Through the Darkest of Times Reviews

Through the Darkest of Times is ranked in the 56th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Cubed3
Top Critic
3 / 10
Apr 10, 2020

There is little to recommend about this game. The gameplay is not engaging, with mindless clicking in boring gameplay loops, and the story feels like an endless scolding for something no one alive today even did, accompanied by an undercurrent of shame for supposed parallels to modern politics. Some interesting art is overshadowed by how outright simple and stupid most of the characters look. The not-so-hidden political agenda and modern criticisms to the game are so ham-fisted, it is very tough to recommend this unless one is in the mood for a moralizing diatribe.

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BaziCenter
Ehsan Mohamadieh
Top Critic
5 / 10.0
Mar 1, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times, as the name suggests, tells the story of one of the most horrifying eras in the history of mankind in a relatively different way, and while the concept seems appealing, the game itself is sometimes not. If you are interested in history, this game is probably the right choice for you, but be warned that the gameplay mechanics are not always working as they should.

Review in Persian | Read full review

6.2 / 10.0
Aug 19, 2020

This strategy game offers an intriguing tale while the presentation is lacking, it makes up for it in it’s challenge and the wide choiced it presents you over the course of the game.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Mar 20, 2021

The events of World War II are widely documented from the point of view of the allied forces. You don’t have to search too far to come across stories of the French resistance who fought against the Nazis. But what about those Germans who opposed Hitler’s regime? Through the Darkest of Times takes you on a journey through the build-up and key events of WWII from a German resistance group’s perspective. Sound interesting? Read on to find out more.

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Lee Mehr
Top Critic
7 / 10
Sep 9, 2020

A mechanically-archetypal strategy sim elevated by the potent historical context through which it's examined.

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7 / 10
Aug 27, 2020

The Darkest of Times stark and sobering reminder of how lucky we are, and what sacrifices were made for the greater good. As basic as you can get for a strategy game but it’s all the better for it.

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Aug 18, 2020

The writing in Through the Darkest of Times is evocative, powerful and poignant. Too often it's undermined by the game also having systems that contain the same kind of resource juggling and time management that we see in anime dating sims.

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7 / 10.0
Apr 20, 2020

Unique return to dark Nazi Germany with good story and fair gameplay.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Feb 5, 2020

With effective visuals, a moving story, and a powerful message, Through the Darkest of Times is a must for anyone who enjoys historical and interactive story-based games.

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7 / 10
Jan 28, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times is a fantastic proposition and very much a necessary game to understand what it could have been like being a german, a human being, during these terrible years. Even if gameplay mechanics fall short, it's still very recommandable for anyone who needs a reminder and/or is intererested in History.

Review in French | Read full review

PC Invasion
Top Critic
7 / 10
Feb 13, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times tells a compelling, historically grounded story of German resistance fighters who stood up to the Nazis. Its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter makes it a great game for anyone interested in a serious, emotional treatment of Nazi Germany. Unfortunately, the somewhat shallow strategy gameplay falls behind the deep themes.

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7.2 / 10.0
Aug 30, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times is not surprising, it's fun and different from normal, but it won't capture the attention of a larger audience.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Geeks Under Grace
Sidney Stoddard
7.5 / 10.0
Sep 8, 2020

Through the Darkest of TImes is a great way to experience the realities of Nazi Germany and try to resist its evil, but it's definitely not for every kind of player.

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7.5 / 10.0
Feb 9, 2020

Once you can accept the occasional glitched mission and language mistakes, it is a journey down history that you will never forget.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jan 30, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times is a game worth trying if you are willing to forgive a slow paced and repetitive gameplay, in exchange for an exciting and very detailed history lesson. Those who prefer to get rid of the Nazis with a BFG 9000 should definitively look for something else.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.6 / 10.0
Feb 1, 2020

Through the Darkest of Times has a great atmosphere and has a great handle on its bitter but true story. The gameplay gets repetitive fast and it’s not really that beautiful to look at but it’s good choice for those who want to know more about the history of that era from a different perspective.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jan 31, 2020

Through The Darkest Of Times is a powerful title, able to do justice to the subject matter thanks to intelligent game mechanics and a first-rate technical/artistic sector, between vintage graphic styles and disturbing music. The world of Nazi Germany, despite some bizza narrative and a replayability not at the top for the genre, is well deepened and able to interest for more than ten hours. If you feel like going for a ride in the worst of historical times, you've just found an intelligent way to do it.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Apr 20, 2020

Overall this is a nice title and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun but short game.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 24, 2020

The Night is Darkest Before The Dawn. Through the Darkest of Times is an interesting strategy game that combines the storytelling of a visual novel with the tactics of a war table planner. The art style is striking in its simplicity and the music provides an immersive ambiance. The game's focus on telling the story of the fight against the Nazis from the inside offers a compelling plot and plenty of character moments that draw you in.

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80 / 100
May 7, 2020

Not many games have you play the underdog from beginning to end. It's tense, and each passing day keeps you on edge. You'll be emotionally invested in trying to keep your members, friends, family, and even strangers safe as you make choices that will shape your life and their future. Although a second playthrough doesn't hit the same way emotionally as the first, it's still a fantastic title to understand the heart-wrenching reality of that period.

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