Games published by Locis
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Perestroika
Perestroika, released in 1990, is a DOS game that took the gaming world by storm with its unique and innovative gameplay. Developed by Microforum International, Perestroika is a strategy game that offers players a chance to become the leader of a communist state in post-Soviet Russia. The game is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, during the time of the Soviet Union's collapse, and it allows players to experience the political turmoil of that period.
One of the most striking features of Perestroika is its attention to historical accuracy and detail. From the game's graphics to its soundtrack, every aspect of the game is designed to give players an authentic experience of the times. The graphics, while simplistic, capture the essence of the communist era, with muted colors and low-resolution images. The soundtrack is a blend of traditional Russian music and atmospheric tones, immersing players in the game's setting.
The gameplay of Perestroika involves managing and making decisions for a communist state, similar to other popular strategy games like Civilization and SimCity. Players must deal with issues such as economic stability, social unrest, and international relations while also trying to maintain control over their government. The decisions made by players have a direct impact on the state's well-being, making this game both challenging and engaging.
Another remarkable aspect of Perestroika is its attention to cultural and political nuances of the time. The game is packed with historical references and cleverly incorporates political satire, making it not only an entertaining game but also a learning experience. It offers players a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Soviet Union's collapse and how it affected the lives of its citizens.
Perestroika also offers a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete with friends and test their strategy-making skills against each other. This feature adds another layer of excitement to the game, as players can see how their decisions compare to others and compete for the top spot. With its multiplayer option, Perestroika has the potential to keep players entertained for hours on end.
Toppler
Perestroika (also known as Toppler) is a fun game from a small Russian developer called Locis, which quickly disappeared after this 'one hit wonder'.
What makes the game interesting and historically valuable is not only its great gameplay, but the fact that it works on two levels: as a game and as a subliminal instrument of Russian propaganda (okay, this is a joke, folks, don't take it too seriously ;)).
The player plays a frog who must jump from one water lily to another to reach the goal before the water lilies sink under water. At the same time, you must avoid the big ugly flies that chase you around the screen and devour you. The game represents three elements of the Russian Perestroika movement: the citizens, the bureaucrats, and the capitalists. I'm not going to say which element of the game represents which, let's see if you can figure it out ;) Suffice it to say that you will build a democracy in Russia by the time the game is over.
Overall, Perestroika is a fun little action game that manages to get a political message across. If you like the game, check out Toppler for Windows, an excellent fan-made remake of the game, also on this site. If you don't like political messages in games, ignore the connotations and play Perestroika for what it is at heart: a fun, unpretentious action game. Recommended, although it's a shame that the game is very difficult to get running on Pentiums and above.
