Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Through the Darkest of Times
v1.0.11Strategy game enthusiasts and history buffs interested in narrative-driven, serious games that explore the human experience during the 3rd Reich.
What Is Through the Darkest of Times?
Launched May 7, 2020
Updated Oct 2025
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Lead a small, diverse group of ordinary people in 1933 Berlin to perform acts of resistance against the Nazi regime.
Uses a unique, beautifully illustrated expressionistic visual style to convey the somber mood of the period.
Players must manage resources and make difficult choices where every action carries the risk of being caught or losing group members.
Plan and execute missions such as dropping leaflets, painting messages, sabotaging, and gathering intelligence.
Experience the story and historical context across 4 distinct chapters.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate compelling narrative and theme and art style, but report app stability and crashes and poor touch controls.”
What Users Love
This game is one of my favorites... the side scenes are truly horrifying.
It is an amazing interactive story, very interactive, which is the best thing about it.
Really great concept and the art style is very nice.
I gave 2 stars for the art style.
Pain Points
The game started to crash everytime I opened it.
It keeps crashing upon start up after reaching chapter 2.
Terrible touch controls; drives you mad.
There are some issues with screen sensitivity.
High confidence · 1.2K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Award-winning narrative and 'Serious Game' pedigree
- Unique expressionistic art style
- High historical accuracy and educational value
Cons
- Severe technical instability and crashes (especially on Android)
- Unresponsive touch controls
- Limited character customization
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion into educational and institutional markets
- Potential for sequels or DLC in different historical contexts
- UI/UX optimization for mobile-first experience
Market Threats
- Negative reviews impacting premium conversion rates
- Direct competition from polished titles like 'This War of Mine'
- Niche appeal limiting total addressable market
Who competes with Through the Darkest of Times?
The Nemesis
This War of Mine
11 bit studios s.a.
The definitive historical survival strategy game focusing on the civilian experience and moral consequences during wartime.
The definitive historical survival strategy game focusing on the civilian experience and moral consequences during wartime.
Contenders
60 Seconds! Reatomized
Robot Gentleman sp. z o.o.
A survival management game that forces players to make difficult resource and personnel choices under extreme political pressure.
A survival management game that forces players to make difficult resource and personnel choices under extreme political pressure.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
★4.7 (37)Alawar Entertainment, Inc
A digital voyeurism simulator that forces players to manage resources while making ethical choices about intervening in others' lives.
A digital voyeurism simulator that forces players to manage resources while making ethical choices about intervening in others' lives.
Peers
Simplified decision-based strategy that focuses on maintaining balance between competing social and political factions.
Swipe-based Decision Engine
A serious narrative game following a Syrian refugee, emphasizing the human cost of political conflict and survival.
Instant Messaging Simulation
Frostpunk: Beyond the Ice
★4.5 (4K)Com2uS Corp.
Society survival management where the player must make brutal ethical laws to ensure the group's collective survival.
Society survival management where the player must make brutal ethical laws to ensure the group's collective survival.
New Kids on the Block
A narrative-driven game set during the Cold War that explores the impact of political choices on personal relationships.
Emotion-based Dialogue Mechanic
What are the key takeaways?
Through the Darkest of Times is a divisive games app that is a paid app. With a 3.6/5 rating from 1.2K reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate compelling narrative and theme, though app stability and crashes remains a common concern.
Best for: Strategy game enthusiasts and history buffs interested in narrative-driven, serious games that explore the human experience during the 3rd Reich.
How much does it cost?
Model: paid
The app utilizes a premium, one-time purchase model, positioning itself as a 'serious' and high-quality indie title without microtransactions or ads.
iOS Version
1.0.11
Android Version
1.0.19
Release Date
May 7, 2020
iOS Price
$7.99
Android Price
$7.99
Developer
HandyGames