The Darkest Files

The Darkest Files is an investigative narrative game set in 1956. You play Esther Katz, a young prosecutor who joins Fritz Bauer’s special unit to investigate Nazi-era crimes. Evidence has been destroyed, witnesses have been silenced and suspected perpetrators hold respected positions in society. Your decisions and interrogations can move an investigation closer to the truth or lead it astray, while time works against you and German society resists confronting its past.

Investigate the cases

You investigate two extensive cases based on true Nazi-era crimes. You question witnesses and suspects, work through silence and lies, and reconstruct events from fragmented evidence and testimony. Esther’s “mind’s eye” presents different versions of events as she interprets testimony, which may be truthful, distorted or deliberately false.

Prosecute for justice

You take the perpetrators to court and choose the right charges, with your investigative thoroughness put to the test. Multiple endings reflect the outcome: you may bring perpetrators to justice, or face the reality of one walking free. The investigation also explores Esther’s past and her relationships with family, colleagues and Fritz Bauer.

Style and voice

The game uses cell-shaded 3D graphics inspired by 1950s pulp comics, including comic panels that reflect the era. Its characters have full English voice acting.