The Underground

Background 

In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, plunging Europe into instability. Years of limited direct response emboldened further aggression, culminating in a Russian invasion of the Baltic states in 2027. NATO was forced into open conflict, leading to a brutal year-long war. Following the fall of Belarus and a NATO advance toward Moscow, Russia launched its nuclear arsenal. The United Kingdom was a primary target, with dozens of warheads deployed, many striking London. The player narrowly survives the initial attack and escapes to Hampstead underground station, the deepest station on the London Underground, where the first level begins.

Goal 

The goal is to explore the psychology of fear, tribalism, and the illusion of heroism, highlighting how progress can often feel nonexistent and how there is rarely a truly “good” choice. The narrative is told from the perspective of an ordinary individual, a man focused on protecting his fragile “bubble” rather than saving the world. Ultimately, the story aims to show that while societies often elevate individuals to heroic status, reality comes at a cost, and more often than not, those choices lead not to triumph but to futility. The level will also serve as an introduction to the story, presenting the player with basic mechanics and the game's general theme, setting them up to continue.