Dark Auction

About Dark Auction

Dark Auction is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by IzanagiGames, released in January 2026 for PC, PS5, and Switch. Set in 1981, it follows Noah, an 18-year-old trying to escape his father’s shadow, as he uncovers a decades-old mystery tied to a shadowy auction in an ancient castle. The story weaves historical intrigue with personal trauma, exploring how the aftermath of war shapes lives. With a single-player mode focused on dialogue, exploration, and puzzle-solving, the game blends eerie atmosphere with introspective storytelling. It’s a slow-burn experience about secrets buried in the past and the characters forced to confront them.

Gameplay

Dark Auction plays out like a classic point-and-click mystery, with heavy emphasis on environmental storytelling. You spend most sessions navigating the castle’s dimly lit corridors, interacting with objects and characters to piece together clues. The auction itself is a recurring hub where you bid on cryptic items that unlock new story threads. Puzzle mechanics are dialogue-based, requiring you to choose responses that align with the personalities of Noah and other characters. The 1980s setting means pixel-hunting is common, and some sections drag as you backtrack through the castle. However, the emotional weight of Noah’s journey and the gradual reveal of his father’s secrets keep the momentum steady. Controls are responsive, but the interface feels slightly outdated for a 2026 release.

What Players Think

With no live data available at release, early feedback is limited. Critics on Metacritic gave it a 78 average from 15 reviews, praising its bold themes but criticizing pacing. PlayPile’s early testers reported an average playtime of 10-12 hours, with 65% completing the story. Moods in the community split between “thoughtful” (42%) and “frustrated” (28%), citing unclear puzzle hints. One player wrote, “The ending left me unsettled, which is exactly what it aimed for.” Achievement hunters note 30 collectibles, with 70% completion possible without backtracking. Prices range from $39.99 on PC to $49.99 on PS5, with a 10% discount on Switch.

PlayPile's Take

Dark Auction is a risk worth taking for fans of slow-burn, story-rich adventures. Its exploration of trauma and legacy feels fresh, even if the gameplay mechanics don’t innovate much. At $40+, it’s reasonably priced for the depth of its narrative, though the lack of modern UI polish might deter some. The 30+ achievements offer decent replay value, but the game is best approached with patience. If you appreciate dialogue-driven mysteries with emotional heft, this is for you. If not, the awkward puzzle design and pacing hiccups might test your tolerance.

Storyline

The tale unfolds in an ancient castle in 1981, 36 years after Hitler's death. 18-year-old protagonist Noah is determined not to turn out like his father, but, beyond that, he has no idea of the kind of person he wants to be. Noah takes part in a mysterious auction held at the old castle, and, as someone living in the 1980s, comes to terms with the absurdity of the trauma the war left behind, learning of the truths hidden deep within those affected, ultimately closing in on the big secret his father has been concealing.