Kujlevka

Kujlevka is a narrative-driven adventure game set in a remote Russian village where a crashed flying saucer becomes the first point of contact between humanity and an alien civilization. As the player, you shape the unfolding events, navigating a blend of slice-of-life storytelling and surreal dream sequences, with choices that influence the outcome of this historic encounter. The game offers a unique mix of humor, atmosphere, and multiple endings, all wrapped in a retro, first-person perspective.

Kujlevka: A Surreal Slice of Russian Life and Alien Encounters

Introduction

In the vast landscape of video games, few titles manage to blend the mundane with the extraordinary as seamlessly as Kujlevka. Developed by the indie studio Callback and published by Crytivo, this narrative-driven adventure game transports players to a remote Russian village in 1992, where a flying saucer crash-lands, turning the quiet kolkhoz into the epicenter of humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial life. Kujlevka is not just a game about aliens; it’s a profound exploration of human desires, political ideologies, and the surreal nature of dreams. With its unique blend of “slice of life” storytelling and off-the-wall dream sequences, Kujlevka offers an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Development History & Context

Kujlevka was developed by Callback, a small studio composed of just two college students, Asker Uznayev and Oleg Kiselev. Despite their limited resources, the duo managed to create a game that resonates deeply with players, particularly those familiar with Russian culture and history. The game was released on April 6, 2023, and quickly gained traction, receiving over 130 positive reviews on Steam within a short period.

The game’s setting in 1992 Russia is not arbitrary. This period marked a significant transition in Russian history, with the fall of Communism, economic crises, and the privatization of industries. The developers aimed to capture the essence of this turbulent time, blending historical context with a touch of the supernatural. The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and fresh, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, Kujlevka is a story about Valery Potikhonchenkov, a World War II veteran who was paralyzed during the war and now resides in the farming town of Kujlevka. When a UFO crashes into his house, Valery becomes the first point of contact with the extraterrestrial beings. The aliens, however, are not interested in immediate interaction; instead, they observe humans and grant some of their desires.

The game’s narrative is divided into two distinct parts: the daytime sequences and the dream sequences. During the day, players assume the role of Valery, sitting at his desk and interacting with villagers who come to visit the UFO. These interactions are peppered with humor and absurdity, creating a “slice of life” atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the surreal dream sequences.

The dream sequences are where Kujlevka truly shines. Players find themselves in bizarre and often humorous situations, such as standing in a food line, meeting Jesus, or talking to Stalin about the nature of leadership and communism. These sequences are not just for show; they provide deeper insights into Valery’s psyche and the broader themes of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Kujlevka is a narrative-focused adventure game with minimal gameplay segments. Players spend most of their time sitting at Valery’s desk, listening to conversations and making decisions. The core gameplay loop involves using a TV to communicate with the aliens by selecting words from a list and manipulating a cursor on a triangle to determine the outcome of the interaction.

The game’s mechanics are simple but effective. Players can choose to help the villagers or give them unfavorable outcomes, creating a sense of playing god. However, the game never strays into malicious territory, as there is no real violence or negative consequences for the player’s actions.

One of the game’s most innovative features is its use of dream sequences to provide more interactive gameplay segments. These sequences often involve puzzles that players must solve to progress, adding a layer of depth to the otherwise narrative-driven experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Kujlevka‘s world-building is one of its strongest aspects. The game’s setting in a remote Russian village is richly detailed, with a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The visual design is simple but effective, with character models that look like they come from a storybook, adding to the game’s lighthearted and surreal tone.

The sound design is equally impressive. The game features a few selectable vocal tracks, but the Russian performances are particularly noteworthy for their authenticity and emotional depth. The soundtrack, while not memorable, complements the game’s atmosphere without being distracting.

Reception & Legacy

Kujlevka has been well-received by both critics and players. The game has an average score of 72% based on three critic reviews, with praise for its unique narrative and surreal dream sequences. Players on Steam have given the game a “Very Positive” rating, with 91% of the 555 user reviews being positive.

The game’s legacy is still being written, but its impact on the indie game scene is already evident. Kujlevka has shown that even small studios with limited resources can create games that resonate deeply with players, offering unique perspectives and thought-provoking narratives.

Conclusion

Kujlevka is a fascinating game that defies expectations. Its blend of “slice of life” storytelling and surreal dream sequences creates an experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the game may not be a stunning visual spectacle, its narrative depth and unique gameplay mechanics make it a compelling experience that is well worth playing.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Kujlevka stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of unique perspectives. It is a game that challenges players to think deeply about human desires, political ideologies, and the nature of reality itself. For those willing to embark on this surreal journey, Kujlevka offers an experience that is as rewarding as it is unforgettable.