Through the Darkest of Times

If you are a WWII history buff or know little about WWII history, this game is for you. The narrative that this game presents is one that is vital to hear, and, honestly, part of being a citizen in modern society. We cannot repeat the past, and this game iterates that by illustrating the atroceties of the Nazi party through the eyes of German resistance fighters living in Berlin during the rise, rule, and fall of Hitler. Being witness to this history is so important, and Through the Darkest of Times allows you to get a taste of what life was like for German citizens fighting against the evil that were the Nazis, the difficult decisions they had to make, and risks they had to take every day in the underground.

The art and aesthetic of the game is the most notable aspect aside from the story. It is dark, sepia, and only uses the color red to denote things such as swastika arm bands, flags, and other Nazi paraphernalia. It also uses red for paint used in underground resistance activities and headlines as well as refers to the game’s developer, Paintbucket Games.

One of the things I first noticed is that in the options menu, you are able to turn off the swastikas. I did not want that symbol broadcasted on my stream, so I was grateful that this was an option. I am sure many streamers and players alike appreciate this too as it can be a very triggering image for some.

Aside from a few typos that pervade throughout the game, there is nothing of note wrong with the game. I encountered no bugs and the gameplay was smooth throughout.

This game does not take a particular gaming skill set to succeed, that is not its point. It has missions in which you must manage resources as well as “heat” level for each member of the resistance, but aside from that, you experience the war from the perspective of a person who lived in Berlin from 1933 through 1945 through visual storytelling and the events surrounding your group.

I highly recommend this game for people of all ages, gaming levels, and interests, as it is important to witness this particular history and Through the Darkest of Times is one incredibly unique way to do so.