After some grave soul searching after a low time spent with early access compilation of the open world game Vivat Slovenia, I unfortunately had to admit to myself that it probably wasn’t the GTA 6 killer I was hoping for. This annoys me a bit because I find Rockstar’s constant self-confidence and flatulence quite irritating, even though I’m sure I’ll be playing their game for a billion hours. What Vivat Slovenia is, therefore, is a very ambitious homage to the Grand Theft Auto series that is not shy about it, right down to the choice of fonts. I’m not sure if you should play it but me Down feel enriched when you learn about its existence. Here’s the trailer.
Vivat Slovenia describes itself as “an open-world action game set in 1990s Slovakia, where corruption runs deep and law enforcement is weak.” You play as Trotter, an almost completely unsympathetic taxi driver who cuts down an undercover cop. Full English voice acting was recently added to the game. I’d love to do without it, but it seems like such a huge undertaking that I decided to go for it. The current early access version of the game, called “Side A”, is the first part of the game.
You start by learning to drive as part of your taxi job. In a conversation with three low clients, Trotter discusses bribing police officers and manages to suggest that the journalist is a prostitute just because she claims she will be working at the hotel. It’s protected to say there’s a broad layer of dirt hanging over things. Honestly, he’s equal parts repulsive and alluring. There’s a sense that the game will probably get very weird in a way that might just be very compelling.
A few other things I liked: There are five different radio stations. The headlights in a car react accordingly when they hit another object and stop working. Each of the four different groups of passengers featured in the introductory mission have their own unique ways of getting enraged at you. Additionally, the tutorial teaches you how to operate a sniper rifle by shooting someone trying to get across the border to escape Czechoslovakia, which is in such spectacularly needy taste that I can’t facilitate but praise it. Here’s some history of the game:
Step into a narrative inspired by true events, creating a tale of loyalty, corruption and the desire for power. Players will discover complicated relationships and shifting alliances as they navigate a world where political agendas and criminal enterprises are often intertwined.
Each mission is designed to reflect the historic conflicts of the 1990s, from covert state security operations to the underground deals that shaped the nation’s path. The game brings this gripping storyline to life with the talents of professional voice actors, increasing immersion and intensifying the fight for survival and integrity.
Again, this is not a recommendation per se, but I support anyone who tries to make Rockstar on anything other than a Rockstar budget and the results will be damned.
