Recently released as the first in a series of episodes, HROT is a brand new indie single-player first-person shooter that instantly makes a case for itself as one of the most entertaining new entries in the retro-style shooter genre, which has become prevalent in the past few years. Developed and published by Spythinev, HROT is set in 1986 Czechoslovakia during the era of Soviet control over the country.

Following an unspecified disaster, one that hints towards a Chernobyl-like emergency, players must navigate the drab but interesting world of the '80s Soviet-era architecture and hostile environments full of increasingly bizarre and unique enemies in this fast-paced shooter.

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Described as a game taking place in "dark and terrifying times" on the game's Steam page, HROT lives up to this description by hurling bizarre enemies at the player without abandon. Enemies -- like Hazmat clad, shotgun-wielding authorities, biomechanical floating heads and even a horse wearing a gas mask -- keep the game feeling bizarre and hilarious, while still feeling true to the dark nature of the setting. HROT does an excellent job of mixing horror with tongue-in-cheek humor. For example, after completing the first episode, the game gives players a recipe for beef stroganoff.

Gameplay-wise HROT delivers, with solid and fast-paced shooting featuring a variety of great weaponry at the player's disposal. Players can use a clunky looking Soviet-style submachinegun, a powerful pump-action shotgun, rocket launcher and dual Makarov style Russian pistols, which are both flipped up into the air for an immensely satisfying reload animation.

The world of HROT keeps with its retro theme in the level of interactivity it provides players. Players can flip switches, flush toilets and interact with the environment in fun ways that harken back to the days when such things were new and novel in games like Duke Nukem 3D and Half-Life. HROT allows players to shoot out lights, interact with telephones and look through security cameras. This level of interactivity only makes HROT seem all the more dedicated to its throwback aesthetic.

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HROT's level designs are unique as well. HROT features rather boring geometry at first glance, but the way it faithfully recreates the concrete utilitarian structures that can be found in so many Soviet-era cities makes it feel all the more real. Players will navigate a huge apartment block, a subway with moving trains and a particularly grimy sewer system among others. HROT's subtle use of foreign language signage, communist literature players can find and the like evokes the subtle ways that games like Half-Life built an immersive experience for the player.

HROT clearly wears its Quake inspiration on its sleeve. HROT also draws comparisons to fellow retro shooter Dusk, another love letter to the early 3D era of fast-paced shooting glory. But by incorporating a Soviet-era feel to its levels and enemies, the game succeeds in carving out a place of its own. HROT feels surreal at times, with the creepy nature of the levels only permeated by the furious gunfire.

By featuring a unique setting, wild enemies and solid gameplay, HROT  has firmly established itself as a shooter to keep an eye on, especially for fans of the throwback "boomer shooter" genre. Players who are interested can pick up the first episode, entitled "Kiss Me Gustav," right now. This features eight levels and is a brilliant introduction to what could be the next great retro shooter.

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