Gorky 17

K. Fields
2020-07-04T12:16:29-04:00
Video Games

I've been playing most of the computer games I own in roughly chronological order of initial release dates. However, I recently jumped back in time from 2009 to 1999 with Gorky 17 (aka Odium). Gorky 17 is a Polish role-playing game with turn-based tactical combat. You control a small squad of NATO operatives that is investigating strange happenings in a small Polish town. The game feels pretty dated now, even compared to the other older titles I've played in recent years. The graphics are low-res and the dialogue and voice acting are mediocre at best.

The game is more combat-focused than story-focused, yet the combat is somewhat disappointing. I was surprised with the limitations of weapons. They can only be fired in very specific directions, typically straight-ahead or on a strict diagonal. This leads to odd situations in which you cannot shoot a clearly visible opponent who moves just one square to the left or right. You have to move your character in response to maintain a direct straight-line shot. Although bizarre and unrealistic, the combat had a certain charm to it. I learned to plan tactics around it, using these limitations to my defensive advantage when possible. Unfortunately, ammunition is fairly scarce, which often makes combat difficult. If any character in your squad dies, the game is over. There are bandages and other healing items but they are in short supply as well, given the frequency of character injuries.

I made it through the port area into the sewers, which is the next accessible location. Although I had some fun playing Gorky 17, I expect my time is better spent elsewhere. I don't expect to play this one to the end. Instead, I will go back to my library and choose another game.