The world

Kosmopolska is set in two places: A black and white prison cell, and a colorful world of imagination.

The cell

According to the game manual, the cell is located “somewhere in Europe”, and even if it’s never said out loud, it’s clearly implied that it’s in Poland. It’s a small room, with a bed, a wardrobe, a stove, a table and chair, a small shelf and a toilet. There’s a window with small hatches that can be opened, but it’s difficult to see anything outside, except for a yard.

As the story progresses, the cell changes somewhat, mainly when a number of drawings are put up on one of the walls, drawings of characters and buildings in the world of imagination.

The imagination

The fantasy world, also called the “space world” or simply “Kosmopolska” is described thusly in the manual: “There are always two sides to life. So also in this story. In your imaginary world Kosmopolska, there is no evil or greed. No prisons where people are locked up. It’s a bright and positive view of the world. A little naïve perhaps, but definitely optimistic. In your imagination people are driven by enthusiasm and the desire to participate in the great space adventure! To voyage through space, visit unknown planets, travel through black holes and meet alien civilizations. To them, it’s obvious that a better world awaits us.”

Kosmopolska is specifically the name of the space center that Poland (implied to be part of the communist Eastern Bloc) has built in the fantasy world, to compete against mainly three other countries in a space race: Switzerland, France and USA. Aside from these countries, there are some that have previously made unsuccessful attempts to reach space (which you can see in the space center museum), and also a country that you later in the game discover has gotten further than all the others…