Uncover the truth in post-war Germany! Paintbucket Games’ historical investigation and courtroom drama, “The Darkest Files,” is available today on Steam for PC and Mac. This spiritual successor to the award-winning “Through The Darkest of Times” invites players to step into the shoes of a prosecutor and bring Nazi-era crimes to justice.
Become Esther Katz, a Prosecutor on a Mission!
In “The Darkest Files,” you play as Esther Katz, a young and ambitious prosecutor investigating unsolved crimes from the Nazi era, based on meticulously researched true events. Interview witnesses, search for clues, and build your case to prove your theory in court.
Work Alongside a Historical Figure!
Embark on an emotional journey through the 1950s, joining the team of the renowned Fritz Bauer, the real-life prosecutor who investigated similar cases in Frankfurt.
Paintbucket Games’ Vision:
“After nearly four years of intensive development, we are overjoyed to finally present The Darkest Files to the public,” says Jörg Friedrich, Game Director and CEO of Paintbucket Games. “Our greatest wish is that The Darkest Files will reach a wide audience, entertain them and make them think about the fundamental questions of what we as a society declare a crime and how we ultimately distinguish right from wrong. Fritz Bauer’s legacy deserves to be discovered by as many people as possible, and we are proud to be able to make a small contribution through our game.”
Game Features:
- Interview Witnesses: Uncover the truth by interviewing relatives, witnesses, and suspects.
- Relive Testimonies: Delve into witness accounts through Esther’s inner eye in first-person mode, interacting with events and finding contradictions.
- Evaluate Evidence: Draw conclusions and assess evidence to build your case.
- Reconstruct the Crime: Use a drawing board to reconstruct the crime and present your theory in court.
- Multiple Outcomes: The game allows for different outcomes, even the possibility of culprits going unpunished.
- Explore the Prosecutor’s Office: Interact with colleagues, Fritz Bauer, and explore archives in a detailed office environment.
- Office Cat Marlene: Enjoy the presence of Marlene, the office cat, added after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
- Full Voice Output (English): Immerse yourself in the story with full English voice acting.
- Unique Visuals: Experience beautiful 3D graphics with a cell-shading effect, reminiscent of 1950s pulp comics.
Historical Context:
The game draws inspiration from the life of Fritz Bauer, a German attorney who bravely opposed the Nazis and played a crucial role in bringing them to justice after the war.
From the Creators of “Through The Darkest of Times”:
Paintbucket Games, known for the critically acclaimed “Through The Darkest of Times,” continues to explore historical themes with “The Darkest Files.”
Launch Details:
- Available today on Steam for PC and Mac.
- Suggested retail price: €19.99 / £16.99 / US$19.99.
- 10% launch discount!
Unravel the past and seek justice in “The Darkest Files”!
For more information about The Darkest Files and Paintbucket Games, visit the game’s website, BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
