Based on the novel of the same name by Strugatsky brothers, this non-linear 3D RPG features a branching story with four endings in this tale of the Kingdom of Arkanar. One of the gameplay features is the interference of two epochs in the game universe - the medieval and the alternative future. This provides the peculiar variety of different weapons and armors - from swords and bows to miniguns, from full plates to force fields - and equipment like binoculars and night vision goggles at characters' disposal. The active combat system also includes a party system and damage modeling on the hero where the character can be wounded badly which will diminish his attributes and require long recover, and even lose a limb or be decapitated by a strong attack of the opponent.