PGC NEWS

The mid-20th century, a time shrouded by the dark clouds of World War II. While the global conflict raged, another battle was being fought in the heart of Berlin. This is the setting of Through the Darkest of Times, a game developed by Paintbucket Games that explores the struggles of everyday people resisting the Nazi regime in their own backyard. This review will delve into the mechanics and narrative of Through the Darkest of Times, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

A character in Through the Darkest of Times being interrogated

Navigating the Moral Grayscale

Through the Darkest of Times is a strategy simulation game where players lead a small resistance group against the Nazi regime. The game begins with character creation, allowing players to customize their leader’s appearance, skills, and background. These choices have a tangible impact on the narrative. For example, playing as a person of color versus a “native” German citizen leads to drastically different experiences, with the former facing increased scrutiny, harassment, and violence, while the latter might navigate certain situations through negotiation. This nuanced approach to storytelling, even within a linear narrative, allows the game to explore the multifaceted realities of life under oppression.

The Weight of Every Choice

Gameplay revolves around assigning your resistance members (up to five) to various tasks. These range from low-risk activities like spreading propaganda and collecting donations to more dangerous missions such as jailbreaks, acquiring weapons, and liaising with foreign intelligence. Each decision carries weight. Failed missions can result in financial losses, decreased morale, increased surveillance, and the loss of valuable resources. Careful planning and strategic resource management are crucial for the survival of your group.

Through the Darkest of Times gameplay, showcasing resource management

The Limitations of Linearity

While the game’s branching narrative based on character creation adds depth, the core storyline remains linear. This means players will encounter the same cutscenes and dialogue regardless of their choices during certain segments. This repetition, especially after multiple playthroughs, can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the game is divided into chapters, and resources accumulated in one chapter don’t necessarily carry over to the next, creating a sense of artificial progression and diminishing the long-term impact of player choices.

Through the Darkest of Times narrative elements

Lack of Depth in Gameplay

The lack of significant consequences for many choices contributes to a sense of shallowness in the gameplay. While the threat of failure exists, the overall impact on the narrative and strategic options feels limited. This lack of depth can make the game feel more like a passive experience rather than a truly engaging strategic challenge. Beyond simply surviving the four chapters, there isn’t much to strive for, diminishing the replayability factor.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into Darkness

Through the Darkest of Times offers a compelling glimpse into the challenges faced by those who resisted the Nazi regime. Its strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of individual experiences and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. However, the game’s linear narrative, repetitive dialogue, and lack of strategic depth hold it back from reaching its full potential. While it provides a valuable historical perspective and explores important themes, the gameplay experience could benefit from more meaningful choices and a greater sense of agency.

Through the Darkest of Times character customization

Game Information

• Developer: Paintbucket Games
• Publisher: HandyGames
• Genre: Simulation, Strategy
• Release Date: January 31, 2020
• Platform: PC

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
• CPU: 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: 1 GB
• Storage: 2 GB

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5-9300h 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660ti 6 GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 3×2