RSSU – Retro Style Soviet Undies

Back To The Motherland!

Imagine stepping into a time machine and landing in the late 1980s Soviet Union—now throw in pin-up art, romance, humor, and a touch of mystery. That’s RSSU – Retro Style Soviet Undies in a nutshell. This adult visual novel doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should you as you guide Artyom, a fresh-faced graduate, through a hilariously absurd first job at a garment factory in the fictional town of Maryino. Oh, and yes, there’s sex in the USSR—who knew?

About This Game

Storyline

The heart of RSSU – Retro Style Soviet Undies is its offbeat story, which manages to be both nostalgic and absurdly entertaining. You step into the well-worn shoes of Artyom, a fresh graduate entering the workforce in the Soviet Union's waning days. Tasked with what seems to be a mundane job at a garment factory, Artyom quickly learns that life in the sleepy town of Maryino is anything but ordinary. What starts as a routine slice-of-life narrative soon takes a left turn into the realm of the fantastic, as Artyom stumbles across mysterious artifacts with strange, magical properties that could change the course of his life—and maybe even the world.

The game thrives on blending everyday mundanity with moments of surrealism. One minute you’re dealing with factory deadlines and navigating quirky Soviet bureaucracy, and the next, you’re uncovering supernatural secrets that seem entirely out of place in a post-communist industrial town. Add to that a generous helping of romantic intrigue, and you’ve got a story that keeps you engaged even when it teeters on the edge of ridiculousness. A significant chunk of the plot revolves around Artyom’s encounters with the town’s women—each of them stunningly designed and with personalities as vibrant as their pin-up-inspired appearances. From flirtatious factory workers to enigmatic strangers, the characters provide both humor and heart, ensuring there’s always something (or someone) new to discover.

One of the most unique aspects of the storytelling is the attention to detail in capturing the late 80s USSR setting. From sly references to Soviet-era politics and culture to the occasional nostalgic tidbit about life under communism, the game paints a vivid picture of a time and place that’s rarely explored in visual novels. There’s even an educational twist, as the story includes clickable text offering historical context for various references. It’s a clever way to mix in real-world history without pulling you out of the narrative. That said, the dialogue can feel clunky at times due to translation hiccups, but if you’re willing to look past the occasional awkward phrasing, there’s a charming and genuinely funny story waiting for you in Maryino. Whether you’re navigating Artyom’s increasingly bizarre job or unraveling the mysteries of the factory’s artifacts, RSSU keeps you invested with its unpredictable mix of humor, romance, and intrigue.

Gameplay Mechanics

As far as visual novels go, RSSU sticks to the basics but tries to shake things up with a few twists. Choices play a role in determining scenes and outcomes, but the game remains fairly linear overall. There are also mini-games sprinkled in, which could’ve been a fun addition if they weren’t a bit frustrating due to unclear instructions. Luckily, you can skip them if they’re not your thing, though you’ll miss out on achievements if you do.

One unique (and slightly baffling) feature is the ability to grab and pan around images manually instead of passively watching a slow pan. It’s a small but welcome change that gives you more control, even if it feels a bit gimmicky at times.

Visuals & Audio

Visually, RSSU is a mixed bag. The character models, particularly the women, are undeniably stunning and fit the pin-up style perfectly, with outfits and hairstyles that scream late-80s USSR. The backgrounds, however, are hit-or-miss—some are vibrant and full of detail, while others feel underwhelming and dated.

The animations, while present, are limited in both quantity and quality. They’re a bit stiff and slow, lacking the polish that could elevate the experience. It’s clear this is a work in progress, though, so there’s room for improvement.

As for audio… well, there isn’t much. The absence of background music is glaring, and the few sound effects scattered throughout don’t do much to fill the silence. Hopefully, future updates will bring some life to the sound design, because right now, it’s a quiet journey through Maryino.

Pros

Unique setting in the late-80s Soviet Union, complete with nostalgic details.
Engaging mix of humor, romance, and mystery.
Beautiful character designs and a charming pin-up art style.
Choices that impact scenes and outcomes, offering some replayability.

Cons

Clunky translation affects dialogue quality.
Mini-games are more irritating than fun due to poor instructions.
Hit-or-miss visuals, especially with backgrounds and animations.
Complete lack of music and minimal sound effects hurt the atmosphere.

Conclusion

RSSU – Retro Style Soviet Undies is a quirky and charming visual novel that stands out for its unique setting and blend of humor, romance, and mystery. While it’s far from perfect—translation issues, lackluster audio, and uneven visuals hold it back—it’s still a promising experience, especially for fans of the genre who are intrigued by its Soviet backdrop.

If you’re in the mood for something different, don’t mind a bit of clunkiness, and are okay with waiting for updates to polish things up, RSSU is worth a shot. It’s not a masterpiece yet, but it has all the makings of a memorable adventure once the kinks are ironed out. Keep it on your radar—Maryino’s mysteries are just getting started.

Rating: 7/10

Soviet Undies…lmaoooo.