Welcome to our third Dev Diary, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of Last Train Home, a survival strategy game about Czechoslovak Legionaries and their arduous journey back home after the Great War. In this Dev Diary, we'll delve into the historical events and uncover how we adapted the compelling story to fit seamlessly into our game.

Aftermath of the Great War

The Czechoslovak Legion, which included expatriate Czech and Slovaks, was originally formed to support the Allied efforts against the Central Powers during the Great War, but circumstances soon changed. With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the end of the war, these soldiers found themselves stranded in Russian territory. Consequently, the Czechoslovak Legionaries embarked on a remarkable journey back home. These brave soldiers, struggling through treacherous terrains and facing daunting challenges, displayed unwavering determination to return to their newly independent homeland.

However, instead of returning immediately, they became caught up in the Russian Civil War, a complex and multifaceted conflict involving various factions. The Legionaries’ military skills and discipline made them a formidable force, and they gained a reputation as a tenacious and influential group within the conflict. As they fought their way back through Siberia and other parts of Russia, they faced not only military adversaries but also logistical hardships, disease, and political complications.

Dominion over Trans-Siberian Railway

Fortunately, the Legionaries managed to gain control over significant portions of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which played a crucial role in their quest to return home. They realized that controlling the strategic railway would be vital for securing their safe passage. This control provided the Legionaries with a lifeline for supplies, transportation, and communication, critical for their survival and eventual evacuation.

Their authority over key stretches of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in mid-1918. As the Legionaries continued to push eastward through Siberia, they encountered resistance from various factions vying for control of the railway. The Bolsheviks, seeking to consolidate their power, were keen to disarm and demobilize the Legionaries. Tensions escalated, leading to armed conflicts between the Legionaries and the Red Army, the military force of the Bolshevik government. By mid-1919, the situation had become increasingly perilous.

The Legionaries' hold over the Trans-Siberian Railway attracted the attention of the Allied powers, who saw the potential of utilizing their presence to support the anti-Bolshevik cause. This led to complex negotiations between the Legionaries, the Allies, and the Bolshevik government regarding their safe evacuation.

Ultimately, the Legionaries succeeded in securing safe passage through the Trans-Siberian Railway, thanks to a combination of military prowess, diplomatic efforts, and shifting alliances. The railway served as a symbol of their determination and resilience. Their involvement in the Russian Civil War and their control over the Trans-Siberian Railway left an indelible mark on their historical legacy.

In-game adaptation of the historical events

Primarily, we must state that Last Train Home embodies a game inspired by real events. It is not a historical recreation. In the subsequent passages, we shall delve into the implications of this approach for the game's narrative.

The arduous journey of the Legionaries to the new republic entailed the movement of a staggering 70 thousand individuals aboard multiple trains, a grueling expedition that spanned three years to culminate. Amidst this odyssey, Legionaries and their families had to somehow live their lives. Hence, they even built factories or schools alongside the Trans-Siberian Railway—a testament to their resilience and adaptability.

To portray these historical events within the framework of a strategic survival game (carrying certain technical limitations), we had to use artistic license and adapt the story. Consequently, the game's focus narrowed, centering on the one last fictional train taking the Legionaries back to their homeland.

Therefore, the game does not represent how the events exactly rolled out; rather, it represents what it was like to be a Czechoslovak Legionary and how it felt to lead them and make hard decisions to get them home safely. The ultimate aim of the game is to deliver a deeply personal and immersive experience for the players, enveloping them in the sheer desperation of the journey.

To achieve this ambitious goal, in 2022, we joined forces with the Association of Czechoslovak Legionnaires, and they provided us with expert consultations. Those were not centered on the events that historically unfolded but more on the daily lives and operations of the Legions. In other words, it was more about “How” than “What” has happened. The discussions significantly enriched our understanding of the contextual situations and conditions of the era. This knowledge influenced various aspects of the game, such as the precise portrayal of soldiers holding their weapons, both within the gameplay and in the trailers, as well as the meticulous reconstruction of train models.

Historical figures

The characters were also affected by our decision. While drawing inspiration from real individuals who partook in this journey, we refrained from attempting a one-to-one representation of historical figures. In the heroic story stood out a handful of legendary characters. One of them was Captain Langer, who is one of the most important characters of the title. He stands by the side of the player, and he assumes a pivotal role as the player's advisor.

However, most of the Legionaries were just ordinary people. Farmers, craftsmen, recruits with diverse (and sometimes shady) backgrounds. They had flaws, just like normal human beings do. That’s what we try to capture in the game as well, using, for example, an elaborate trait system. All that means that the players must navigate and work with realistically flawed soldiers rather than an invincible heroic squad.

We also decided to take an artistic license regarding the involvement of women, as the Czechoslovak Legion formally did not allow them to become soldiers. However, historical evidence attests to the presence of women on the trains, with some even engaging in combat and earning significant military honors, albeit without formal recognition as Legionary members. Consequently, we opted to include women as part of the players' forces, a decision that aligns with historical reality while acknowledging their integral contributions.

Certain adjustments to the train route were also deemed necessary to ensure a cohesive gameplay experience and facilitate accessibility for players less familiar with the historical and geographical context of the setting. Nonetheless, the majority of train stops along the journey stick with reality.

The whole game is interwoven with references to events that actually happened in the era. And even though it was not possible to reflect on every interesting moment that happened during this extraordinary odyssey, we have endeavored to incorporate most of the key events into the in-game encyclopedia, providing players with a comprehensive experience of this remarkable historical chapter. We genuinely hope you've savored this sneak peek into the world of our game. Feel free to ask any lingering questions you may have.

If you want to learn more about the gameplay very soon, make sure to tune in to the eagerly awaited THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2023 on Friday, August 11. And if you’d like to know more about Legionaries, check out this video or this one. Stay tuned!

Source of historical photographs: The Association of Czechoslovak Legionnaires