Solidarnosc

Solidarnosc is an ambitious project of the development team of P. Z. Karen under the direction of Przemyslaw Rokita. The game was produced with the American market in mind and was to accompany the Hollywood film about Lech Walesa. Eventually, the filmmakers gave up their project, but the filmmakers managed to complete their work.

The Solidarnosc action began on 13 December 1981, i.e. when martial law was imposed in Poland. The player takes the lead over the anti-communist opposition and tries to fight for freedom in a bloodless way.

The map of Poland in the game is divided into six regions (Pomerania, Greater Poland, Lower Silesia, Upper Silesia, Lesser Poland, Mazovia and the north-eastern region with Warmia, Masuria and Podlasie), each of which differs in the number of political prisoners, the lack of supplies, the strength of the ZOMO units, as well as the attitude of the population. With the help of a small group of activists and limited financial resources, the player starts the fight against the communist authorities. Various actions taken (speeches, leaflets, posters, strikes and demonstrations) are aimed at raising public political awareness and increasing support for the association, which also translates into greater funds and the possibility of buying more duplicators, printers or radio and television transmitters. However, the system tries to fight the opposition by including trade unionists in prisons or by using propaganda.

Against the background of productions from the turn of the 80s and 90s of the last century, Solidarnosc stands out due to its well thought-out visual setting. Particular regions of Poland were presented with attention to detail (e.g. characteristic buildings in large cities, main rivers, most important roads). Characteristic symbols such as a clenched red fist or a white hand with V-shaped fingers raised.

Last updated on June 21, 2020