Preview Hammer & Sickle preview at Firing Squad

[Astromarine]

Tags: Hammer & Sickle; Nival Interactive

<a href="http://www.firingsquad.com">FiringSquad</a> has put up a <a href="http://www.firingsquad.com/games/hammer_sickle_preview/">preview</a> of <a href="http://www.nival.com/hs/">Hammer & Sickle</a>.
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There's not really much new being said, but it answers a small question I had about the game that I somehow missed from other similar previews:
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<blockquote>The main character’s Soviet origins provide a fresh feeling but the game is not egregiously anti-American despite the very firm chill of the Cold War that had descended over the world during the time period in the game. It’s a little hard to buy the “good” Soviet Union theory, especially given my origins in Soviet-bloc Poland, but it’s not exactly offensive either and, as mentioned earlier, provides a fresh perspective.</blockquote>
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It wouldn't have been a big deal if that was not the case, especially for people like me (i.e. western Eurotrash from a country unaffected by the war) with no attachment to the issue, but it' nice to know.
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Spotted at: <A HREF="http://www.rpgdot.com">RPGDot</A>

 

[Human Shield]

How does the game say it is good?

 

[Astromarine]

it's not that is USSR is "good", it's the side you're on in the game. AFAICT it' not some alternate history or revisionism thing, it's that your bosses are commies, you're a commie, and the stuff you have to do i to further the goals of the Soviet Union. However, if the preview is to be believed, this doesn't have some hidden propaganda value nor is it overtly anti-american, which was my doubt when I first heard of the game.

 

[Naked_Lunch]

The more I hear about this game, the more I want to make sweet butt-love to it.

 

[Atrokkus]

I don't get why people get offended or anything by history games.
I mean there are lots of WW2 games where you play for the Axis, so what?

 

[Astromarine]

Who's offended? I was just curious, that's all. there are lots of games that let you play stuff that is demonized in american society, from gangsters to nazis. I was just unsure about how much this game would go into the whole "anti-imperialist" side of USSR rhetoric of the time. Now I know, so I'm satisfied.

 

[LlamaGod]

but commeiz r eval!11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

I could care less if it is anti american or whatever, theres like 90 billion USA ALL THE WAY games out so whatever.

Pro-America/Good Guys games are much more annoying. Call of Duty can suck a dick.

 

[Astromarine]

did you play Brothers in Arms? I ordered that one basically on the strength of the PA art for it, but I'm wondering how good it is

 

[LlamaGod]

I didnt play it because I heard it sucks donkey turds.

I just get bugged by the WE WERE WAR BROTHERS WHO WERE SOLDIERS AND WE WERE JUST COMMON PEOPLE BUT NOW WE ARE HEROES

with the whole overdramatic sequence stuff. WE WONT LEAVE A MAN BEHIND!

WW2 FPS are garbage 90% of the time, the strategy games are usually alright though. Hearts of Iron 2 and Combat Mission get me hawt.

 

[Astromarine]

you REALLY have to get Airborne Assault: Highway to the Reich, did you know that? It's just brilliant.

 

[Drakron]

I don't get why people get offended or anything by history games.
I mean there are lots of WW2 games where you play for the Axis, so what?

I think some people rather play a Nazi that a Soviet, expecialy in the USA were communism and the soviet union were demonized.

 

[Shagnak]

did you play Brothers in Arms? I ordered that one basically on the strength of the PA art for it, but I'm wondering how good it is

I was really close to getting it - I read some reviews and thought I had a handle on it; but then I played the demo and I was most disappointed. I wanted to like it, but something about the tedious implementation fucked me off.

So I didn't give it much time, and accordingly, the full product might actually be better than what I think. Also, I kinda liked the Call of Duty and Medal of Honor games (yes, that whole sickeningly overdone patriotism gets to me, but some of the "chaos of war" scenarios I thought were handled rather well).
In other words, take my experience with a grain of salt :wink:

 

[Atrokkus]

I think some people rather play a Nazi that a Soviet, expecialy in the USA were communism and the soviet union were demonized.

Yeah, that's a sad thing. ANd anti-americanism is also very well-spread here... The coals of cold war are still hot.
I'm sick of both anti-russism and anti-americanism, from both sides.

 

[Balor]

Well, heh, the question is, the coals are hot because some people proceed to blow upon it, so to speak.
As I heard, US people don't care about Russian in general, like - "They are not commies anymore? Good, so they are not worth mentioning now.".
Question is, US government DO care about Russia, simply because once we'll get back up, we'll become (like China, too) a competitor for US on it's way to TEH SUPA POWAR!
There can be only one and so on.
So, US government actively undermines our position, and, of course, not everyone is ecstatic about it.
There is a dictinct shift from post-perestroyka (early 90th), where US was nearly woshipped to current situation, where it's scoffed upon (like pretty much everywhere in the world, though. Sad truth).
Propaganda, you say? No just 'police actions' from US part, expancion of NATO, funding of 'liberation movements' (separatists) in ex-soviet republics, etc.
I can understand US efforts to stay the only superpower. But as a Russian, I cannot condone it.
And returning to H&S, one of the main characters is US army ranger, higly positive character, so to speak. One of the best best fighters in the game, too .

 

[Atrokkus]

I can understand US efforts to stay the only superpower. But as a Russian, I cannot condone it.

And I'm a Kazakhstani, and hell, US is a key for our economical growth, really. The whole oil industry is intertwined with american capitals.

funding of 'liberation movements' (separatists) in ex-soviet republics, etc.

I don't get why Russian people get all so insulted by that. Post-soviet republics are NOT Russia anymore. So it's, well, none of Russia's business.
It's strange why Russian people react angerly to Georgia's and Ukraine's government structures, and completely ignore Turkmenia's absolute monarchy and cult of personality.
Russia's better turn her attention to her internal problems, which are VERY copious and serious. So much hatered, so much xenophobia, even fascism. And not to mention Chechnya.
I'm glad Kazakhstan is not that big and is pretty stable in social and policial aspects. That's why we don't have any stupid revolutions or anything.

Question is, US government DO care about Russia, simply because once we'll get back up, we'll become (like China, too) a competitor for US on it's way to TEH SUPA POWAR!

Now it's the economic wars that matter. Russia needs a lot to recover its domestic economy before trying to position itself as a superpower.

 

[Drakron]

Well remenber one thing, we cannot allow any place that 100 years ago had "home rule" to be allowed independence because of that since if that happens you start to update european maps really fast (example, Germany and Italy only been countries for about 100 years).

I think russians see it the same way, they look at what been part of Russia (not Soviet Union) claiming indepenced despite the fact for the last 100 or so years they have been part of Russia.

 

[Atrokkus]

think russians see it the same way, they look at what been part of Russia (not Soviet Union) claiming indepenced despite the fact for the last 100 or so years they have been part of Russia.

That's why they are wrong. It's just not their territory.

 

[Balor]

Not our territory? And let me ask why? Because Gorby the Betrayer ripped USSR asunder w/o as much as asking anyone do they really want it?
A LOT of ex-USSR infrastructure was left in those, now-independant countires, for instance.
And besides, what about "Together we are powerful!"?
As I understand, now it's replaced with 'Anywhere, but not in Russia!".
Oh well, *shrug*.
"Russia's better turn her attention to her internal problems, which are VERY copious and serious. So much hatered, so much xenophobia, even fascism."
Name some in particular to not to be a bullshitter. At least, those problems that are indeed really seroius in comparison to other countries.
Hatred and xenophobia? Ask Ukraine (and I'm not even talking about Chechnua or Baltic coutries.)
Fashism? Take a good look at Latvia.
And, and while we are at it...
http://caricatura.ru/parad/korsun/4649/
(Mwahahahaha!).
Anything worse then that in Russia?
P.S.
Again, about

That's why they are wrong. It's just not their territory.

Now, emagine:
You give your big house for a rent to a person... that SELLS quite a few rooms to different people.
Now, when you try to even contact those new inhabintants with "hey, that was my rooms all along!" - you are being yelled at "Stop those imperialist movements!".
Fun huh?

 

[Drakron]

That's why they are wrong. It's just not their territory.

As I said, if we go down that path european countries would break down.

Itatly would go back to a bunch of city states, Germany would fall apart as welll in about 6-7 diferent countries, the UK would split in 4, Spain would also split in 4-5, Portugal would also end up in 2 or more parts, France would suffer from the Basque independence and slit in at least 3 parts.

That is from the top of my head, I bet if really start looking we would end with about 100 countries in europe.

If parts of Russia wants to be independed because 150 years ago they had home rule why could not the scotts have full home rule? or why the Basques cannot also form a independent county?

Reason is its too dangerous to set that precendent, next thing we know we have the romans knocking at the door saying they own your country because 2000 years ago that was part of the Roman Empire.

 

[Atrokkus]

And besides, what about "Together we are powerful!"?

I am against the collapse of USSR.
And please don't tell that it was americans who destroyed USSR. Welcome to the mirror, as Goblin used to say.

But now it's all over. There will be no USSR again. Russia is not strong enough to unite in its union all these countries. And even if it was, it wouldn't be possible now that all the countries started living independendly.
You can't force your adult son to abandon his wife and children and return to your house, to live with you again.

We got CIS instead. That's the only way now, and I'm for that bloc of soviet shards.
I'm not against Russia. I'm very happy that there is this bloc that it connects us, despite every republic being independent.
But there will be no USSR again.

Fashism? Take a good look at Latvia.

Don't "take a look" me okay? We're talking about Russia. I don't give a fuck about Lativa. It was never a real USSR member either.

Hatred and xenophobia? Ask Ukraine

Again you point at something irrelevant. We're not talking about Ukraine, alright? Maybe next time you'll point at Rwanda or something?
Heard of events in Arkhangelsk?
Chechnya? And don't tell me that Chechnya is not Russia -- it is! WEird that you seem to ignore this fact.
Now, hwo much hatered there is for almost all "chornii" people. Look at those braindead "nationalists". They are no nationalists. They don't understand what a nationalist means. They're juist like nazis, and most of them call themselves that way. They foolishly believe that in beating and killing the people with different skin color and funny accents they glorify and protect their nation.
But okay, that may not be the problem in all Russia, of course, but still - a remarkable one.

http://caricatura.ru/parad/korsun/4649/
(Mwahahahaha!).

Here's one of the comments, and I agree with it:

Карикатура эксплуатирует антиамериканскую истерию, насаждаемую в России. Советую достать старые подшивки "Правды" и передирать оттуда Кукрыниксовские агитки про дядюшку Сэма и империалистов. Производительность повысится многократно!

This is another problem of Russia. It searches for enemies, just as in the old times, still unaware of the fact that USSR was brought down only with the help of those in Russia, not some mysterious superagents as in stupid games and movies.
Antiamericanism is also a part of most russians' philosophy now. Just like in other shards, really. Not that harsh tho.

You give your big house for a rent to a person... that SELLS quite a few rooms to different people.
Now, when you try to even contact those new inhabintants with "hey, that was my rooms all along!" - you are being yelled at "Stop those imperialist movements!".
Fun huh?

Just so you know: Yeltsin and other leaders of soviet republics, gathered together and decided the fate of the USSR. It wasn't like other republics moved away from the union, no. Everything was signed, documented.
What claims can Russia possibly have now? Nothing.
Shouldn't have smashed the union. Now it's too late.
(of course, almost all republics (at least their leaders) are responsible for this, but Russia is still the primary suspect. Just because it was the leader of USSR).

 

[Killzig]

Its an alternate universe not our universe. The USSR in Hammer & Sickle just may well be all rainbows, puppies and sunshine. Fuck your upbringing and your bias Mr. Reviewer Man, I don't give a shiat.

 

[Naf]

What claims can Russia possibly have now? Nothing.

You're wrong. Crimea was all along part of Russia and now what??

 

[meson]

Not our territory? And let me ask why? Because Gorby the Betrayer ripped USSR asunder w/o as much as asking anyone do they really want it?
A LOT of ex-USSR infrastructure was left in those, now-independant countires, for instance.

Fashism? Take a good look at Latvia.

What infrastructure? Decaying military bases (actually, these are quite good for paintballers ) or huge manufacturies with outdated machinery - those went belly up the minute capitalism took over (some survived after complete overhaul). In Estonia (where I live) Gorby isnt considered to be a hero either but for opposite reasons, he didnt finish USSR soon enough . Fascism? Only Putin`s Russia has any resemblance to fascism imho (state controlled media). Russia is full of ethnic minorities, last I checked most of them didnt have chance to get education in their mother tongue, russians in BAltic states can.

 

[kris]

Not our territory? And let me ask why? Because Gorby the Betrayer ripped USSR asunder w/o as much as asking anyone do they really want it?
A LOT of ex-USSR infrastructure was left in those, now-independant countires, for instance.

Finland called, they want Keksholm back. They forgot some people there.

We can't go by any historical claims since land is a overlapping network of former owners, former inhabitants, still inhabiting and some done this or that.

Everyone you tried to assimilate are not exactly happy about it.

 

[drexciya]

I think some people rather play a Nazi that a Soviet, expecialy in the USA were communism and the soviet union were demonized.

Yeah, that's a sad thing. ANd anti-americanism is also very well-spread here... The coals of cold war are still hot.
I'm sick of both anti-russism and anti-americanism, from both sides.

I don't think it has much to do with anti-this or that. I like to play the Axis in such games because they have the most interesting units. I also like the tactics they use.

For instance in Panzer/Allied General/Sieel Panthers the US troops first use artillery and their overwhelming airforce and mob up the rest with the ground troops (and get smacked if step 1 wasn't succesfull). With the Axis there's more of a balance between seperate units. Furthermore I liked the campaigns better; they get to fight everywhere in Europe.

All the pro-US stuff is rather off-putting as well. Let's face it, Russia did the most (given the number of casualties and so on) to defeat the Germans, but Hollywood tries to make you think that the Americans won that part of the war.