The 35 Best Russian PC Games from Domestic Developers

Contents:

• Tetris
• Parkan: History of the Empire
  
• The Allods Series
• Vangers
• Perimeter
• Corsairs
• Truckers 2
• Two Volumes of Adventures in the World of Space Rangers
• Password to Utopia
  Legal Framework power"
• Two installments of the Blitzkrieg franchise
• Ex Machina
• Sublustrum
• Heroes of Might and Magic 5: The Grandeur of Strategy and Fantasy
• "Turgor"
• "Mission Quiet Storm"
  
• "Royal Booty: A Knight's Tale"
• War Thunder
• "Pathologic 2"
• "Black book»
• Escape from Tarkov
• Loop Hero
• Pathfinder Duology
• Warhammer 40,000: Outcast Trader
• Breathedge
• SnowRunner
• Atomic Heart
• MiSide
• Warhammer 40,000: Second Coming of the Space Marines

The first half of the 2000s can undoubtedly be considered the best period for the gaming industry in Russia. During this time, many successful games were released, which found recognition not only in the domestic market but also abroad. However, the industry soon faced serious difficulties, including the 2008 crisis, which became a real test. Then came the rise in popularity of online games, and in the decade that followed, the mobile segment began to actively develop, where Russian studios achieved significant success. However, in recent years, there has been a positive trend in the hardcore gaming scene: the number of high-quality indie games created by Russian developers is increasing, alongside the emergence of high-budget projects from major studios.

We've compiled a list of 35 significant games that have influenced the Russian gaming industry, although in reality, there are many more worthy projects. It should be noted that our list includes exclusively hardcore games for PC and consoles.

Contents

• Tetris
• Parkan: Chronicle of the Empire
• Allods Series
• Vangers
• Perimeter
• Corsairs
• Truckers 2
• The Space Rangers duology is a captivating work that immerses the reader in a thrilling world of space adventures. This two-part series offers a unique combination of genres, including elements of strategy, role-playing, and action. It explores the complex relationships between the heroes and their opponents, and raises questions of honor, duty, and survival in a ruthless universe. Each character is endowed with their own personality and motivations, which makes the plot more layered and interesting. Readers can expect not only dynamic battles, but also profound reflections on life in the cosmic abyss.
• "Password: Paradise" and "Legislative Authority"
• Two parts of the "Blitzkrieg" franchise
• Ex Machina
• Sublustrum
• Heroes of Might and Magic V is a strategy game that continues the famous series, which has become a cult among fans of the genre. Released in 2006, it invites players to immerse themselves in a fantasy world filled with epic battles and exciting adventures.

  This version of the game introduced new 3D graphics, which significantly updated the visual perception and made the gameplay more immersive. Players can choose from various factions, each of which has unique heroes and units, which adds variety to the strategy.

  The combat system remains turn-based, allowing you to carefully plan your actions, taking advantage of the strengths of your troops and the weaknesses of your enemy. In addition, the game includes elements of role-playing development, where heroes can gain experience, improve their skills, and gain new abilities.

  The storyline of Heroes of Might and Magic V unfolds in the context of a conflict between various kingdoms, which adds depth and intrigue. Players will not only have to fight, but also explore vast maps, find resources, and make strategic decisions that affect the outcome of the campaign.

  Overall, Heroes of Might and Magic V continues the tradition of its predecessors, offering exciting gameplay and a rich world to explore, making it a desirable choice for fans of strategy and fantasy adventures.

• "Turgor"

• "Operation Quiet Storm"
• "Royal Reward." Tale of the Knight
• War Thunder
• Pathologic 2
• The Black Book
• Escape from Tarkov
• Loop Hero
• Pathfinder Duology
• Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a tabletop role-playing game based on the popular Warhammer 40,000 universe. In this game, players take on the roles of wandering merchants who explore the vast expanses of space, conduct trade and come into conflict with various factions.

  Players can create unique characters with a variety of skills and abilities, which allows each participant to bring their own personality to the gameplay. A key aspect of the game is interaction with other characters and factions, which can lead to alliances or, conversely, hostile clashes.

  Furthermore, Rogue Trader emphasizes making decisions that can significantly impact the development of the plot and the outcome of the campaign. Players must decide how to react to various situations, from trade deals to clashes with enemies, which brings an element of strategy to the gameplay.

  Thus, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich and detailed universe, where each game can become a unique adventure full of unexpected twists and exciting moments.

• Breathedge
• SnowRunner
• Atomic Heart
• MiSide
• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Tetris

Release date: 1984

Among the most significant games in history, along with such classics as Pong and Asteroids.

Alexei Pajitnov, a software engineer at the Computing Center of the USSR Academy of Sciences, was testing a new computer called the Elektronika-60. To test its capabilities, he developed a simple game in Pascal, inspired by Tetromino. Thus began the story of one of the most famous and exciting games of all time, versions of which continue to appear to this day.

There's a "glass" into which various pieces fall. These pieces vary in type and can be rotated. The main goal of the game is to arrange them to fill horizontal lines. But why are we explaining this? You're probably familiar with Tetris, like most people on the planet.

Read also:

Tetris: How a game created by a Soviet engineer led to rivalry between global industry giants.

«Parkan: History of the Empire»

Release date: 1997

A space simulator that combines various elements of different genres.

The creators of "Parkan" sought to combine the best elements of various genres, and they truly succeeded. Released in 1997, this game impressed with its technological advancement and had high system requirements for its time. It combined elements of a space simulator, economic strategy, and first-person shooter. Moreover, each time the player started a new game, space was randomly generated.

The player is immersed in exploring a vast space cluster, which is divided into zones of influence of various robot clans. You can either fight these clans, which often leads to serious difficulties, or establish friendly relations by gaining their trust and conducting trade. The ship's energy resources are distributed among its systems, which are certainly subject to improvement. Drones—unmanned devices that can be used to attack opponents—are useful in combat. Periodically, the player must switch to first-person mode, which allows for effective planet clearing and destruction of enemy ships. The main resource—fuel—can be obtained not only through trade or military action, but also by colonizing planets.

Following the release of "Chronicles of the Empire," Nikita introduced a new game called "Iron Strategy." Unlike its predecessor, it lacked the themes of freedom and space travel, focusing instead on robot battles on various planets. Some elements of this idea were later reflected in "Parkan 2," but unfortunately, that game failed to achieve the same popularity as its predecessor, due to several simplifications in the gameplay. In addition, by that time, competition in this genre had increased significantly.

The Allods Series

Release period: from 1998 to 2009.

This iconic RPG series has become a significant achievement for the Russian gaming industry.

We'll mention Nival several times in this collection, but special attention should be given to its iconic project, the Allods series, which, by the way, has also gained recognition outside of Russia. The first installment, subtitled "The Seal of Secrets," was a true achievement in the gaming industry. This combination of RPG and RTS, with an emphasis on role-playing elements, amazed players with its impressive graphics for 1998 and deep gameplay, offering a variety of options in combat clashes – various character classes, mercenaries, and several schools of magic. The game also features a real-time day/night cycle. In the second installment, Nival significantly improved many aspects of the game, but the already excellent core remained unchanged.

The "Allods" universe features a fascinating story. As a result of a magical catastrophe, the world was shattered into fragments that now float in the astral plane—the so-called "Allods." Each of these "Allods" is controlled by a Great Mage, who is unable to leave their territories. A wide variety of events unfold within these "Allods."

The next game was "Cursed Lands," which did not mention the series in the title due to copyright issues, but is nevertheless still "Allods." The gameplay has undergone significant changes: real-time strategy mechanics have been removed, and exciting elements of crafting and stealth have been introduced in their place. Enemies in this game are impressively powerful, so it is preferable to attack them from behind. Moreover, the project was entirely rendered in 3D and looked quite impressive at the time of its release. You've probably seen the famous meme with the lever and the stone? It originates from the Cursed Lands.

In conclusion, it's worth noting that Allods Online was initially a problematic World of Warcraft alternative, but over time it has regained its footing and continues to thrive. In recent years, the project has significantly increased its subscriber base, suggesting a possible resurgence in its popularity. However, it is worth emphasizing that Nival is no longer involved in its development.

«Vangers»

Release date: 1998

In short: this is one of the most mysterious and at the same time amazing games that exist on the planet.

Vangers is far from the easiest game. Firstly, it is quite difficult to understand what actions need to be taken. Difficulties can be encountered already on the first screen of the interface. Secondly, the terrain, which you will have to navigate in various vehicles, is created using voxel technology, and every unevenness or pothole can become a serious obstacle. However, if you are patient and adapt a little, an amazing world will open up before you, which is not so easy to understand!

That's the beauty of it. Vangers masterfully recreates an unfamiliar and difficult to understand world in which, remarkably, absolutely no one pays attention to you. You occupy the lowest roles here, and the locals treat you accordingly. They have their own language, and no one will explain anything. Different characters can talk about the same things in completely different ways. You will have to figure out on your own what nimboses with blankets are and how to earn beebs. It is similar to the process of sepulation, which is carried out with the help of a sepulcarium, inside of which, apparently, are sepulchres.

Overall, this is an outstanding creation that can rightfully be called a classic.

Perimeter

Release date: 2004

Briefly: an original strategy based on terraforming and territory management.

The events described in "Perimeter" take place much earlier than in "Vangers", and there is no plot connection between these games. Humanity was able to go beyond the boundaries of familiar space, entering the Psychosphere - an area saturated with psychic energy accumulated throughout its history. Scientists known as spiritualists hypothesized that this sphere could be used to travel between different planets, leading to the deployment of the first colonists. The game's story unfolds on sponge worlds, created from the imaginations and emotions of generations of people. However, along with these positive experiences, the sponges also manifested the fears that haunted humanity—in the form of a filth. This filth attempted to penetrate Earth, forcing the corridors to this parallel world to be sealed, leaving the colonists to fend for themselves. As a result, they split into several factions and began to wage war on each other, traveling across the ruined worlds.

At first glance, the gameplay resembles typical real-time strategy mechanics: you build your base, produce military units, and engage in battle. However, the key aspects of the game are subtleties that add variety. Terraforming the terrain and organizing power grids play an important role. Construction is only possible on flat areas—the zero layer—which must be formed first. The game has only one resource: energy. To obtain it, you need to build cores—power plants that extract energy from the zero layer and connect to each other, as well as to your base's main building.

You can activate a perimeter around the cores—a protective field that effectively destroys enemies. However, it's important to remember that energy is consumed quickly, so this measure should be used judiciously. It's also possible to capture enemy cores and integrate them into your power grid, and the zero layer beneath enemy structures is subject to destruction. Another interesting feature is that armies can be reworked on the fly, allowing units to be swapped from one type to another—for example, from ground to air. This opens up a wide range of tactical options in combat and when capturing territory.

The first part of "Perimeter" gained popularity both in Russia and abroad, quickly becoming a cult phenomenon. At the same time, the sequel was perceived by journalists and players more reservedly - this is due to minor innovations and many simplifications in the game.

"Corsairs"

Release date: 2000

In short: the key game dedicated to pirates was released after "Sid Meier's Pirates!", released in 1987.

"Corsairs" is a game about freedom and the thrilling romance of pirate life. Akella developed the concept of "Sid Meier's Pirates!", creating a stunningly beautiful game for the early 2000s. Players could engage in trade, moving cargo between ports and truly enjoying the process. However, at the same time, there was also the possibility of military action - attacking merchant ships, firing at them with ship cannons, and boarding them. In addition, players could storm entire forts. Complete freedom of action was the very feature that made this game truly outstanding. Unfortunately, none of the subsequent sequels could replicate the original's success. In the second part of "Corsairs," the freedom elements were significantly limited, as the developers were refining the project for the release of the film "Pirates of the Caribbean" (though the game itself remained at a high level). Then came the third "Corsairs" game, full of bugs and with insufficiently varied gameplay, as well as several other parts, which, alas, never gained the same popularity as the first game.

"Truckers 2"

Release date: 2001

Hurry, click, don't waste time!

The first part of the Truckers game also gained cult status, but it mainly focuses on truck racing, albeit sometimes with rather fragile cargo. In contrast, the second part is a full-fledged economic simulator, where players are engaged in cargo transportation in an open world. It can be argued that Truckers 2 became the basis for an entire trend of simulators dedicated to the transportation of goods on tractors.

It had everything: an extensive network of highways, aspects of running your own business, unstable cargo, the need for periodic refueling, rivals striving for victory, as well as law enforcement agencies and criminal structures. However, the romance of traveling along endless roads undoubtedly comes first. Interestingly, the game's soundtrack was created by the band "Aria."

The long-awaited third installment was released in 2009, but unfortunately, it failed to live up to expectations. It was criticized for poor graphics, unrealistic semi-trailer physics, numerous bugs, and the similarity of the cities and the monotony of the surrounding landscape. In addition, over the eight years of development, stronger competitors have appeared on the market.

Two volumes of adventures in the world of "Space Rangers"

Years of release: 2002, 2004.

In short: this is a space simulator that offers players wide opportunities for action, similar to Elite.

Space Rangers is reminiscent of Corsairs in its spirit of freedom, but in this case this similarity is expressed even more vividly. The gameplay of both games does not have significant differences, except that the second part has a strategic mode. This element is not particularly exciting, so you can simply ignore it. However, after completing one of the parts, you will certainly want to try the other.

Space Rangers is an amazing combination of several game genres, among which a special place is occupied by text quests, which have gained cult status. In theory, the global threat in space could be ignored: the arm of the galaxy in which the events of the game unfold is capable of dealing with it on its own (or with minimal intervention on your part). However, avoiding clashes with the Klissans in the first part and the Dominators in the second will most likely be unavoidable: they capture system after system. In addition to battles, players can engage in trade or immerse themselves in a variety of exciting adventures, because "Space Rangers" is truly epic, and there is plenty of content in it.

"Password to Utopia"
"Legal Framework of Power"

Premieres took place in 2002 and 2004.

Briefly: a cult series of tactical video games in the cyberpunk genre, which gained popularity in the post-Soviet space.

In 2002, not many 3D tactical games could boast of quality, so MiST Land South stands out. However, as a tactical project, it unfortunately suffers from a significant imbalance between different builds and weapon types. Additionally, the game faces issues such as frequent misses despite high chances to hit, making the situation even more challenging—even worse than in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. However, if you take the time to learn the mechanics and adapt to the gameplay, you can find enjoyment in the combat. Something else stands out here: the amazing atmosphere, the magnificent musical score, and the voice acting by Pythagoras. The characters are meticulously developed, and the role-playing and deep lore add special value to the game. Access Code: Paradise paints a bleak picture that shows not only social stratification but also a harbinger of humanity's demise. In the lower city, life, although present, is rife with crime, poverty, and decay. At higher levels, people essentially don't live, but merely exist, experiencing few needs. While the concept itself isn't entirely new, the depth of the world, dubbed "Reality 4.13," is truly impressive.

It's worth noting that Access Code: Paradise has a fan remaster built on the Rule of Law engine, which addresses key flaws in the original version.

Rule of Law significantly deepens and expands the world in which the action takes place. This game is a prequel, telling the story of Katie, one of the characters from Access Code. At the time, Katie was a police officer, and, as one might expect in a cyberpunk setting, her life there was far from ideal. The tactical combat in this game proved significantly more engaging than Access Code, and the gameplay balance has improved, although the game itself still requires a fair amount of effort. In other respects, "Rule of Law" continues the ideas of its predecessor: the characters are still bright and memorable (including the funny, cowardly Rat, a mutant rat!), and the non-linear plot and rich atmosphere retain their significance.

Two installments of the Blitzkrieg franchise

Release period: from 2003 to 2005.

Among the main strategy games dedicated to World War II, along with "Confrontation" and Sudden Strike, this series also stands out.

The spiritual successor to the 1997 Russian strategy game "Confrontation" offers a deeper and more engaging experience. The gameplay focuses primarily on the battles themselves — there is no option to build a base, as was done in most RTS games of the time. The player controls groups of soldiers and military equipment who must complete various missions. The task options are quite varied. The game's tactical aspect is high-quality: units of various classes, including snipers, vehicles take realistic damage, buildings can be destroyed or captured, and players can dig trenches, direct artillery, and call in airborne troops. In terms of military operations, the game offers a diverse range of options, and the level of difficulty is quite high. Victory requires relying not on numerical superiority, but on strategic thinking and skill.

The main problem with Blitzkrieg was the lack of effective unit pathfinding, which required constant control. This flaw persists in the second game. However, the game has become more complex: tactics based on the principle of "find the enemy and bombard them with artillery" are no longer always successful, forcing players to engage in even more analytical thinking. Furthermore, missions in the new part have become more varied, and an element of pre-planning has been introduced—calling for reinforcements now requires greater caution, as they may be needed for the decisive battle at the end of each chapter.

In 2017, the third part of the game was released, after spending several years in Early Access. It also introduced many innovations, including, for example, a technology tree. However, many of these changes significantly simplify the gameplay. Supply mechanisms have been removed, vehicles now repair themselves, and infantry combat capabilities have been significantly increased; lost units are now restored upon completion of missions. At the same time, the game now features a neural network AI named Boris, capable of learning as you play.

However, there is one important caveat: according to user reviews on Steam, Blitzkrieg 3 has encountered serious issues and is essentially non-functional at the time of writing. Therefore, at the moment we cannot recommend the game for purchase and do not include it in the general list.

Ex Machina

Release date: 2005

Brief description: an arcade game in a post-apocalyptic setting, focused on battles using trucks.

Ex Machina had the potential to become something like "Corsairs" in the post-apocalyptic genre, if it provided more opportunities for freedom of action. Unfortunately, however, the game proves to be rather linear: although trading is possible, this process quickly loses its relevance as money begins to accumulate in excessive quantities. There are other flaws, such as ineffective artificial intelligence, intrusive enemy auto-leveling, and numerous bugs, some of which can be critical. Furthermore, the game often forces you to move between locations, which takes a long time, with almost nothing happening along the way. Also, the specific humor based on references to various cultural phenomena may not be to everyone's taste. There is a certain appeal to this—traveling through an abandoned world in armored trucks with a variety of customization options, including changing the body and equipping it with various weapons. Ex Machina has a unique atmosphere that has made it a cult phenomenon in the post-Soviet space. In 2006, a separate add-on called "Meridian 113" was released, which addressed a number of shortcomings of the original version of the game. Additionally, there are fan-made patches that significantly improve gameplay and other aspects.

Thanks to the success of Ex Machina, we witnessed the emergence of Crossout from the same company – a popular MMO in a post-apocalyptic setting, where the customization options are so extensive that you can create almost any vehicle. The main thing is that it should be able to move.

Sublustrum

Release date: 2008

A video game is a form of interactive art that combines audiovisual elements.

Sublustrum is a quest that immerses the player in a Myst-like world with a high degree of difficulty. However, this project shifts the focus from gameplay mechanics to story development and audiovisual design. Initially, this project was conceived as an interactive music video for the band Anthesteria, in which players could influence the development of the music. The developers later decided to transform this concept into a full-fledged story-driven game, while maintaining the surreal visual elements, musical accompaniment, and atmospheric sound design.

After the opening sequence, the events of Sublustrum unfold in a strange dreamlike dimension—the Flickering World, woven with images from the protagonist's brother's subconscious. This world leaves a lasting impression and is memorable thanks to its unique visual and audio design. The game offers no explicit explanation, forcing the viewer to interpret what exactly happened and the meaning of the ending. This is one of Sublustrum's appeals: fan theories abound, but the truth about which of them is correct remains uncertain. In addition, it is quite possible that the correct interpretation of the plot is simply missing.

Heroes of Might and Magic 5: The Grandeur of Strategy and Fantasy

Release date: 2006

To date, this has become the best continuation of "Heroes" after the legendary third part.

After 3DO went bankrupt, the rights to the Heroes series passed to Ubisoft. Ubisoft decided to gradually update the franchise and create a new fantasy world called Ashan for sequels spanning the entire Might and Magic universe. Development was entrusted to the Russian studio Nival, which had previously released the Ethereals duology and used many concepts similar to those in Heroes. This resulted in an interesting combination, as Nival later applied some elements from Ethereals to Heroes of Might and Magic 5.

The fifth installment of Heroes is heavily reminiscent of the iconic third game, but it also features several successful elements borrowed from the controversial fourth version. The developers added many of their own new ideas. For example, city building became much more exciting, and battles became more dynamic thanks to the ability to maneuver (in addition, the hero has his own move). The game's castles offer a variety of gameplay options. Furthermore, it's worth noting the magnificent graphics, which looked stunning at the time of release and still delight the eye today (have you seen these cities?). However, the release was marred by a host of bugs, which were subsequently fixed.

One of the add-ons introduced an interesting element that had a significant impact on the gameplay: creatures now had new, alternative upgrades, significantly increasing the possibilities for developing different tactical approaches.

Turgor

Release date: 2008

Briefly: a genuine arthouse in the field of video games.

The genre of the game "Turgor" is difficult to describe, as it is completely unique. Although some aspects can be compared to games like Okami or projects in the survival genre, as a whole "Turgor" is unique. The action takes place in the Gap, consisting of many small locations. This place is inhabited by the Sisters - mysterious girls striving to leave this Gap. To achieve the positive ending, the player must fill their hearts with the color they collect throughout the game, or use that color to saturate one of the Sisters.

This world contains a multitude of hues that must be collected, mined from unique creatures, extracted from the depths, and grown in specialized gardens. Interaction with the environment, including combat, is accomplished through special signs that must be drawn—and this requires color. However, the situation is complicated by the appearance of the Brothers—terrifying guardians of order who, over time, infiltrate the Void and begin attacking your gardens, you, and the Sisters you fill with color. Furthermore, time moves inexorably forward.

Besides its unique gameplay, "Turgor" stands out for its original design, including the Brothers, and creates a unique atmosphere of decay in which the player must not only destroy but also build. Trying to explain the game is difficult to convey all the nuances, so it's best to experience it for yourself.

In 2009, a year after the original's release, a new edition, "Voice of Color," was released. The game became more accessible in some ways, and more challenging in others. However, fans most often recommend starting with the original version.

Mission: Silent Storm

Release date: 2003

In short: a great tactical game where buildings are subject to destruction.

This list also includes another remarkable work by Nival, Silent Storm. The game takes place during World War II, but deviates significantly from historical reality. In this story, the Nazis use unusual technologies, such as Panzerklein exoskeletons, and the main threat to humanity is a beam weapon of mass destruction, which the terrorist organization that players will have to fight intends to launch into Earth's orbit.

The game has a similar structure to Jagged Alliance: you will hire mercenaries and send them to carry out various missions, while battles take place in a turn-based format. Stealth is an important component, and the presence of an experienced sniper will be useful in most missions. One of Silent Storm's distinctive features is the ability to destroy objects, as well as realistic projectile physics. This adds an element of unpredictability to the gameplay: you might accidentally collapse half a building, thereby eliminating the staircase leading to the character you're trying to interact with. However, such situations make the game even more engaging!

The game features two expansions: "Sentinels" and "Hammer and Sickle." It's worth noting that the second of these was originally a fan mod, which, unfortunately, lacks panzerkleins.

Royal Loot: A Knight's Tale

Release date: 2008

A tale full of magic and exciting step-by-step battles that amazes with its charm.

The storyline of "Heroes" begins not with the first issue, but with the game King's Bounty, released in 1990, which served as the basis for future projects. However, the real heyday of this series occurred later, when the rights to King's Bounty were acquired by the Russian company 1C after the closure of the studio New World Computing. The development of "The Legend of the Knight" was taken over by the Katauri Interactive team, consisting of the creators of "Space Rangers".

King's Bounty embodies classic heroic fantasy. This is a vibrant and masterfully written tale, filled with stunning art and captivating music. If you're looking for a captivating fantasy adventure in the spirit of "good old traditions," then "The Legend of the Knight" is an excellent choice. Furthermore, the game offers a well-thought-out tactical combat system rich with diverse skills, opening up ample opportunity for experimentation, and sometimes the results can truly surprise.

Several expansions were released for "The Legend of the Knight," which both expanded on the main storyline and introduced new narratives. The most significant of these is "The Armored Princess," but the other expansions are also worth noting.

In 2021, King's Bounty 2, developed by a different team, was released and is significantly different from its predecessor in both its visual style and gameplay. The game was a real disappointment in many ways when it was released, but was later polished and became more tolerable. However, it still remains a pale reflection of the original King's Bounty from Katauri.

War Thunder

Release date: 2013

The session is dedicated to the creation of realistically functioning military equipment.

You probably already have extensive knowledge about War Thunder thanks to the intrusive advertising integrations that bloggers have turned into veritable memes. However, there is one aspect that may have escaped your attention: War Thunder is one of the largest free-to-play multiplayer games, …

Seriously, it's worth noting that this game's reputation is eloquently evidenced by the fact that leaked documents with technical specifications of real military vehicles have repeatedly appeared on its forum. This was done to prove their point in the discussions. If you're looking for an online action game with realistically-behaved military equipment, this game is for you.

Pathologic 2Release date: 2019

In short: a game in which you fight against inevitable death and have no prospects for a happy outcome.

This place could have been the original version of Pathologic (Utopia) from 2005, but we decided to present a remake that represents a new vision - as it surpasses its predecessor in every respect. Although in this game the player is offered to go through the campaign of only one of three key characters, the Haruspex, it is still a full-fledged work. The two other storylines will be realized in separate games with unique gameplay; for example, Pathologic 3, dedicated to the Bachelor, is coming soon.

If you try to classify Pathologic into any genre, it will probably be a survival simulator. The player must survive in a city engulfed in a plague, which presents many challenges: they must obtain food and other resources, sometimes resorting to illegal methods, avoid infections, and manage their fatigue level. Survival is truly challenging, as they must also care for and treat key residents—the game hints that saving everyone is impossible, and this is likely true. The plague spreads unceremoniously throughout the city, moving from one district to another, sparing no one.

Death, in this context, has its own meaning. The plague finds the Haruspex and informs him that its intentions are unwavering—it will take those it chooses. Indeed, its will can be resisted, but it requires tremendous effort. Ultimately, the main task is to learn to accept the fact that people pass away and to recognize one's helplessness in this situation. This game explores themes of hopelessness and acceptance of death.

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Soul Metabolism: Pathologic 3 Details in Conversation with Ice-Pick Lodge.

«Black Book»

Date Release date: 2021

In short: an adventure game based on card battles, inspired by Cherdyn folk tales.

The Morteshka studio, located in Perm, and its founder, Vladimir Beletsky, share a deep connection to their native land. Their previously released game, "Moose Man," drew inspiration from the folklore of the Komi-Permyaks, while their new work, "The Black Book," was inspired by folk stories from Cherdyn, a remarkable ancient city in the Perm region. The action takes place in 1879, a time when ancient Slavic beliefs should have been a thing of the past. However, in the Cherdyn district, they remain quite influential. The gameplay is an interesting combination of visual novel, adventure game, and card mechanics—though not particularly complex, it is still captivating. "The Black Book" serves as an excellent example of how to convey the authentic Russian spirit in modern games: with respect for historical and ethnographic roots, in an original setting and without excesses, absolutely sincere and with a soulful approach.

Escape from Tarkov

Release date: 2017 (currently still in beta)

A leading figure who started the action shooter genre, which is currently rapidly gaining popularity.

Soon after the start of beta testing of Escape from Tarkov, which is still ongoing, Hunt: Showdown from Crytek was released. In this game, players need to not only win, but also successfully escape the location with the loot. If the character dies, all loot is lost. However, Hunt, like most other action games with elements of extraction and extraction, cannot compete with the depth, level of hardcore, and volume of content offered by Escape from Tarkov. Tarkov, it seems, was the pioneer in this category. Many developers try to ride the wave of popularity, but often find themselves left behind, as happened earlier with the advent of MOBAs and then battle royales. Escape from Tarkov occupies a unique place among games. Extraction games are by nature characterized by high difficulty (upon defeat, the player loses everything), but Tarkov stands out for its unique level of difficulty: even AI-controlled opponents pose a serious threat. The project's creator, Nikita Buyanov, initially intended to form a small but devoted community of players who could be called truly hardcore, and about whom people would say, "Wow, you play Tarkov, that means you're a real fan." However, in the end, there were many such dedicated hardcore players around the world. And this despite the game not yet being formally released.

Loop Hero

Release date: 2021

Brief: A unique roguelike without direct control.

Loop Hero features a unique and engaging concept. The main character wanders endlessly along a ring road, fighting various opponents, and you don't need to control his actions - he deals with them himself. Your task is to choose equipment, which has a variety of characteristics, and place objects on the map. Some are placed directly on the road itself, while others are located nearby or at a significant distance. You can also destroy structures, such as enemy structures that give the boss advantages, using special cards. Furthermore, the game offers a leveling system with numerous talents and the ability to upgrade your base by adding new buildings.

Placing a swamp on the hero's route next to a vampire mansion will cause the vampires to take damage instead of healing. Building a vampire mansion next to a village tile can transform it into a deserted place inhabited by enemies. However, it's worth noting that after three game rounds, such a village will provide more powerful healing than a standard one. Mountains, located on six square tiles, can provide a significant amount of resources. And this is only a small sample of the possibilities. The game offers a huge variety of strategies and constantly surprises with its rich content.

Pathfinder Duology

Release years: 2018 and 2021.

Briefly: large-scale and exciting role-playing games with a party element, each of which takes about a hundred hours of play.

Both Pathfinder games, developed by Owlcat Games, are expansive, immersive role-playing adventures. These projects draw inspiration from the system and universe of Pathfinder, a tabletop role-playing game that is a more complex variant of Dungeons & Dragons. Essentially, Pathfinder draws on the third edition of D&D, making it a kind of retro version of that classic game.

The protagonist embarks on a journey with companions, each of whom is a uniquely developed individual with their own character and backstory. The game features a variety of classes, skills, spells, and various settings, which gives combat significant tactical complexity. Furthermore, each game features a global mode: in Kingmaker, players must develop and defend their kingdom, while Wrath of the Righteous offers a large-scale crusade with army battles reminiscent of Heroes.

Comparing the two games, it's safe to say that Wrath of the Righteous surpasses Kingmaker in many ways. It offers more character development options, includes cutscenes, and the overall gameplay doesn't feel as grueling as Kingmaker, where mistakes in kingdom management could lead to defeat. The plots of both games have almost no overlap, so starting with Wrath of the Righteous is quite justified.

Warhammer 40,000: Outcast Trader

Release date: 2023

In short: an extensive role-playing game set in an iconic dark world.

An isometric role-playing game from Owlcat Games has once again appeared on the list, but this time it is based on a well-known license – Warhammer 40,000, where only war reigns. The game world completely immerses you in its brutal atmosphere: here, human life has no meaning, and if you decide to help your companion in their personal quest, you may find that your actions only lead to a worsening of the situation. The game offers three distinct playstyles, and if you choose the Heretic path, you risk becoming an extremely ruthless character.

This game offers vast build possibilities, and combat is dynamic and tactical, taking place in a turn-based format. At the same time, like Pathfinder, there's a global mode where you develop your ship (including space battles) and manage colonies. However, the most important element remains the beautifully crafted world and engaging storyline. For fans of dark fantasy, this game simply must be on their radar.

Read also:

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an impressive project that has remained under our attention in 2023.

Breathedge

Release date: 2021

Short description: A comedy survival game filled with many allusions and cultural references.

A chicken as an indispensable element. A condom balloon filled with oxygen. A passion for collecting underwear. A tumbler toy with the VID TV company logo. A vacuum cleaner transformed into a space motorcycle. A hamster that ended up in the toilet. Breathedge is full of humorous moments—some of them are genuinely witty, while others may seem a little awkward, but they still make you smile. It's important to note that the humor in Breathedge isn't limited to jokes; it's organically woven into the gameplay itself. Arguably, it's at its very core.

The creators never miss an opportunity to prank the player. One quest, for example, requires finding 200 coffins floating in space. A seemingly simple task! At the same time, the AI ​​assistant doesn't hold back its ridicule and directly points out that this is just an artificial way to drag out the game.

This work contains a colossal number of references to various cultural phenomena - from sci-fi video games and movies to cartoons, as well as real-life events like the coronavirus pandemic, which makes me smile (coronavirus, heh-heh).

All this makes the process of resource gathering, regular trips between bases, and crafting quite engaging. In addition, the storyline is actively progressing and constantly offers new interesting twists.

SnowRunner

Release date: 2020

A simulator dedicated to driving on difficult terrain.

SnowRunner is a sequel to Spintires and retains its core ideas, but offers a larger, more beautiful, and more engaging experience (although the level of hardcore has been reduced slightly). Get behind the controls of a truck or jeep and set off on a thrilling adventure along challenging routes, where every track conceals its own dangers.

Quests in the game typically boil down to moving from one point to another. However, this task is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Virtual physics are implemented with a high degree of realism, and the roads often present real challenges, where it is easy to find yourself in a difficult situation – getting stuck in the mud, flipping over, or falling off a bridge into a river. This is precisely the appeal of the gameplay! A winch becomes an indispensable assistant, but even it is not always able to pull the vehicle out of the most difficult situations. Therefore, it is important to plan routes in advance and carefully monitor road conditions. Every path, even if it seems short, turns into a real adventure.

Atomic Heart

Release date: 2023

Briefly: A AAA shooter, made in the style of Soviet futurism.

Back then, many considered the creation of a AAA game in Russia something almost fantastical, and before the release of Atomic Heart, some people even doubted its reality. They claimed that the video footage was a hoax, and the journalists who observed the development process were simply scammers. However, in 2023, the game finally saw the light of day and instantly gained popularity among a wide audience.

The importance of this game lies not only in the fact that it is set in an alternate Soviet Union, which has achieved remarkable success in the field of robotics and technology in general. Although this is certainly significant, as Atomic Heart has a stunning style and many intriguing references to the Soviet legacy, including the musical accompaniment. In addition, this is simply a high-quality and exciting shooter with a rich storyline that brings pleasure from the gameplay.

Work on the second part and a separate multiplayer game located in this universe is already actively underway.

MiSide

Release date: 2024

Short description: an anime thriller that constantly violates the boundaries of space.

The central figure of MiSide is an ordinary young man, leading a rather routine existence. One day, he decides to entertain himself by immersing himself in a game where he needs to furnish an apartment for a cute girl named Mita. However, something unexpected soon happens, and he finds himself inside this game world, which is reminiscent of anime plots about time travelers. At first, everything goes quite well, but it quickly becomes apparent that Mita is a real psychopath who captures her players and transfers their consciousnesses to cartridges.

From this moment on, a tense thriller unfolds that doesn’t just break the fourth wall—there are no walls at all. It would be inappropriate to make further disclosures, so we will only note that the plot is not inferior to the well-known game Doki Doki Literature Club, and the gameplay manages to surprise at every turn.

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What is behind the success of MiSide - a game that became incredibly popular thanks to its anime maniac?

Warhammer 40,000: The Second Coming of the Space Marines

Release date: 2024

This exciting epic action game will take viewers on an incredible adventure with the participation of space marines, full of intense battles and exciting events.

As with SnowRunner, this game is developed by the international company Saber, which has offices in various parts of the world. However, it was the Russian division that took primary responsibility for the creation of this project. This sequel to the rather controversial action game from Relic managed to surpass its predecessor in every respect and became one of the key games of 2024.

In the world of Warhammer 40,000, the only thing that matters is war. Players will take part in battles, destroying many evil Tyranids and followers of Chaos, and this can be done in cooperative mode. The battles are incredibly brutal and dynamic, and there will be so many enemies that they can be compared to real hordes. This game provides a truly epic and immersive experience.