Review: The Darkest Files (PC)

So here we are. This game, “The Darkest Files,” like, just throws you into post-war Germany. And you’re not just chilling; you’re Esther Katz, this young prosecutor out for justice. Nazis. The whole nine yards. Not for the faint-hearted, right? But hang on a sec, let’s dig in, ’cause it’s both a gem and kind of a mess.

The storytelling? Whoa. It’s like you’re flipping through history books but cooler. Real cases from post-WWII, no sugar-coating. You’re not doing puzzles for kicks; it’s more about unraveling these horrors hidden away by red tape. And hey! They even got German voice actors for that real-deal feel in the English version. Respect.

Visually, it’s totally got that graphic novel aura. Think cel-shaded beauty with comic panels thrown in. Blues and yellows pop just right. It’s like someone ripped out a page from some political cartoon and slapped it in the game. Totally nailing the look without being all extra.

Now, about playing this thing. You’re digging up evidence, chatting with people who’ve seen stuff, and connecting those dots. Less courtroom drama, more “let’s figure this out, piece by piece.” It’s no rush, but that’s on purpose. Adds weight, y’know?

Then you finish before you know it. Two cases, like six hours tops. Feels a little like a teaser. I wouldn’t mind more if they decide to drop some DLCs. There’s room to dive deeper.

Oh, the interface? Yikes. It’s like flipping through reports in a tornado. Pages just seem to play hide-and-seek, even with bookmarking — turns into a maze instead of helping out. But, well, here we are, still in it.

Bugs and clunkiness aside, this game dares to, well, be different. It’s asking tough questions about history, about justice. It’s more than just playing. Makes you think, unlike the usual fluff in games today.

Tying this all up — it’s a courtroom drama that kinda sticks with you. Stylish but a bit glitchy. It’s something, alright. And if you’re into narrative-heavy stuff, give it a whirl. Even with its quirks, it’ll leave you pondering.