Red Comrades Save the Galaxy
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | SBG Studio |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Editors of SBG Magazine e-zine |
| Fate | Renamed from SBG Studio to S.K.I.F. |
| Headquarters | Russia |
Red Comrades Save the Galaxy (Russian: Петька и Василий Иванович Спасают Галактику) is a graphic adventure game from 1998, developed by S.K.I.F. and published by Buka Entertainment. This title initiated the series bearing the same name. A remastered edition was released on February 18, 2016, enhancing compatibility with contemporary Windows operating systems, supporting widescreen resolutions, and including English subtitle options.
Gameplay
In Red Comrades Save the Galaxy, players engage in a point-and-click adventure controlling three protagonists: Pete, Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev, and Anka. Navigation through the game environment is executed via command inputs. Movement (Go) and object examination (Look) are performed with left-clicks, whereas right-clicking opens a command menu offering Talk, Take, and Use functions.
The inventory system features a map with fast travel capabilities, character portraits that enable unique interactions, and a pause menu accessible by pressing the Escape key. Characters display varied animations corresponding to their movement postures. Dialogue sequences offer branching options ranging from two to four choices. Specialized interfaces are employed for minigames. The remastered version supports both classic control schemes and touchscreen input.
Plot
The storyline is inspired by Dmitry Furmanov's novel Chapaev and integrates anecdotes from the Soviet era. An alien colonization vessel passing through the solar system loses control and transforms into Earth's Moon. A handful of aliens in suspended animation survive until the year 1917.
During 1917, a shot fired from the Russian cruiser Aurora to signal the October Revolution inadvertently strikes the Moon, awakening these extraterrestrials who then plan an invasion of Earth. Misinterpreting a wooden sign stating Backwoods is a Hub of the Earth as a strategic objective, they attempt to seize the Russian village named Backwoods. Concurrently, Russia is engulfed in civil war, with Bolshevik forces and the anti-communist White Army dividing the village along battle lines near the Ural River, setting up conflict against the alien invaders.
Main characters
- Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev: Commander of a Red Army division modeled after Furmanov’s legendary figure.
- Pete: Chapaev’s order bearer and loyal companion, portrayed as somewhat eccentric.
- Anka: Expert scout and counter-terrorism specialist skilled in weaponry and explosives.
Development
The idea to create an adventure game featuring Pete and Chapaev originated in early 1996 among editors of SBG Magazine e-zine, with the goal of crafting an ideal adventure experience starring well-known humorous characters. Development commenced mid-1996 under lead scriptwriter Vyacheslav Pismenny and lead artist Oleg Zakharov, with contributions from the entire editorial team.
In December 1997, SBG Magazine officially unveiled the project alongside its synopsis and preview images. Around this period, Buka Entertainment was contracted as publisher. The development process lasted two and a half years—exceeding initial estimates by one year—and was carried out by SBG Studio (later renamed S.K.I.F.).
This title was Russia’s first game released on 3 CDs, utilizing a "jewel box" packaging approach to lower production expenses while enabling larger print runs. A collector’s edition was also produced. The game played a significant role in defining the "Russian adventure game" genre and contributed to Russia’s emergence on the international gaming stage alongside other notable titles such as Pilot Brothers: Chasing the Striped Elephant and GAG.
A non-interactive demo featuring animated sequences and descriptive content was distributed in June 1998. Prior to its retail release scheduled for Q3 1998, a video demo highlighting characters and environments was made public. The complete game became available in early November 1998.
On September 11, 2014, Buka Entertainment reissued the original version as shareware for Android platforms using virtualization technology developed by ElTechs.
Remastered edition
On February 18, 2016, a remastered edition designed for compatibility with contemporary Windows operating systems and widescreen monitors was launched on Steam. This version offers both a consolidated cursor interface alongside the classic control scheme, incorporating notable enhancements such as re-recorded voice acting, improved background visuals in certain scenes, and English language text localization. Nevertheless, some audio tracks and graphic components, including signage text, were left untranslated.
A distinctive feature of this remaster is the inclusion of a portrait portraying Vladimir Putin as the Emperor of Russia; during the game's initial release, he served as the head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).