fictional or fantastical elements."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "The experience is primarily solitary with limited social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop investigative skills, historical knowledge, and critical thinking through gameplay."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health-related engagement."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and active engagement throughout investigation and courtroom phases."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are limited to professional and formal contexts with minimal emotional sharing or close relationships."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "Players act independently without leading or managing others; supporting roles or group leadership are not present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate evidence, build case files, and unlock new information as they progress through cases."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "The game balances tension with rewarding investigation, but the subject matter and difficulty can create sustained emotional strain."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Stylized art, music, and voice acting provide sensory engagement and emotional impact."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements and recognition are personal; social status or popularity is not a focus."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with compelling characters, historical context, and courtroom drama."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players engage in logical reasoning, planning, and problem solving to build and prove cases."

  • Thrill
    2

    "The game creates suspense and emotional tension through investigation and courtroom challenges."

  • Value
    1

    "Generally perceived as worth the price for its quality and content, though some note the short length as a downside."

  • Violence
    -5

    "Focus is on legal justice and investigation rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -4

    "Gameplay occurs in stable conditions without threats to player survival or resource management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026