A charming showcase of a domestic metroidvania emerged in Moscow Slavania, observed by the VGTimes team during a visit. A small indie project has secured backing from the Game Art Pioneers holding company, serving as its publisher.
The evening spotlight shone on artist Vladimir Khaetsky, game designer Vladimir Averyanov, and programmer Maxim Leshchinsky, the three co-founders of FrostLeaf Games who bring the studio to life.
Slavania has been on the radar for over a year, during which the developers delivered a moving presentation. Dmitry Zdesev, a general producer at Game Art Pioneers and the game’s publisher, outlined ambitious plans to broaden the title’s reach. For those following the domestic scene, Zdesev is also known for another project, DISTORTION, which stands as a prominent domestic AAA milestone in Russian game development.
In a future-forward moment, Zdesev hinted at a robust wishlist for Slavania on Steam, noting that the list had recently doubled. The marketing push behind Slavania is unmistakable; the team has even teased the possibility of the game appearing on cereals or cracker packages in local stores, turning it into a familiar household emblem.
Specific figures were not disclosed, but Zdesev described total sales of around 250,000 copies as a genuine success, especially for a small-scale title set in a less conventional environment within a crowded indie scene.
The publisher aims to monetize beyond Steam through a future console release, anticipating a broader audience. The plan is to roll out patches, expansions, and localizations across more countries within a year, with a focus on BRICS language groups, while console development teams prepare for those audiences in advance.
Initial impressions of Slavania
What do early impressions reveal about the game? A distinctly Slavic spirit comes through. Players encounter creatures like the dragon Gorynych, a sturdy figure wearing bast shoes, and a traveling merchant aboard a carved wagon. The game trades the vivid interiors of Novgorod for forested, evergreen scenery. The color palette is bright, perhaps a little overwhelming on some screens, with a cheerful soundtrack and a fictional tongue that evokes playful reminiscences of magical babble.
Do you often play metroidvanias?
Slavania translates well to portable play, performing neatly on a Steam Deck for quick sessions during breaks, and there are hints of a Switch version in the works. On a larger screen, some animation frames and repetitive elements become more noticeable.
The review notes moments where gameplay mechanics push the boundaries of the genre. For instance, a spear is used in both combat and platforming, and environmental changes from day to night affect enemy density and strength. Small touches, like a saved-notes line after a pillar save, add a touch of character to the world.
There are occasional bugs and rough edges. Interface elements can misalign, and some progression cues or map indicators may pulse too quickly after a death. Yet these issues seem solvable with a day-one patch, already in preparation for deployment.
Another notable design choice is a separate loading ring for transitions and dialogues. Players must engage a sequence: press the up button, wait for a fill indicator, then interact. The developers acknowledge this is a technical limitation rather than a final design decision.
Despite the indie budget, the FrostLeaf team has included clever discoveries. A universal spear serves dual roles, day-night cycles influence enemy appearances, and small textual flourishes, like using the word were after saving, enrich the lore without overwhelming players.
Three FrostLeaf Games founders illustrate a strong, collaborative spirit. The studio has welcomed constructive criticism with openness rather than defensiveness, a hallmark of many indie journeys in this challenging field. It is clear the team embraced the learning curve, having built many skills from the ground up and even seeking validation from family members during early drafts.
Are you planning to try Slavania?
Even with budget constraints and occasional bugs, there is a clear interest in experiencing Slavania at least once. Trailers showcase diverse landscapes beyond the initial locale, including battles with awkward bears, flying raccoon-like creatures, and scenes sprinkled with sunflowers and birches. The project promises roughly 15 to 20 hours of gameplay on a single run.
***
In the end, Slavania may not command every penny in the world or every moment of adoration, but it provides valuable experience for three Russian developers. The team deserves recognition for their dedication, and the game is currently available on Steam at a discounted price of 392 rubles.
Source: VG Times