Through the Darkest of Times

The main pros of the game

• Compelling Storytelling: The narrative is praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, providing a poignant perspective on life under Nazi rule and the moral dilemmas faced by resistance fighters.
• Historical Education: Many users highlight the game as an excellent educational tool, offering insights into the rise of fascism and the experiences of those who opposed it.
• Art and Atmosphere: The hand-drawn art style and haunting soundtrack effectively convey the somber tone of the game, enhancing the overall experience.
• Character Depth: Players appreciate the diverse traits and backgrounds of the resistance members, which add complexity to the gameplay and emotional stakes.
• Engagement with Current Issues: The game’s themes resonate with contemporary political issues, prompting players to reflect on authoritarianism and civil courage.

The main cons of the game

• Repetitive Gameplay: Many reviews mention that the resource management mechanics can become tedious and repetitive, leading to a grind, especially in later chapters.
• Balancing Issues: Users report frustrations with game balance, particularly regarding morale management and the frequency of "heat" on characters, which can hinder progress and create a sense of helplessness.
• Limited Impact of Choices: Some players feel that their decisions do not significantly alter the narrative, making the gameplay feel less impactful.
• Technical Issues: Reports of bugs, inconsistent mechanics, and poor translation quality detract from the overall experience.
• Short Playtime: The game can be completed in a relatively short time (around 5 hours), which some users found disappointing for the price.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Depth in Gameplay Mechanics: Users desire more complexity in gameplay, with a call for deeper strategy elements that would keep the experience fresh and engaging throughout.
• Improved Morale and Risk Management: A more balanced approach to morale recovery and risk assessment in missions is sought after, as many players found the current system overly punishing.
• Replayability: There is a consensus that the game lacks sufficient replay value due to its linear narrative and limited variation in outcomes, which diminishes the incentive for multiple playthroughs.
• Enhanced Saving Mechanisms: Players expressed a need for a more reliable saving system to prevent loss of progress, especially after significant gameplay moments.
• Clearer Mechanics: Users suggest that more clarity around item functions and mission requirements would improve gameplay, as confusion about these aspects can lead to frustration.

Summary

• Overall, "Through the Darkest of Times" is recognized for its powerful narrative and educational value, but it faces criticism for gameplay repetitiveness, balance issues, and a lack of depth in certain mechanics.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025