The interestingly titled SlavicPunk: Oldtimer brings a refreshing, gritty twist to the cyberpunk genre, set against the harsh backdrop of a futuristic Central/Eastern European city. Developed by Red Square Games and based on the works of Polish author Michał Gołkowski, this isometric shooter offers an experience that blends intense action with a distinctively Slavic atmosphere, which brings an authentic and raw feel to the otherwise familiar cyberpunk aesthetic. At the heart of SlavicPunk is Yanus, a hardened private investigator on a quest to recover a stolen data carrier amidst a world filled with moral ambiguity, urban decay, and powerful corporations. His journey is as much about confronting his inner struggles as it is about navigating the city’s gang-ridden streets and corporate-dominated environments.
The game’s narrative is anchored by a gritty and somber tone, adding a distinctly cynical flavor to the cyberpunk landscape. The story manages to balance Yanus’s external conflicts with introspective moments that explore the struggles and weariness of a man shaped by the unforgiving world around him. The dark, neon-lit environments effectively convey the game’s dystopian outlook, enriched with brutalist architecture and improvised technologies that reflect the economic disparities in a post-communist society. This unique cultural lens makes SlavicPunk feel like a fresh take on the genre, steering away from the sleek tech-driven aesthetics more common in the genre in favor of a setting that feels more grounded and visceral.
The core of SlavicPunk’s gameplay lies in its twin-stick shooter mechanics, which are easy to pick up and deliver a satisfying mix of fluidity and precision. Combat is bolstered by a modular weapon upgrade system, allowing players to modify Yanus’s loadout with a variety of options to suit different encounters. These upgrades encourage experimentation, and each modification brings a tangible difference to combat, enhancing replayability as players explore different strategies and combinations. The action sequences are intense and satisfying, though they start to feel repetitive over longer play sessions. However, the inclusion of stealth mechanics and occasional environmental puzzles helps break up the action, offering a bit more depth and variety to the gameplay.
One of the game’s strengths is how it integrates storytelling with world exploration. Between combat-heavy sections, SlavicPunk offers slower-paced city segments where Yanus can explore side quests and immerse himself in the city’s complex web of power and poverty. These quieter moments allow players to experience the harsh realities of the dystopian setting, though the pacing in the campaign is uneven, as the game occasionally lacks smooth transitions between high-stakes action and exploration. Nevertheless, these exploratory segments add substance to the narrative, giving players insight into the social and economic struggles that define the city – despite the fact that these elements could have been developed more.
Visually, SlavicPunk opts for an aesthetic that mixes futuristic tech with grittier, outdated elements, creating a layered world that feels both worn and vibrant. The neon glow set against brutalist architecture reinforces the game’s melancholic tone, while the detailed environments immerse players in the bleak ambiance of the city. The isometric view allows for a clear perspective during combat, though in some tight and darker areas it occasionally hinders exploration. The audio complements the visuals well, featuring a soundtrack that pulses with an industrial beat, amplifying the game’s dystopian feel. However, some sound design elements, particularly during combat, can feel repetitive and lack the punch needed to fully enhance intense moments.
SlavicPunk: Oldtimer succeeds in delivering an atmospheric and culturally distinct cyberpunk experience, despite some repetitive gameplay elements and occasional pacing issues. Its engaging combat, coupled with a storyline that explores the socio-economic fractures of a dystopian world, makes it a compelling title for fans of the genre. Though it might not appeal to those looking for a polished AAA experience, SlavicPunk brings authenticity and character, offering a fresh, darker lens through which to view the cyberpunk landscape. For players willing to embrace its imperfections and gritty realism, it stands as an interesting addition to the genre.
Score: 6.5/10
Press Play Media 