The Best Ukrainian Video Games

It's been over a week since Russia invaded Ukraine, bringing war back to European soil. If you care about our opinion, we hope that the war Putin declared on Ukraine will be remembered as a great crime against humanity, and we hope that those responsible will be judged in Hague. Women and children have been fleeing the country, and talking about Ukraine has become a daily routine, with some of our colleagues following the front line progress every day. So let's get to know Ukraine a little bit better. As a website about video games, we can contribute to that by writing about Ukraininan gamedev. Many games from the country haven't really entered the mainstream, even though they are quite excellent titles. We wish to endorse these games to you, because their developers must certainly be in need of money and positive energy like never before.

Some of you will surely recognize names like GSC Game World, the authors of the successful Cossacks and the iconic STALKER. The second giant of the Ukrainian gamedev is Frogwares, responsible for the amazing Sherlock Holmes series (probably the best of its genre) and the brand-new The Sinking City based on Lovecraft's prose. Not to mention the amazing Metro 2033, which actually seems somewhat prophetic if you look at the current pictures from Kiev's underground.

In the text, we also tried to show you a few interesting games that are less known or older. Keep in mind that some of them are distributed by companies based in Russia. We've decided not to omit these titles, as they certainly deserve credit for all the effort and talent that went into the production – at the same time, you have to be aware who's at the receiving end when it comes to money. Therefore – if you want to buy responsibly – read this article carefully.

Metro (series)

This is one of those FPS games in which the story, based on books by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is definitely more than just the background of the shooting. The suffocating atmosphere is greatly enhanced by powerful enemies that inhabit the tunnels. The mutated bests can sometimes endure two full clips of ammo, and people need oxygen to freely walk on the surface.

The action of the original game takes place in 2033, after the civilization was decimated by a nuclear war, and is not only struggling to communicate on the scale we know today, but even to create even small, independent enclaves on the surface. A group of 40 thousand people hide in the Moscow metro. We watch the game from the perspective of Artyom, a man who was born on the surface.

4A Games was founded even before the release of the first STALKER by a group of former GSC Game World employees (including Oles Shishkovstov and Alexander Maximchuk). For the needs of the game, they created a modification of the X-Ray Engine – so that it supports PhysX technology.

1. Metro 2033 in our encyclopedia

S. T. A. L. K. E. R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl

The STALKER and Metro series form a cult-classic duo of Ukrainian FPS in post-apocalyptic climates, which have reached absolutely the entire world. The first, however, was the adaptation of the work of the Strugacki brothers, which is in fact a grim alternative history of the world, in which Chernobyl radiation spread dangerously fast after the explosion of the sarcophagus.

In this title, we play the role of a man who feels almost at home in the radioactive zone. In fact, he earns a living by looting the most dangerous corners of the Zone. Searching for a variety of materials adds a touch of RPG to the game, and a pretty good arsenal of weapons makes STALKER a compelling shooter.

However, the whole thing stands out from the competition with a unique atmosphere. We have colorless, irradiated wastelands, extreme weather anomalies, as well as mutants whose presence gives the game a truly survival-horror vibe – once you enter the Zone, it will be difficult for you to forget about it.

1. STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl in our encyclopedia

Men of War

Men of War is a continuation of some previous games by the Ukrainian developers. These were Soldiers: Heroes of World War II and Faces of War. This time, the companies tackled on the realities of the Second World War in a refreshed graphic design.

We can play campaigns in Africa, Greece, Russia, Germany, Italy and Ukraine. 50 types of units waiting for the player invite the use of various tactics, depending not only on the style of the game, but also on the terrain or the initial balance of power.

Weapons, vehicles and uniforms have been reproduced with great attention to detail. Some character animations are a tad crude, and soldiers are moving pretty stiffly. Landscapes, however, look just as good as in games released even a few years later, and the controls are well-suited for the in-game tug of war.

1. Men of War in our encyclopedia

Sherlock Holmes: Awakening

Of all the video-game adventures of Sherlock Holmes, it's the series of the Ukrainian Frogwares, still constantly developed, seems by far the most atmospheric. Although at the beginning, the production lacked funding (as can be seen in Awakening, for example), the remarkable plot successfully made up for its visual and mechanical shortcomings.

All the puzzles are woven into the plot here, which means that although they are fewer, but they perfectly fit the atmosphere of Sherlock Holmes' clash with a mysterious sect. Combining Cthulhu mythology and the Holmes universe was also an excellent idea.

The music doesn't cut through the foreground, but perfectly builds tension, and seems more suited to a Lovecraft's story than a detective one. Thanks to this, occasional crude animations do not spoil the fun in the game. Especially when we manage to reach the surprising and satisfying ending.

The game was released by the French company Focus Entertainment.

1. Sherlock Holmes: Awakening in our encyclopedia

Dracula: The Beginning

In-between the publication of subsequent Sherlock games, Frogwares began to create an adventure game about Vlad Dracula. After the suicidal death of his loved one, this once-passionate Christian, who thus condemned herself to eternal torment, decides to do everything to regain her. To this end, Dracula makes a pact with the devil and becomes an immortal vampire. In his way stands the steadfast van Helsing.

You probably already know all this. The plot of the game, however, tries to surprise us with a thread that has not yet been exploited in pop culture. The very fact that we play as van Helsing, who basically wants to save Dracula, seems to be an unusual idea. If we add to that a huge number of locations and interesting dialogues, it turns out to be one of the best interactive stories about the famous vampire.

Unfortunately, the game isn't very long, and the graphics, even for 2008, do not look stunning. Some irritation may also arise from a few difficult puzzles that require knowledge of, for example, historical facts, or classical music. These disadvantages, however, become insignificant next to the dark, addictive story. Despite the passage of time, it's worthwhile to overcome it and try to save Dracula (or die before we manage to do so!).

1. Dracula: The Beginning in our encyclopedia

The Sinking City

This time, Frogwares left the well-known point'n'click adventure and created a game combining many genres. So we have a bit of an RPG, some survival horror, and some action. However, the adventure elements remain, and thanks to them, the game manages to build the tension perfectly before subsequent battles with Lovecraftian nightmares.

Some players may find the roughness of this game off-putting. Which is hardly a surprise. The Sinking City gives the impression of a game designed almost 10 years ago. The city feels repetitive, character animation is lousy, and enemy AI is very poor.

However, if you are able to shrug off these technical inconveniences, Frogwares will treat you with a devilishly atmospheric story of life, death, horror and madness. The explanation of the mysterious flood will keep you awake at night until you see the end credits, and the slimy, moist environment, even with poor-quality textures, can give you nightmares.

The game was released by the French company Nacon – but later, due to a series of misunderstandings, the cooperation was terminated.

1. The Sinking City in our encyclopedia

Cossacks (series)

Admit it – who has ever played the Cossacks? The first part came with many expansions, then there was the second, an anthology, and highly nostalgic part three? If you haven't played them, it's worth catching up. Because even today, more than twenty years after the release of the original, it is one of the best real-time strategies, focusing on spectacular clashes of huge armies, as opposed to emphasizing the tiny battles reminiscent of the first Age of Empires.

Cossacks also brought an interesting historical context. Yes, there are some historical inconsistencies, but for a niche game released by a small studio on the fledgling Ukrainian market 22 years ago, it's still remarkable! In fact, back in 2005, the game was recommended by one of my school historians as an example of militaristic realities of that period.

Released in 2016, Cossacks 3 eliminated many of its predecessors' mistakes, while offering better graphics (definitely not triple-A level, but they were decent) and making the interface much more intuitive. There can be as many as 10,000 units on the map at the same time, and the great battles look better than, for example, in Stronghold: Extreme Crusader which was more refined in terms of in-game economy.

1. Cossacks series in our encyclopedia

80 days

This Ukrainian adventure game is loosely based on the iconic novel by Jules Verne – Around the World in Eighty Days. The protagonist of the game is not Phileas Fogg, but the young English traveler Oliver Lavisheart, who in the year 1900 intends to go around the world in exactly 80 days to help his uncle win a bet.

Lest it be too schematic, the protagonist stumbles upon his uncle's bizarre and fantastic inventions, and learns the secrets of his own family. He also helps numerous NPCs along the way. These, in turn, are not the heroes of Verne's books, but rather independent creations of Frogwares.

Today, the controls may seem the most problematic element of the game. The textures of three-dimensional characters sometimes break the immersion. The extraordinary humor, colorful story and expressive characters are what makes 80 days worth giving a chance even after 17 years. Sure, it might not be the best Frogwares' game, but it can definitely make an endless afternoon more enjoyable. Maybe it'll even get you to read Jules Verne if you haven't already.

1. 80 Days in our encyclopedia

Ultimate General: Civil War

In Civil War, we lead sides of the conflict during the eponymous conflict. The creators faithfully reproduced as many as 50 historical battles, both small and large. Some of them happen in areas several hundred square miles in size! The game perfectly reflects the both local skirmishes, when you need to focus on controlling individual units, and grand battles, when your strategy has to consider entire armies.

During the adventure with Ultimate General: Civil War, the player takes on the role of a general who gains reputation by winning successive battles, thus getting access to new units, divisions and brigades. During battles, our subordinates also gain experience, which makes veterans fare much better than new units.

Ukrainian developers brought extremely realistic weapons – each one is an exact replica of those actually used in the Civil War. The high level of difficulty is ensured by an advanced artificial intelligence system. Even very experienced players find it difficult to see through the AI patterns and, consequently, the only way to win is treating it like a live player.

1. Ultimate General: Civil War in our encyclopedia

Cradle

I won't hide it – Cradle is a somewhat unfinished a game, but with an incredibly fresh idea for gameplay, charming characters, and colorful graphics. Unfortunately, two locations are a bit too few. Still, Cradle is worth experiencing in order to feel the atmosphere of a bizarre land where the protagonist lands together with a mechanical girl, even if it lasts just a few moments.

A wonderful graphic design was created with the Unigine engine. Given the relatively small area and lack of more dynamic structures, it seems sufficient. Importantly, it's difficult to compare the graphics from Cradle with the visuals of any other production. Sure, the textures may not always be razor-sharp, but it's impossible to resist the impression that the whole thing is incredibly original and coherent.

The greatest strength of Cradle, however, is the plot. It may be short, may be begging for a sequel, but it's an intriguing and incredibly atmospheric adventure. The mystery outlined at the beginning is gripping until the very end... And even after that. One could only ask – why has a sequel never been made?

1. Cradle in our encyclopedia

Silverfall

Fans of Neverwinter Nights or the first Fable should have a great time with Silverfall. This Ukrainian-French RPG opens up a huge, vibrant world. The fairy-tale land of Nelwë, where representatives of three kingdoms compete for our sympathy, is jeopardized due to the risk of inappropriate use of new technologies. The world is divided into their supporters and opponents.

During the game, we can direct a representative of one of the four races (human, goblin, elf and troll) and recruit one or two companions to help. The area of the three kingdoms is huge and incredibly diverse, so exploration doesn't get boring until the very end.

Frequent fights and the ease with which the weakest enemies are defeated make Silverfall more of a hack'n'slash with RPG elements than a straight RPG. However, this doesn't change the fact that you can simply fall in love with this completely forgotten production. The already outdated graphics still have a certain atmosphere, and the fairy-tale story encourages you to get to know the story of Silverfall more than once.

1. Silverfall in our encyclopedia

Naval Action

There aren't that many online sailing simulators. Especially those that would offer similarly high quality. That is why Naval Action is such an important game for fans of the genre. This Ukrainian production takes us to the Caribbean, which we can conquer by playing as one of several nations or pirates.

The creators managed to perfectly render that era; we can find dozens of real ports famous from the history books. The authors also put great emphasis on the realism of controlling sailing the ships. The physics have been constantly changed and refined over the course of three years! Today, players appreciate the fact that the ships perform better in Naval Action than in any other online game.

The mechanics reward playing regularly – to achieve something substantial, you must join a clan and cooperate with other players. War plays an equally important role as trade. Achieving success depends on skillfully balancing between all available options. You also need to remember about crafting and constantly improving your flagship. And, of course, avoiding shallow waters!

1. Naval Action in our encyclopedia

Tomato Way 3

This is one of those series which from a complete crap (because let's face it, the first Tomato Way wasn't great) evolved into a game that may be incredibly bizarre, but with quite an enjoyable gameplay. After part two, which was average at best, a realistic lighting system and very neat character animations were introduced, making part three a much more compelling production.

The fun is bloody and... Very irrational. The enemies don't look like anything I've seen in my entire life (including writual experiences), and the protagonist's motivations remain unknown.

The surreal game lasts only two hours, but during this time, we shoot golden vegetables, follow the instructions of the head without a body and meet with a tomato experienced in combat. And all that plays out in just a few cutscenes from the beginning and the end. Tomato Way is even crazier than that. But you have to find out for yourself.

1. Tomato Way 3 in our encyclopedia

Collapse: Devastated Worlds

This is an amazing game that combines several genres. There are elements of adventure games here, seasoned with a hefty dose of spectacular action, with the remainder of the production being mostly a shooter. However, all this makes Collapse: Devastated Worlds feel like the a proper AAA title. Even today, 14 years after the release, the graphics and the vastness of the world are impressive.

The melee combat system is also spot-on. Performing consecutive combos is a real feast for the eyes. Especially considering the fact that the Ukrainian developers managed to deliver a fantastic repertoire of moves of the alien enemies, who are agile and jumpy. This doesn't mean, however, that the hero is not able to challenge them in even ground.

The attack of the aliens on humanity looks scary and real at the same time. Perhaps there would be time to be afraid if it weren't for the constant struggle with them. Eliminating hordes of enemies is a big pleasure, despite the fact that filling combos is relatively easy.

1. Collapse: Devastated Worlds in our encyclopedia

Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One

The prequel to the series about the famous detective is a true return to the roots of the series. The game doesn't bring an RPG-esque character development, and combat is replaced by short mini-games. Aesthetically, the seaside city where Sherlock resides must be the most beautiful place he has visited in the entire series so far.

Chronologically, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is a prequel – we play as a 21-years-old Holmes, who's thinking about his future and trying to cope with the death of his mother. The story maintains the highest Frogwares quality, even though the finale comes rather abruptly.

Character models sometimes have weaker textures and some strange animations, but it's also easy to appreciate the progress the studio has made since their first games. The vastness of the environment and the length of the game are also big advantages. This is one of the longest Sherlock games released to date. The next one, we hope, is coming right up.

1. Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One in our encyclopedia