Vlak (translated as Train from Czech) is a logic-based computer game created in 1993 by Czech programmer Ing. Miroslav Němeček for the MS-DOS platform. Due to its small size (only 13 kB) and freeware status, which allowed for widespread distribution, Vlak became an extremely popular and addictive game. It was commonly installed on computers in school classrooms and households (not only in the Czech Republic), and by the mid-1990s, it was known to virtually everyone who owned a PC.
Vlak (MS-DOS)
The objective of the game is to control a train that moves across the screen, collecting various items such as cars, airplanes, or diamonds. Each collected item attaches to the train as a new carriage, gradually increasing its length. Players must strategically plan their movements to avoid crashing into walls or previously attached carriages. After collecting all the items, the train must through a golden gate, representing the exit from the level.
Vlak consists of 50 levels, with increasing difficulty as the game progresses. While the early levels are straightforward and designed to introduce the game mechanics, from level 15 onward, players must combine strategic planning with quick reactions. The game becomes a blend of logical thinking and precise control, making some levels particularly challenging. Each level has its own , allowing players to resume gameplay at a later time.
The game received several updates. In 1995, version 2.0 was released, adding new features such as crash messages, the ability to disable sound, and the option to create custom levels. In 2000, a Windows version (2.1) was released, which was technically distinct from the original DOS program but retained the core gameplay principles. In later years, the game was ported to mobile platforms such as Android and iOS, with these versions featuring new levels and improved graphics.
Vlak remains one of the most iconic Czech gaming titles of the 1990s. Its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics have made it a favorite among nostalgic players. Despite various technical innovations, the game has retained its charm and continues to be a beloved classic in the history of Czech gaming.
More details about this game can be found on Wikipedia.org.
All DOS games were controlled directly from the PC keyboard. Some newer DOS games also used a mouse or other more advanced game peripherals for control. However, each game was controlled by different keys. You can find a detailed description of how to control this version of Vlak in the attached game manual. An overview of basic keyboard commands and keyboard shortcuts to control this game is summarized in the following table:
Keys
Action
↑↓←→
The direction of locomotive movement: up, down, left, right
F1
Show the solution of the level (only version 2.0)
F2
Sound on / off (only version 2.0)
F4
Enter the to start selected level
Platform:
This version of Vlak was designed for personal computers with operating system MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), which was operating system developed by Microsoft in 1981. It was the most widely-used operating system in the first half of the 1990s. MS-DOS was supplied with most of the IBM computers that purchased a license from Microsoft. After 1995, it was pushed out by a graphically more advanced system - Windows and its development was ceased in 2000. At the time of its greatest fame, several thousand games designed specifically for computers with this system were created. Today, its development is no longer continue and for emulation the free DOSBox emulator is most often used. More information about MS-DOS operating system can be found here.
World Record:
The current world record for this version of Vlak is held by Tutifus from Czech Republic, achieved on 02/02/2025 with a result of 33m 47s (as recorded on Speedrun.com). However, for a result to be recognized as an official world record, it must be achieved on the original console without the use of emulators, and must be verified either by a video recording or in the presence of an official referee. So even if you break the record while playing here on our website, it unfortunately won’t be officially accepted. Still, we’d love it if you shared your performance with others in the discussion below – it counts too!
Available online emulators:
5 different online emulators are available for Vlak. These emulators differ not only in the technology they use to emulate old games, but also in of various game controllers, multiplayer mode, mobile phone touchscreen, emulation speed, absence or presence of embedded ads and in many other parameters. For maximum gaming enjoyment, it's important to choose the right emulator, because on each PC and in different Internet browsers, the individual emulators behave differently. The basic features of each emulator available for this game Vlak are summarized in the following table:
If you like Vlak you'll probably like also some of the similar games in the overview below. The games you see here are selected based on title similarity, game genre, and keywords. However, the list is generated automatically and can therefore be very 'subjective' especially for some specific games. To find a particular game, please use our search form.
This website is NOT sponsored or endorsed by Nintendo, Atari, Sega or by any other video games company. RetroGames.cz makes no claim to the intellectual property contained in the individual games.
Text content of Report NA content
This version of Vlak was designed for personal computers with operating system MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), which was operating system developed by Microsoft in 1981. It was the most widely-used operating system in the first half of the 1990s. MS-DOS was supplied with most of the IBM computers that purchased a license from Microsoft. After 1995, it was pushed out by a graphically more advanced system - Windows and its development was ceased in 2000. At the time of its greatest fame, several thousand games designed specifically for computers with this system were created. Today, its development is no longer continue and for emulation the free DOSBox emulator is most often used. More information about MS-DOS operating system can be found 
