Gorky 17 / Odium

Developed by Metropolis Software, Gorky 17 stands as one of the most important Polish video games of the late 1990s, combining turn-based tactical combat with real-time exploration and a strong narrative core. Released in 1999 for PC and later ported to other platforms, the game was published internationally under the title Odium.

The story unfolds in the Polish city of Lubin, where NATO has been conducting secret military experiments. After a mysterious incident severs all communication with the base, an international squad of soldiers is sent to investigate. What they find is the horrifying aftermath of failed genetic research – a devastated city, grotesquely mutated soldiers, and abandoned laboratories concealing the truth behind the Gorky 17 project.

Gameplay alternates between real-time exploration and turn-based tactical encounters, placing emphasis on positioning, resource management, and careful strategic planning.

Gorky 17 captivated players with its detailed 2.5D graphics, cinematic cutscenes, and an atmospheric soundtrack that heightened the tension and sense of unease. Translated into multiple languages, the game reached audiences across Europe and North America, earning recognition as one of the first Polish titles to achieve widespread international distribution.

Its success inspired two follow-up titles – Gorky Zero: Beyond Honor (2003) and Gorky Zero 2: Aurora Watching (2004) – which expanded the universe into a more action-oriented, stealth-focused direction. Together, these games formed one of the earliest Polish science fiction universes, merging military intrigue with themes of experimentation, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity.