Hard to be a God

Platform(s): PC
Genre: Role-Playing
Publisher: Akella
Developer: Burut CT

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'Hard to be a God' Mixing Game Genres

by Rainier on Feb. 28, 2008 @ 10:58 a.m. PST

Hard to be a God is a role playing game with adventure and espionage elements based on a storyline of the novel with the same name by Strugatsky brothers. The main hero is a graduate of a medieval secret service highschool. His mission is to scout and report the situation in the Kingdom of Arcanar, an independent anarchical state. The character is a real professional who took the best course in combat and diplomatic training. He’s strong, sly and intelligent, he’s mightier than the whole Arcanar, but this world still has some surprises for him.

How it all began…

The planets of Earth and Arkanar were once very similar, maintaining a peaceful and friendly existence for centuries. After a terrible war between the planets, the two became distant and secluded.

Earth prospered and grew, mastering advanced technologies. Arkanar became stagnated, barely evolving, remaining rooted in a medieval society; a planet of mystery. Intrigued by the situation of their former patriots the Empire decided to send in a secret agent from Earth…

You are the secret agent; at your disposal is a vast array of weaponry and knowledge, from the medieval sword to the most technologically advanced laser cannon. Use your weapons wisely as you discover the secrets surrounding the mysterious planet of Arkanar, revealing why it has remained a medieval society for so long.

Blurring genres

The original storyline distinguishes it from other role playing games. The crossover of medieval fantasy and sci-fi provides a unique opportunity to combine the archaic with the futuristic, mixing a medieval backdrop with technologically advanced items. The in-depth and intriguing story development immerses the player in the role of a secret agent sent from a futuristic Earth to the medieval, alien planet of Arkanar.

Character customisation

As the game progresses a unique individual, far removed from the secret agent at the start, will have evolved. Customisation of the character is made possible through combat skill or ability development, such as swordsmanship or negotiation. This fine-tunes the character to suit a particular type of gameplay. The different guises that the character is forced to take on, including bandit, don, aristocrat and monk, will affect the combat methods and style of gameplay.

Range of quests

A variety of quests needs to be completed, from defeating ruthless bandits to recovering a lost child. Different individuals will be met along the way, each with their own background storyline, adding to the depth of the game. Alternate ways to complete quests give the player choice in how best to progress; some quests require clever battle tactics or diplomacy, i.e. if outnumbered by a gang, kill the leader and the rest will cooperate, while others are dependent on nerve and strength.

Key Features:

  • Performance of roles. Attitudes towards the main character depends on his clothes. Various dialogue scenarios can ensue.
  • Horses as the means of travel.
  • More than 100 weapon and armor types - one-handed, two-handed, shaft weapons, sword and shield, bows, crossbows and pistols. The Earthlings' arsenal includes scorchers, modifiers, power generators...
  • A non-linear storyline.
  • An advanced system of NPC existence.
  • Simulation of weather conditions. Day and night change in real time.

Hard to Be a God” will be available in the UK April 11, 2008.


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