When you think of Soviet Russia, fun likely isn't the  first thing that comes to mind. Despite the austere trappings of the Cold War, Russia had an inventive arcade culture that blended early '80s programming with classic lighting and perspective tricks often found in puppetry.

During the late '70s, Russian military factories began manufacturing arcade cabinets based on early Japanese designs. Over 70 machines were made from the '70s to the '90s.

Early this year, two American bloggers took a tour of a museum of Soviet arcade machines in a basement about 30 minutes outside of Moscow. A group of students from the Moscow State Technical University dedicated themselves to the collection and restoration of the quickly fading machines made during the peak of Soviet control.

Encouraged by a Wired article from 2007, Anjel Van Slyke and Connal Hughes, authors of the blog A Dangerous Business, sought out the quiet hole in the wall arcade, though they don't speak Russian.

Their trip through non-competitive public gaming is strange and fascinating. Soviet arcade machines look as uninviting as any efficiently produced military equipment. High scores are nowhere to be found, and most revolve around military tactics.

Hit the jump for a few pictures.

Check out Slyke's and Hughes' blog for the most up-to-date images of the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines. Wired also has an extensive collection.