Owlskip Games has announced that The Ratline, a narrative detective game focusing on the hunt for Nazi war criminals, will launch on PC and Mac via Steam on March 17. Ahead of the official release, a demo featuring three playable cases is currently available during Steam Next Fest.

Set in 1971, The Ratline kicks off with the murder of a Catholic priest in Budapest and the discovery of a list containing Nazi fugitives who escaped justice via a secret network known as 'The Ratline'. You take on the role of a struggling detective, Saul Perlman, tasked with unearthing the truth before it is buried forever. Your investigation involves combing through documents, decrypting codes, analysing photographs, and catching subtle slips in testimony to piece together fragmented evidence.

The game relies entirely on your own logic and observation, eschewing hand-holding or direct quest markers. While optional hints are available, you must connect the dots and think critically to crack each case. The developers have ensured that each mystery feels distinct by introducing varied investigation mechanics throughout, paying homage to inspirations like The Case of the Golden Idol and Type Help. While the characters and specific events are fictional, the game is grounded in extensive research into the historical Nazi escape networks that emerged post-WWII.

The Ratline hits Steam for PC and Mac on March 17, with a price tag of $14.99 (approx. 20,000 won). A 20% launch discount will be available for a limited time.