Here’s a first for me. A brand new game and a brand new topic I get to write about. Paradise Lost is the title, while Slavic mythology (in games but mostly in movies) is the main topic here. And I love it. I’ve written about the influence of plenty of things and individuals before. For instance, the cinematic and gaming influences of H.P. Lovecraft’s works were a great inspiration for me. I’m a huge fan of Lovecraft and I’ll take any opportunity to write about his works.
However Paradise Lost is next on my agenda. And so is Slavic mythology as a cool topic for this article. But first, I believe that a word or two about the actual game is very much in need.
Paradise Lost: The Ins And Outs Of The Game
Developed by PolyAmorous and published by All in! Games, Paradise Lost is an exciting adventure simulation game. Published in 2021, Paradise Lost is something of a must-have for every fan of alternate history. And in it, you play as Szymon. A 12-year-old boy who’s just discovered a massive Nazi bunker while wandering the barren, nuclear wasteland of Poland. He’s also searching for an unknown man from a photograph his mother cherished. Who is he? Will you be able to find him?
So, descend into the retro-futuristic bunker where advanced, industrial technology is intertwined with mysterious, Slavic pagan imagery. And explore the underground city hidden within. Furthermore, uncover the story of the bunker, from its takeover by Polish rebels to the ultimate fate of its inhabitants.
The war persisted for 20 more years only to end in flames when the Nazis launched nuclear missiles on most of Europe. In the aftermath, the heart of Europe remains shrouded in the mystery of destruction and deadly radiation. Not to mention it’s inaccessible to the rest of the world.
But wait! Despite the desolation of the bunker, a mysterious girl named Ewa contacts Szymon through the bunker’s technology. If he can only find her, she might know the man in the picture. If he can find her, he finally won’t be alone… Are you ready to embark on an unlikely adventure?
But What Are Some Of The Steam Comments Saying About Paradise Lost?
*Solveig says: It’s a very beautiful game graphically, incredible atmosphere and a beautiful story that held me until the end.
*While 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔡𝔟𝔞𝔡88 adds: Great game, super atmosphere. The design and aesthetic feel very authentic and accurate to the times depicted. The story is interesting and gives good reason for replaying to see a different outcome!
Paradise Lost is available for purchase here. Don’t miss it. Get it now.
But what’s so special about this game? Besides the fact that it’s a cool walking simulator adventure game? Well, it’s heavily influenced by Slavic mythology. Or rather Slavic paganism.
So, Slavic paganism (or Slavic religion) describes the religious beliefs, myths and ritual practices of the Slavs before Christianisation. Which occurred at various stages between the 8th and the 13th century. And now in modern times, we see a depiction of Slavic mythology in literature, art, music. In the modern-day cinema and video game industry as well. For instance, Civilization II: Test of Time has Slavic influence throughout the game. And so does Black Book. Another game was released in 2021. However, probably the biggest influences can be found in the Witcher game series. Adapted from the series of books, The Witcher is rife with Slavic influences. And yes. We already announced the upcoming second season of The Witcher, here at IndieGala. Check it out here and find out more about the series. But what about the movies? Which other movie projects are heavy on Slavic Mythology? Scroll down to find out.
Wolfhound
A Russian movie based on the novel of the same name by Maria Semenova. And in it, we get to witness the tale of a skilled warrior (Aleksandr Bukharov). He embarks on a quest to avenge the slaughter of his family and his tribe… But that will turn out to be more than a challenge. A cinematic quest that has strong Slavic mythology influences in the central plot and story. Directed by Nikolay Lebedev, the movie was later turned into a TV show but the movie remains the best version so far. Oh and while some call it a Russian version of the Lord Of The Rings… It’s actually anything but.
The Hexer
Otherwise known as … The Witcher. Yes. Long before Netflix’s version of the popular book series, there was the Polish movie version. However, this version has Michał Żebrowski in the role of Geralt of Rivia. It’s not a particularly good movie, but it was the first attempt to depict The Witcher universe in the cinema. And for a 2001 movie, it’s an acquired taste. The 13-episode television series came out the following year and yes. You can go ahead and choose which project you can devour. We’re going with the 2001 Polish movie.
The Scythian
Another Russian movie, but this time from 2018. And it is about a soldier who sets out across the steppe to save his family. While taking a captive Scythian as his guide. With Aleksey Faddeev, Aleksandr Kuznetsov and Yuriy Tsurilo in the roles, this is an action fantasy film you can’t miss. The Scythian is also an old-school action/adventure entertainment with a serious enough through-line to give it dramatic and historical credibility without ruining the fun. Also, the movie is on Netflix, so if you’d like to check it out… You can do that.
Krabat
Here’s a fun fact. The 2008 movie Krabat is based on the 1971 fantasy novel about the eponymous Sorbian folk hero. And although the story is quite close to the original Sorbian tale of Krabat that dates back to the 18th century Preußler himself also considered it to tell the story of himself. His generation, and all young people who encounter power and its temptations and get ensnared by it. The movie version however has David Kross, Christian Redl and Daniel Bruhl in the lead roles. And it’s quite good. It’s a recommendation from us to you. But did you know that Daniel Brühl has said this was the first time he agreed to be in a film without having read the screenplay? Or knowing who would be directing for that matter? It’s true.
An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God
And we’re back with another Polish fantasy movie. A perfect way to end this list don’t you think? But yeah. This is a movie based on an 1876 novel, Stara baśń, by Józef Ignacy Kraszewski. In 9th-century pre-Christian Poland, the rustic natives have lived peacefully for centuries, tending their land and worshipping the sun god. But when the power-hungry Prince Popiel brings in the Viking army to establish a barbarous and bloodthirsty regime of terror… It’s up to one lone warrior, Ziemowit (Michal Zebrowski), to lead a peasant uprising and put an end to the bloodshed. Indeed, this is the second movie on this list to have Michal Zebrowski in the lead. And yes. Although not blessed with a strong budget, It’s quite a fun movie nonetheless. With the shot.
But are you A Fan Of Paradise Lost?
Let us know if you are. And also feel free to share some of your favorite TV or movie projects that have a strong Slavic mythology influence. We’d love to know all about them.
