Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 80 | 36 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 91 | 374 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 97% | 92 | 431 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.2, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 766 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jul 17, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 431 total reviews in window · weighted 239.1 up / 7.7 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (15)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“The Darkest Files is an extremely engaging text-based adventure, capable of bringing us to the anguished post-war Germany thanks to an endearing writing and intriguing gameplay mechanics, even if not fully utilized. Although not free from flaws, including an excessive amount of bugs, the game manages to stand out for the depth of its message, today more than ever of fundamental significance.”
read full review ↗ - 100
““The Darkest Files” is a haunting, narrative investigation adventure which deals courageously and seriously with a dark chapter of German history: the legal investigation of National Socialist crimes in West Germany in the 1950s. The game approaches this sensitive topic with the necessary seriousness, without lapsing into pathos or simplification. The narrative always stays credible, supported by realistic characters, genuine historical references and a palpable moral urgency. It deliberately dispenses with classic entertainment elements and instead focuses on emotional depth, historical accuracy and a quiet but intense presentation.”
read full review ↗ - 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.”
read full review ↗ - 96
“The Darkest Files pushes players to their limits and emphasizes the value of relentlessly pursuing truth, regardless of the obstacles or risks they may encounter. The game's art style is remarkable, and it's a must-play for anyone who loves investing games.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Darkest Files is a satisfying courtroom game with a somber tone and serious subject matter. But even more than that, it's an important reminder of a dark time in history that is more relevant now than ever.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Darkest Files is a well-crafted courtroom game that’s grounded in history, offering deep investigative gameplay and excellent storytelling.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“If you're a fan of history or just like challenging puzzle games, you'll love The Darkest Files. The game's unique interrogation and evidence-collecting techniques, along with its emphasis on historical accuracy and authenticity, provide an immersive experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Darkest Files is a touching crime adventure with a real historical background and an important take on the Nazi era. Even with some of the conclusions seeming a little far fetched, the mesmerizing feeling of slowly unraveling a real mystery prevails.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“Gripping investigation and courtroom game that deals with the subsequent prosecution of Nazi crimes in a tangible and interesting way.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Darkest Files takes something that no one would ever consider making a game out of and creates a thought-provoking experience for players. The melding of the storytelling, gameplay, visuals and sound allow the horrendous events to become a bit more bearable. While there are a few issues with the game in terms of the occasional bug, I believe it’s the sort of game that everyone should play. It’s just unfortunate that it’s very short with only two cases available. I hope that if it sells enough, they might create a sequel with more cases. The aim of the game isn’t to bring people to justice, that’s just a happy side effect. It’s to make sure these things never happen again.”
read full review ↗ - 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.”
read full review ↗ - 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.”
read full review ↗
STWGames Italia
Digitec Magazine
KonsoliFIN
GamesCreed
GameLuster
GameGrin
NoobFeed
IGN
Movies Games and Tech
GameBlast…and 3 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Version 1.0.8.2 - Achievement FixJan 30, 2026
- Demo Update & Detective Fest SaleJan 12, 2026
- Version 1.0.8.1Aug 4, 2025
- Version 1.0.8Jul 17, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.7May 28, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.6Apr 16, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Big Balancing Patch & Trading Cards!Apr 9, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.5Apr 7, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.4.4Mar 31, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.4.3Mar 29, 2025
- Version 1.0.4Mar 27, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Release Announcement!Dec 21, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Major Closed Beta Update!Dec 13, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Behind The Scenes & SteamDeck UpdateMar 30, 2024
- TDF Development Update: Document LabellingMar 27, 2023
- The Darkest Files - Demo Patch NotesFeb 9, 2023