There is a widespread belief online that the Russian gaming industry after 2008 produced no real hits. That view is debated here. Many Russian projects have found audiences beyond borders in recent years. This article highlights ten fresh titles from Russia that deserve attention.
The most successful Russian game in history remains Tetris, which ranks among the world’s top sellers. Only GTA 5 and Minecraft surpass it in total copies sold.
Atomic Heart
Atomic Heart emerged as a notable surprise in gaming circles last year. The Mundfish studio crafted a strong follow-up to a classic, blending BioShock-inspired vibes with a retro-futuristic Soviet setting. It has been over a decade since the third BioShock installment, and Ken Levine has not released a new project on his own since Infinite. In an era where single-player shooters are less common, Atomic Heart stands out. Detailed impressions are provided in the review.
What do readers think about Atomic Heart?
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
An isometric RPG featuring a strong plot, non-linear quests, and the option to assume roles from a demon to an angel, or even a clever trickster. The game suits hardcore fans, as battles can be demanding. Beyond standard combat, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers world-map adventures where players lead vast armies and seize cities, reminiscent of classic strategy adventures. Comprehensive details appear in the review.
Pathologic 2
Despite the numeral in the title, this is not a direct sequel but a remake of the 2005 original, Mora. The core idea remains: a steppe city plagued by a deadly epidemic, and the main task is survival while uncovering the mystery. The game world evolves not only through player actions but also on its own. Residents cling to routines, fall ill, or die, altering quests and balance. Pathologic 2 delivers freedom of movement, thoughtful characters, and dark secrets worth unraveling.
Escape from Tarkov
In May this year, Battlestate Games released a new paid edition of Escape from Tarkov, drawing criticism for price and Pay-to-Win elements. Yet at its core, the game remains a dense hardcore shooter with survival and MMO elements. Its mechanics reward repeat play, even with the constant risk of random, lethal gunfire. Note that the project is in early access, with frequent updates adding fresh content. A separate article discusses these developments.
King’s Bounty 2
King’s Bounty began in 1990, and eighteen years later a new title titled The Legend of the Knight arrived, followed by multiple expansions. In 2021, a full-fledged sequel appeared. This series follows the adventures of a hero or heroine, exploring a world map and engaging in turn-based battles. In King’s Bounty 2, terrain now influences combat. Fighters gain experience and grow stronger over time. The review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of this game in detail.
Walk Hero
An unusual rogue-like with indirect controls. In Loop Hero, the protagonist travels a fixed path, fighting enemies along the way. Player influence lies in shaping the surrounding world to make the journey easier or harder, yielding more experience. Card-driven terrain changes alongside monsters create a simple yet captivating mix with pixel-art visuals.
Spectator 2
In the first game, players acted as a vigilant neighbor spying on residents. In the sequel, the protagonist can join the ministry and must earn trust from superiors while guiding colleagues. The game offers multiple paths up the career ladder, including ruthless methods. The goal is to meet the ruler and uncover dark state secrets.
Breathing
A survival game set in space, Breathing merges humor with a distinctly Soviet flavor. The title stays accessible, with straightforward mechanics compared to other titles in the genre. It presents a lighthearted yet engaging experience worth enjoying in one sitting. More about the game can be found in the review.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Players lead a rogue trader wielding unique powers, roaming the Imperium’s outskirts, negotiating with aliens or clashing with them. Combat follows a tactical, turn-based style akin to XCOM. While the game faced technical issues at launch, many of these have been addressed, and the core gameplay remains faithful to the Warhammer canon.
Atomic RPG
An isometric RPG set in a post-apocalyptic USSR, Atom RPG evokes Fallout-era sensibilities. The game blends solid gameplay with a healthy dose of humor. If 2D visuals don’t deter you, it’s well worth a try. A detailed overview exists in a separate article on VG Times.
Which Russian game from recent years resonated most with readers? Share thoughts in the comments.
Which game from our list stood out the most?
Note: the discussion reflects a broad spectrum of titles and showcases how Russian developers have expanded their reach beyond national borders.