A digital storytelling tool, centered around a delivery driver in rural Russia, evokes strong comparisons to Mudrunner and Disco Elysium.
Chillin' in the USSR with Zarya: The Off-Road Disco Elysium
Ever dreamt of driving old-school Soviet vehicles through rough terrains with a side of grilling chicken and fishing? Well, it ain't just a dream anymore––it's Zarya! This upcoming "narrative simulator" is about to stir things up, taking you on a journey with Vasily, a delivery guy living it up in a remote post-Soviet backwater.
Zarya? Not to be confused with the Overwatch character! This game has been languishing on Steam for over a year, only recently drawing my attention after a brand-new trailer dropped.
Now, the video doesn't exactly shed light on what Zarya is all about, but the vibe is on point: Driving Soviet-era wheezers over roadways that resemble a mere figment of distant memories is at the heart of the experience. But it's not all dirt roads; Vasily's also socializing, chowing down on kebabs with the fellas at the garages, taking peaceful strolls under the sunset, and even going fishing with Petrovich. The guy's living the rural dream, y'all.
The Steam page paints a similar picture: While the day-to-day delivery gig might make you a local off-road legend, it's the underlying narrative that's worth the hype[1]. Be a part of the villagers' daily lives, enjoy post-Soviet clichés from rusty cars to vintage landscapes, and relish the simple joys of life in this authentic narrative adventure.
But don't worry if you're not sure what to expect; there's an option to sign up for a playtest on Steam[1]. Just don't hold your breath for an invite––the last update from the developer, SBSR, dates back to September 2024, stating they're still collecting applications[1].
In 2025, prepare yourself for an array of stunners, fab FPS, RPGs to die for, co-op games offering a better experience together, and top-notch hardware deals; all courtesy of the PC Gamer team.
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Eddie 'Purelyrawn' Rauw: A gaming enthusiast since his early days dabbling in text adventures and primitive action games on a TRS80. From there, he graduated to the golden era of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, built his own PCs, and cultivated a deep passion for RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. Join him in his quest to uncover intriguing news, explode legal disputes, and delve into the heated world of Twitch beefs, esports, and the silver-tongued Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill, stretch limos, and steaming kebabs, y'all.
- With the arrival of Zarya, the dream of driving old-school Soviet vehicles through rough terrains has turned into a reality, offering a traditional gaming experience blended with entertainment and social aspects.
- In Zarya, players not only compete to win but also place bets on various game aspects, making it a unique blend of game, betting, and entertainment.
- As the game season commences, the PC Gamer team promises a lineup of stunning first-person shooters, role-playing games, cooperative games, and technology-driven gadgets that will elevate the gaming experience.
- As someone who grew up playing text adventures and primitive action games, Vasily in Zarya embodies the spirit of the seasoned gamer, adding another layer of authenticity to the mudrunner's off-road simulator.
- Maybe, with the right technology, the lengthy wait for an invite to Zarya's playtest will come to an end, granting players a rare opportunity to delve deeper into the game's SBSR-developed aspects.
- Preparing for the upcoming gaming season, gamers can look forward to immersing themselves in the post-Soviet landscape of Zarya, enjoying kebabs and other culinary delights, just like Vasily does.
