In the realm of open-world gaming, expectations continuously run high, especially when a title aims to challenge the dominance of a behemoth like Grand Theft Auto (GTA). After engaging with the early access version of Vivat Slovakia, I am left with a sense of anticipation tinged with disappointment. While the developers have endeavored to create a tribute to Rockstar’s iconic series, the reality is that it falls short of being the “GTA 6 killer” fans might wish for. The ambition behind Vivat Slovakia is commendable; however, it suffices to say that the game may not fully deliver the revolutionary experience some gamers were hoping to see.
Vivat Slovakia sets itself in a murky, open-world rendition of Slovakia during the tumultuous ’90s, a period ripe with corruption, political unrest, and moral ambiguity. Players step into the shoes of Trotter, a taxi driver with an elusive double life as an undercover cop. This duality of character is certainly intriguing; however, Trotter himself is largely unlikable. His interactions, which include dubious conversations around bribery and derogatory remarks towards journalists, create an uncomfortable atmosphere that often feels gratuitous. Instead of engaging players in a morally complex narrative, Trotter’s antics risk alienating them.
The design choices—reflective of the era, right down to the font—demonstrate a clear intent to pay homage to GTA’s legacy. However, rather than emerging as an innovative homage, the game sometimes feels like a copy-paste, albeit with a Slovakian twist. One wonders if the developers could have carved a more distinctive identity for their game rather than relying too heavily on the mechanics and aesthetics of its predecessor.
Vivat Slovakia encapsulates a world shrouded in grime and moral ambiguity. This duality of aversion and allure is the game’s greatest paradox. Throughout the early access build, players experience moments of both engagement and repulsion. For instance, the game features an array of distinct radio stations that lend an authentic feeling to the driving experience, yet the overarching themes often dance along the edge of poor taste, provoking mixed emotions.
An example of the game’s dark humor can be seen in the tutorial experience, where players practice sniping by targeting a character attempting to cross a border. This moment, while undeniably controversial, showcases a willingness to tap into sensitive themes, albeit delivered with a cavalier touch. The balance between humor and gravity remains tenuous within the narrative, suggesting that the developers might benefit from a clearer vision of the tone they wish to convey.
While the narrative draws inspiration from real historical events, it tends to meander without a clear focus. The game aims to explore intricate relationships and shifting loyalties amid a backdrop of political and criminal intrigues. However, the execution does not fully reflect the depth implied by such ambitious storytelling. Missions often feel disconnected, leading to a narrative that lacks cohesion and momentum.
The transition into the emotional core of the story is hindered by the protagonist’s lack of relatability and the underdeveloped relationships with supporting characters. A significant opportunity exists to leverage voice actors in a way that creates authentic emotional resonance; however, this potential is undermined by moments of awkward dialogue and poorly structured character arcs.
Ultimately, Vivat Slovakia represents a bold step into the realm of open-world gaming, with its unique setting and concept offering potential for innovation. Although it may not dethrone the long-established GTA franchise, it serves as a reminder of the creativity bubbling beneath the surface of the gaming industry. Support for titles that are willing to stretch beyond conventional boundaries is essential.
For now, Vivat Slovakia is an interesting endeavor that, while flawed, marks a notable addition to the gaming landscape. It stands as a reminder that homage does not always equate to excellence—but with iterative improvements and player feedback, it could evolve into something that truly captures the spirit of its inspirations.