Silica is eerily similar to the critically acclaimed PC game Battlezone 98 and its sequel Battlezone 2: Combat Commander in many ways. There are hovertanks, there are planets with aliens on them and they both combine RTS with FPS. Currently, Silica is in early-access on Steam and development of it ensues.
So what about Battlezone?
Battlezone 98 was one of the first (if not first) games to combine real-time strategy with a first-person shooter and is considered to be one of the best sci-fi strategy games ever created.
The game takes place in an alternative perspective of the 1960s, where the infamous “space race” merely serves as a facade for a hidden interplanetary conflict between the United States and Soviet Russia. This covert war revolves around enigmatic alien bio-metal, sparking tension between the two superpowers.
In Battlezone, you assume control over a formidable force consisting of powerful assault tanks, strike cruisers, APCs, and other vehicles. Your objective is to create chaos and destruction using incredibly hot projectiles as you strive to eliminate your adversary from the lunar surface, as well as the planets Mars, Venus, Titan, Io and Europa.
Enough about Battlezone though, does Silica do enough to be different?
Develop a plan, execute with precision, and reap the rewards.
Silica is set on a fictional planet called Baltarus, which is situated in a distant galaxy thousands of light-years away from Earth. In Silica, players have the option to assume the role of either a Commander in RTS mode or an Infantry soldier in FPS mode.
As the Commander, players have control over all units and vehicles, while as an Infantry soldier, they can utilize various weapons and tools.
The primary objective in this desolate environment is to discover and extract Balterium, a highly potent element with immense potential that can revolutionize human civilization for many lifetimes to come!
Execute orders from up above or get your boots to the ground!
Silica offers an immersive blend of first-person shooter and real-time strategy, staying true to each genre’s unique elements. It grants players the freedom to choose their preferred gameplay style without imposing the need to engage in both simultaneously.
If the feeling of sand-filled boots, bullets flying above, and menacing alien jaws closing in is what you enjoy, then the infantry role is perfect for you. This role doesn’t limit you to foot-based soldiers alone; you also have the option to take control of various vehicles like the colossal Harvester, the speedy Light Quad, or even the sneaky Siege Tank.
On the other hand, if your preference lies in devouring metal, then aligning yourself with a hive-mind faction of insect-like aliens would be ideal. You can shift your consciousness between different creatures such as the stealthy Crab, nimble Hunter or heavily armored Goliath.
If you prefer to lead your troops from a distance, the prestigious position of Commander is available to you in the relatively secure environment of outer space. Send out Harvesters to extract silica crystals from fields, concealing the valuable resources you seek. Build and position massive structures that can produce and send out units that will conquer the battlefield.
Choose from a variety of three game modes.
Silica, the game, provides a wide range of game modes to cater to different preferences. The flagship game mode is Strategy, where players engage in battles to establish dominance by constructing structures, gathering resources, and launching attacks against the enemy. This mode seamlessly combines elements of real-time strategy (RTS) and first-person shooter (FPS) genres. What sets it apart is its flexibility – players can choose to participate in 1v1 conflicts or even engage in a 3-way faction war.
For those who are new to Silica, there’s the Prospector mode which serves as a tutorial. It adopts an FPS format that can be played either solo or with others online. In this mode, players start near a landing pod and their objective is to explore the surroundings in search of valuable Balterium fields while encountering hostile forces along the way. To succeed, they must complete all assigned tasks before safely escaping.
The third available mode is Arena which introduces an exciting and unpredictable environment for gameplay. Players have the freedom to pick their favorite unit and engage in intense FPS battles where balance isn’t necessarily prioritized – it’s every player for themselves! This creates an exhilarating free-for-all experience where skilled combatants showcase their abilities and adaptability.
With these diverse game modes at your disposal, Silica ensures that there’s something for everyone regardless of their preferred style of play or level of expertise. So jump into Silica today and unleash your strategic prowess or indulge in some thrilling chaotic combat!
Conclusion
Silica has taken what Battlezone did so well and spun it on its head. It does enough differently to stand out on its own. Even though it’s a little rough around the edges right now, it has the potential to truly be something great when it comes out of its early-access state.