Journey back to the 1970s in pursuit of the Nazi war criminals who escaped Europe. Owlskip Games, led by former ZA/UM developer Tim Sheinman, has a history of creating investigative games such as *Family*, *Rivals*, and *Riley & Rochelle*. These titles required players to explore various sources like documents, music archives, and personal items to unravel mysteries, family histories, and complex timelines.
The latest release from Owlskip Games, called *The Ratline*, focuses on the search for Nazis. In this game set in 1971, players assume the role of a private investigator hired by an enigmatic individual to track down Nazi fugitives who evaded justice. These former high-ranking members of Hitler’s regime now lead new lives under false identities, working as dentists, wine merchants, or even holding key positions in South American law enforcement agencies. With limited information at your disposal, you must locate these individuals.
The gameplay revolves around a pinboard above a desk equipped with a telephone, rolodex, and radio. Players must sift through documents, conduct research, make phone calls to potential sources of information, and piece together clues found in photographs, business cards, letters, and other scraps of paper to uncover the true identities and current whereabouts of each target.
Successfully solving each case allows progression to the next mystery. *The Ratline*, named after the escape routes used by Nazis post-World War II, presents a unique gameplay experience where players manage paperwork on a pinboard while using a fictional machine to input keywords for additional information retrieval. Despite its quirks and occasional shortcomings in search results, the game immerses players in its premise.
While requiring suspension of disbelief at times, especially when swiftly obtaining documents from distant contacts over the phone, players eventually embrace the game’s peculiarities. The satisfaction derived from cracking cases keeps players engaged throughout the gameplay.
In challenging scenarios, players can utilize hints within the game structure to advance. Furthermore, remembering details from previous cases proves beneficial in overcoming obstacles. Interacting with a puppy companion adds a touch of charm amidst the intense investigative gameplay.
Despite its unconventional elements and occasional confusion-inducing moments, *The Ratline* offers an enjoyable experience that encourages note-taking and thoughtful exploration. It fosters a deliberate pace that allows for contemplation and external research to stimulate new ideas while returning to the game with fresh perspectives.
*The Ratline* is currently available on Steam for $11.99.