Through the Darkest of Times
Developed by Paintbucket Games, 2020
On July 20 this year, the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, executed by army officers, commemorates its 80th anniversary. While resistance efforts such as this and the non-violent White Rose student group are well-known, other forms of courageous resistance within Nazi Germany are often overlooked. German resistance was only officially recognized in the 1990s, with government memorials beginning in the early 2000s (Von Lengeling, 2002). Today, a memorial ceremony at the German Resistance Memorial Center will be attended by officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In this context, the strategy video game, Through the Darkest of Times (TTDT), gains particular significance as a platform for commemorating and recognizing German resistance. TTDT offers a fresh perspective on the bravery and complexity of German resistance through its immersive narrative.
Players assume the role of the leader of a small resistance group in Berlin, making strategic decisions in a historical context. Gameplay features a blend of story elements based on real events and a map of Berlin showing various missions available each week. These missions range from less risky activities like distributing leaflets to more dangerous tasks such as transmitting military intel or aiding deserters from the Wehrmacht.
The game is divided into four chapters and an epilogue, covering key events from Hitler’s rise to power to the end of World War II. TTDT captures the atmosphere of the 1930s through its artwork and music choices, providing insight into the challenges faced by the resistance group.
Players must navigate the challenges of the time, including job losses, shortages, and family members joining the Nazi party. The game emphasizes the importance of building support and resources to expand the group’s capabilities. As the situation grows more perilous each week, maintaining morale becomes crucial, requiring players to make difficult decisions.
By selecting characters with different backgrounds and affiliations, players can tailor their resistance group to suit specific missions. The game draws inspiration from historical resistance groups and highlights the diverse nature of resistance efforts during the Nazi regime.
TTDT reflects on the complexities of resistance in a repressive environment, showcasing both the difficulties and the moments of hope and solidarity. The game challenges players to confront moral dilemmas and the emotional weight of resistance, offering a thought-provoking experience.
While some gameplay elements may feel repetitive, TTDT effectively conveys the impact of daily resistance against the backdrop of Nazi rule. The developers’ anti-fascist message resonates with contemporary political issues and underscores the importance of individual actions in shaping history.
Overall, Through the Darkest of Times serves as a valuable educational tool for understanding the complexities of resistance against oppressive regimes and the enduring legacy of those who stood against tyranny.
References
Johnson, Eric (1999) Nazi Terror: The Gestapo, Hews, and Ordinary Germans, Basic Books.
Journal of Geek Studies (2019) ‘Through the Darkest of Times: life as the resistance during the Third Reich’, Journal of Geek Studies, 6(1), 49-54.
Kershaw, Ian (1999) Popular Opinion and Political Dissent in the Third Reich: Bavaria, 1933-1945, Clarendon Press.
Von Lengeling, Volkher (2002) ‘The Moral Example of the German Resistance Against the Nazi Regime’, Journal of Human Values, 38(3), 234-246.
Wolfgram, Mark (2006) ‘Rediscovering narratives of German resistance: Opposing the Nazi “terror-state”’. Rethinking History, 10(2), 201-219.
