Bizzare Russian MS-DOS games from the 90s

The Evolution of Russian Video Games

Early Beginnings and Unique Concepts

• The transcript opens with humorous references to bizarre game concepts, highlighting the creativity of early Russian game developers in the 90s.

• Alexei Pajitnov's success with Tetris is mentioned as a pivotal moment that inspired many post-Soviet programmers to enter the gaming market.

• The emergence of various MS-DOS puzzle games, some original and others clones, reflects the diverse landscape of early Russian gaming.

• The speaker emphasizes the unique nature of these games, designed specifically for Russian gamers, showcasing a cultural interplay in their development.

• Notable contributions from Russian developers to international projects are acknowledged, including work on titles like "The Faces of Evil" and "Warcraft."

Iconic Games and Cultural References

• The discussion transitions to modern expectations for new releases like Atomic Heart while recognizing the historical significance of earlier games.

• Many early Russian games remain obscure outside Russia, often tied closely to local narratives and humor that resonate primarily with domestic audiences.

• An example is given about a game where players fire missiles at Windows icons, illustrating the quirky humor prevalent in these titles.

• Nikita Company’s creation "Floppy Killer" is highlighted as an example of innovative yet unconventional gameplay from this era.

• A first-person fighting game featuring Ivan Zubrovka showcases how local culture influenced game design.

Noteworthy Titles and Their Impact

• The Crow is introduced as one of the first video games based on Russian folk tales, emphasizing its cultural significance despite being lesser-known internationally.

• Gameplay elements include whimsical interactions with characters from folklore, reflecting a blend of traditional storytelling with interactive entertainment.

• O&P Software's limited output raises questions about their legacy; however, enthusiasts have reverse-engineered aspects of their work to uncover more about its origins.

• Insights into the game's soundtrack reveal connections between O&P Software and other notable projects by Nikita Company.

The Crow Game: An Exploration of Its Versions and Gameplay

The Release and Versions of The Crow

• The reason for not releasing "The Crow" under the Nikita brand remains unclear, though an English version was developed two years later in 1994.

• The only distinction between "The Crow" and its second version is the title screen; the latter also includes a soundtrack absent in the original 1992 release.

• Players can select levels from the title screen, but to view ending credits, all levels must be completed sequentially.

Cultural References and Themes

• The game features a capitalist twist on Alexander Pushkin's character, reflecting Russia's transition from communism to a market economy in the 90s.

• A humorous fistfight mechanic is introduced where players battle with unconventional weapons like a dead fish, showcasing an evolution of fighting games rather than their origin.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Character movement is controlled via left/right buttons; attacks are executed by holding down space while dodging is done with the up button.

• Players' health is represented by apples; defeating enemies becomes easier after acclimatizing to slight control delays.

Progression Through Fairy Tale Characters

• After defeating Yemelya, who possesses a wish-granting fish, players continue their quest against Baba Yaga in her iconic chicken-legged house.

• Questions arise regarding why characters are fought; while some are antiheroes like Baba Yaga, others like Yemelya aren't portrayed as villains.

Racing and Combat Challenges

• Controls improve during racing stages compared to fighting ones; players must avoid finishing first to succeed in this non-racing segment.

• Defeating Baba Yaga involves using traditional cooking tools as weapons; health management becomes crucial for upcoming challenges.

Difficulty Levels and Comparisons

• Players should conserve health before entering challenging levels that resemble gameplay mechanics from classic titles like Dark Souls.

• Jumping mechanics require timing and precision as players navigate swamp monsters while avoiding pitfalls reminiscent of other platformers.

What Makes Swamps Challenging in Gaming?

Navigating the Swamp Level

• The speaker discusses their personal experience with swamps in gaming, emphasizing their complexity and the need for memorization of jump mechanics to avoid sinking.

• Players must use imagination to visualize character progression from the swamp to a final battle against a dragon, highlighting the lack of cutscenes in this game.

• The strategy for defeating the three-headed dragon involves blocking attacks and countering wisely; players should focus on identifying attack patterns based on visual cues.

Game Mechanics and Challenges

• Despite some narrative shortcomings, the game is praised for its retro charm, visuals, and engaging gameplay that remains enjoyable even after 30 years.

• The game consists of mini-games inspired by Russian fairy tales, which were acceptable given its release year (1992), showcasing early video game development.

The History of Russian Video Games

Development and Distribution Issues

• Nikita Company developed notable games like Highway Hunter (1994), but official physical releases were scarce in Russia during the 90s due to piracy issues.

• The speaker reflects on how most games acquired during this time were pirated copies from friends or local stores selling bootleg versions.

Evolution of Game Availability

• Early challenges included difficulties in producing official game packaging; even when available, these games were expensive and hard to find.

• By the mid-late 90s, official Russian video games began appearing more widely in stores across major cities, marking a significant shift in availability.