| Title | Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall |
| Developer(s) | Kremlingames |
| Publisher(s) | Kremlingames |
| Release Date | Mar 25, 2018 |
| Size | 1.02 GB |
| Genre | PC > Indie, Simulation, Strategy |
As the world becomes increasingly digital, retro and nostalgia have become popular trends in the entertainment industry. And one game that has captured the essence of nostalgia is “Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall Game”. This game takes players back in time to a significant moment in history – the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Background
The Berlin Wall was a barrier that divided the city of Berlin and symbolized the Iron Curtain that separated Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War. It was built by the government of East Germany in 1961 to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, marked a turning point in history, signaling the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
The Game Concept
Ostalgie, a combination of the words “nostalgia” and “East”, is a term used to describe the sentiment for the former East Germany. The Berlin Wall Game captures this sentiment by allowing players to experience life in East Germany before the fall of the wall.
The game starts in 1979, two years before the birth of the main character, Alex. The player takes on the role of Alex, a child living in East Germany, and will guide him through important events in his life until the fall of the Berlin Wall. The game’s ultimate goal is to escape to the West, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Players must navigate through the strict communist regime, avoid the Stasi (secret police), and make tough decisions about family and friends.
The Gameplay
The gameplay is a mix of point-and-click adventure and role-playing game. Players must engage in activities like collecting items, talking to NPCs (non-player characters), and choosing their responses carefully. Every decision made by the player has a consequence that affects the storyline. The game also includes mini-games that represent everyday activities in East Germany, such as trading on the black market or retrieving documents from the Stasi.
The Cultural Representation
The game’s developer, Kremlingames, has taken great care to accurately represent life in East Germany. The game’s graphic style captures the essence of the 1970s and 1980s, and every detail gives players an insight into the everyday lives of East Germans. From the architecture to the propaganda posters, the game presents a realistic depiction of life in a communist state. It also includes a database with detailed information about the history and culture of East Germany, providing players with a deeper understanding of the country.
The Controversy
Ostalgie is not without controversy as some argue that it glorifies the communist regime in East Germany. However, the game’s developers have stated that their intention is not to glorify the regime, but rather to provide players with an educational and historical experience.
“My goal was to give players an experience they cannot get from books, movies, or the Internet,” said Marko Schulz, the lead game designer.
The Impact
The game has been well-received by players and critics alike. It has achieved a cult following in Germany, where it’s often used in schools to teach students about the history of East Germany. The game has also been translated into several languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall Game is a unique and thought-provoking experience that transports players back in time and allows them to relive an important moment in history. It’s more than just a game; it’s an educational tool that sheds light on a significant event and promotes cultural understanding.
If you want to experience “Ostalgie” for yourself, the game is available for purchase on various platforms, including Steam and GOG.com.
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 7 SP1+ (32-bit, 64-bit)
- Processor: SSE2 instruction set support
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Graphics: DX10 (shader model 4.0) or DX11 with feature level 9.3 capabilities
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 1 GB available space
- OS: Windows 7 SP1+, Windows 8, 8.1, Windows 10, etc (32-bit, 64-bit)
- Processor: SSE2 instruction set support
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: DX10 (shader model 4.0) or DX11 with feature level 9.3 capabilities
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 1 GB available space
How to Download
- Open your web browser and go to the website where the "Download" button link for Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall game is located.
- Click on the "Download" button. This will initiate the downloading process.
- Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file on your computer.
- Double click on the downloaded file to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Accept any terms and conditions if prompted.
- Choose the destination folder where you want to install the game.
- Click "Next" to start the installation.
- The game will now begin to install on your computer. Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Once the installation is finished, you can launch the game by double clicking on its icon on your desktop or by navigating to the installation folder.
- Enjoy playing Ostalgie: The Berlin Wall game on your computer!