Dark Auction, developed by indie studio bits!, offers a distinctive experience for Nintendo Switch players seeking a story-rich point-and-click adventure.
Released on the Nintendo eShop with a unique narrative twist, Dark Auction blurs the lines between traditional graphic novels and interactive gaming, delivering an atmospheric journey fueled by mystery and suspense. Set in the aftermath of World War II, Dark Auction centers on Noah Crawford—a young man propelled by his late father Leonard’s enigmatic lifestyle.
Leonard’s love for auctions and history leads Noah to a remote castle, only to find himself ensnared in an elaborate, secretive auction hosted by a shadowy organization.
Almost immediately, Noah is forced to sign a binding agreement, pledging to serve the commands of the auctioneer, known only as the eccentric "Parrot Man." The gameplay in Dark Auction combines classic point-and-click mechanics with memory-based puzzles, forcing players to pay close attention to dialogue and details as Noah tries to untangle the mysteries shrouding the castle and his father’s fate.
Players spend much of their time engaging in conversations with a diverse cast of auction attendees, including a bright-eyed young girl, a distinguished actress, a learned doctor, a librarian, a nobleman, and an athletic stranger.
Each character comes to the auction with their own secrets and stakes, creating a rich tapestry of motives and personalities. Throughout the adventure, Noah is repeatedly tested on his memory and perception—first after the prologue, following his initial night in the castle, and again after meeting every guest.
Players are prompted to help Noah recall crucial information, with the option to review his memories via the menu, providing helpful support for players who want to piece together every clue without frustration. The progression in Dark Auction is carefully managed: the game’s structure leads players smoothly through key narrative beats, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck or taking a wrong turn.
This design choice creates a relaxed, immersive environment, allowing the well-crafted story and eerie castle atmosphere—complete with rich music and scenic detail—to take center stage.
Those who enjoy narrative-driven titles and the immersive qualities of visual novels will appreciate the measured pacing and creative delivery. According to bits!, Dark Auction is inspired by the intrigue and suspense of escape rooms, but with the added layers of a historic post-war context and a focus on character-driven storytelling.
The game gently guides players through most obstacles, peppering dialogue and environment with subtle hints to ensure progress, making it accessible to both veteran and new point-and-click fans. Dark Auction successfully marries the appeal of graphic novels with user-friendly point-and-click adventure mechanics, resulting in a game that is ideal for players who crave an in-depth, story-focused experience.
Its unique blend of narrative depth, engaging puzzles, and immersive atmosphere positions it as a noteworthy addition to the Nintendo Switch library—a testament to bits!' growing reputation for memorable indie experiences.
Released on the Nintendo eShop with a unique narrative twist, Dark Auction blurs the lines between traditional graphic novels and interactive gaming, delivering an atmospheric journey fueled by mystery and suspense. Set in the aftermath of World War II, Dark Auction centers on Noah Crawford—a young man propelled by his late father Leonard’s enigmatic lifestyle.
Leonard’s love for auctions and history leads Noah to a remote castle, only to find himself ensnared in an elaborate, secretive auction hosted by a shadowy organization.
Almost immediately, Noah is forced to sign a binding agreement, pledging to serve the commands of the auctioneer, known only as the eccentric "Parrot Man." The gameplay in Dark Auction combines classic point-and-click mechanics with memory-based puzzles, forcing players to pay close attention to dialogue and details as Noah tries to untangle the mysteries shrouding the castle and his father’s fate.
Players spend much of their time engaging in conversations with a diverse cast of auction attendees, including a bright-eyed young girl, a distinguished actress, a learned doctor, a librarian, a nobleman, and an athletic stranger.
Each character comes to the auction with their own secrets and stakes, creating a rich tapestry of motives and personalities. Throughout the adventure, Noah is repeatedly tested on his memory and perception—first after the prologue, following his initial night in the castle, and again after meeting every guest.
Players are prompted to help Noah recall crucial information, with the option to review his memories via the menu, providing helpful support for players who want to piece together every clue without frustration. The progression in Dark Auction is carefully managed: the game’s structure leads players smoothly through key narrative beats, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck or taking a wrong turn.
This design choice creates a relaxed, immersive environment, allowing the well-crafted story and eerie castle atmosphere—complete with rich music and scenic detail—to take center stage.
Those who enjoy narrative-driven titles and the immersive qualities of visual novels will appreciate the measured pacing and creative delivery. According to bits!, Dark Auction is inspired by the intrigue and suspense of escape rooms, but with the added layers of a historic post-war context and a focus on character-driven storytelling.
The game gently guides players through most obstacles, peppering dialogue and environment with subtle hints to ensure progress, making it accessible to both veteran and new point-and-click fans. Dark Auction successfully marries the appeal of graphic novels with user-friendly point-and-click adventure mechanics, resulting in a game that is ideal for players who crave an in-depth, story-focused experience.
Its unique blend of narrative depth, engaging puzzles, and immersive atmosphere positions it as a noteworthy addition to the Nintendo Switch library—a testament to bits!' growing reputation for memorable indie experiences.
