Svoboda 1945: Liberation

About

Svoboda 1945: Liberation is a narrative-driven adventure game that explores the stories of people affected by the end of World War II in Czechoslovakia. Through conversations with historical figures, players uncover the complex history of the region and make choices that impact the narrative's outcome. The game features detailed environments, authentic historical context, and exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and justice.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 74 reviews

story8 positive mentions

grinding2 negative mentions

The game offers a deep and meaningful narrative experience, exploring complex historical topics with grace and empathy.
Engaging storytelling combined with well-acted characters and interactive elements keeps players immersed and interested throughout.
The game serves as an excellent educational tool, providing insights into Czechoslovak history and encouraging players to reflect on difficult societal issues.

The game is relatively short, with gameplay lasting only 2 to 3 hours, which may leave some players wanting more.
Some mini-games feel arbitrary and less integrated into the overall narrative, detracting from the experience.
There are occasional story-wise hiccups and an abrupt ending that may disrupt the flow of the narrative.

story
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The game's story is praised for its compelling and authentic delivery, with multiple narrative styles including character perspectives, comics, and minigames. While some players noted minor hiccups and an abrupt ending, the overall impression is positive, highlighting the responsible treatment of historical themes. The protagonist's role as an investigator adds depth, although some minigames may feel arbitrary compared to the strong storytelling elements.
- “This is an excellent game, wonderful story; it's a shame more publishers aren't doing quality stories like this. Nice casual gameplay for when you want that.”
- “I'm impressed by the responsibility with which the topic is approached, and the way it's delivered is very compelling. The acting feels surprisingly authentic, and I like that each (hi)story is told in several different ways - first by a character, then illustrated by a comic, and then sometimes by playing a minigame.”
- “The main protagonist in the story is you – an outsider who investigates whether the old school in the village is worth preserving for historical reasons or if it should be demolished.”
- “There are a few story-wise hiccups and an abrupt ending, but the overall impression is fine.”
- “Some of the minigames feel a bit arbitrary, but the storytelling parts, especially the FMV scenes, work well.”
- “As in Attentat, the 'controversial' person of the story didn't want to talk to me much. I guess I was choosing the 'wrong' dialogue options, but the game flowed well enough even without the full input of everyone involved.”
gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
36%
21%
The gameplay is noted for its streamlined design and high-quality videos, enhancing the experience compared to "Attentat 1942." While the game offers a casual and engaging narrative with solid controls, some players feel that the overall gameplay is light and may not justify the full price, especially given the limited playtime of around 2.5 hours. Overall, it is appreciated for its storytelling and comfortable mechanics, making it a good choice for those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience.
- “The game brings upgrades to the Attentat 1942 gameplay by making memories rewatchable without using the 'coins'.”
- “Actors and content are solid, controls and gameplay are comfortable, and it's quite entertaining to set the pieces together to proceed with the game.”
- “I'd only say I got 2.5 hours worth of gameplay. I got it on sale, but it isn't worth full price given the hours involved.”
- “If I should compare the title with 'Attentat 1942', the gameplay and flow are more developed in 'Liberation'.”
- “Gameplay has been streamlined and the videos are higher quality.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to present poignant and heartbreaking elements related to war, offering a fresh perspective even to those familiar with the subject. Players find it engaging and visually stunning, enhancing the overall emotional impact.
- “Even as someone who was taught a lot about the war, this is something I knew little about, and this did a very good job at presenting it, including some fairly heartbreaking elements.”
- “Engaging, emotional, and visually beautiful.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game engaging rather than tedious, maintaining their interest throughout the experience.
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization is praised for its seamless integration of interactive comic scenes, impressive character performances, and engaging minigames, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.