>> Soviet-Unterzögersdorf -- The Adventure Game
>> monochrom

For years monochrom has been occupied with the construction, analysis and reflexion of alternative worlds and models of recording history. monochrom projects are treating this field partly as a discussion with concepts deriving from popular culture, science and philosophy, partly as a direct reference to science fiction and fantasy fan culture. monochrom’s project «Soviet-Unterzögersdorf - The Adventure Game» is the implementation of a «false reminiscence» into the Austrian cultural memory -- a fictitious country taking the shape of a computer game adventure. The enclave «Soviet-Unterzögersdorf», created by monochrom, is the last remaining USSR republic, situated in the Austrian wine growing area.

Adventure Game?

The adventure game simply is one of the computer game classic. But what is it all about?
In this case the player gets to experience an «adventure». Taking on the role of the protagonist, the player's task is to search for solutions level by level. These solutions will subsequently develop the narration and plot of the game. In recent years this kind of game hasn't been selling to well: action and combat games have taken over. Less than 1% of all computer games written in 2004 were adventure games. To monochrom it was clear that an almost extinct form of computer game would provide the perfect media platform to communicate the idea of «Soviet-Unterzögersdorf».

History?

Debates triggered by postmodern culture have directed our attention towards questions of representation and relevance of «history» and stories -- i.e. The challenging proclamation of a post-histoire, the realization of the impossibility of a meta-narrative record of history; the clash between reality and sign systems, the difference between fact and fiction, the status of ethnography, the impossibility of neutral contemplation or witnessing as well as the positioning of subjective awareness within such representations etc. All these forms of representation have been playing a central part in the development of national and ethnic identities since WW II. In Soviet-Unterzögersdorf a fictitious and misplaced handling of the past and the present is being discussed and put to use. In this regard, the project is also taking part in the production as well as the criticism of cultural and collective memories.