Through the Darkest of Times

This tense historical strategy game, similar to Beholder, is set in the Berlin of 1933. You'll play as members of the German resistance as they try to oppose the Nazis. The heart of the game lies in its difficult moral choices and the risks faced and sacrifices made by your heroes. It is a sombre exploration of a little-known chapter of history, and one that should definitely be taught in schools.

Berlin, January 1933. Germany enters a dark period in its history as Adolf Hitler is appointed chancellor and the nation finds itself in thrall to Nazism. It is into this troubled period that Through the Darkest of Times casts the player, delivering a unique gaming experience where you play as members of the German resistance.

Is it possible to make a video game about such as serious and painful subject as resistance to Nazism? The answer is a resounding "yes". Through the Darkest of Times meets this challenge with aplomb, treating its subject matter with remarkable clarity and profound intelligence. The game does not merely tell a story, it invites players to immerse themselves in a period where every decision could be a matter of life and death.

The Gameplay is stressful and engrossing, inspired by games like Beholder. You plan your operations on a map of Berlin, where every action can have severe consequences. Recruiting sympathisers, gathering funds, sabotaging Nazi efforts... your every action must be meticulously planned. The game operates in terms of weeks, with each turn representing one week in the life of the resistance.

One of the strengths of Through the Darkest of Times lies in its moral dilemmas. You'll always need to weigh up the pros and cons of each action, because being collared by the Gestapo could prove fatal. You'll also need to keep an eye on your group's morale and how many sympathisers you have, because the resistance will crumble without them. Opting to save a single individual in immediate danger, for example, might endanger the lives of many more members of the resistance further down the road.

We liked how Through the Darkest of Times manages to evoke the constant tension and danger of resistance to a fascist regime. The game doesn't just tell you a story, it makes you experience the daily uncertainty and fear. The moral dilemmas, necessary sacrifices, and the constant pressure are depicted remarkably accurately.

Our favourite thing about the game was its artistic direction. The graphics – mainly in black and white with spots of colour – recall movies like Schindler's List. Each drawing seems to tell a story, and every scene bears a real emotional charge. The dialogue is poignant, the situations realistic, and the moral dilemmas heart-wrenching. All of the characters are fully realised, with motivations and fears that make them profoundly human.

Our tip to help you on your way*: to maximise your chance of success in Through the Darkest of Times, you need to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of every member of your team. This means assigning characters with high social skills to recruitment or funding operations, while those with higher skills in secrecy should be tasked with sabotage missions. Using the items at your disposal, like bicycles for high-risk missions, can also mean the difference between success and failure.

Ultimately, Through the Darkest of Times is more than just a game; it's a tribute to the heroes of the German resistance, and in an exemplary demonstration of tact, intelligence, and respect, the game is an invitation to remember and learn from the lessons of the past.