Selaco

About

"Selaco" is a shooter game inspired by classics like F.E.A.R. and Half-Life, featuring thrilling action, destructibility, smart AI, and a fleshed-out story. Players step into the shoes of Dawn, an ACE Security Captain, investigating the murky history of Selaco, a massive space station and home to refugees after the fall of Earth. When invaders attack, Dawn's personal story becomes the centerpiece of the game in a lengthy story-driven campaign.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,926 reviews

gameplay308 positive mentions

monetization36 negative mentions

Incredible gunplay and satisfying combat mechanics that encourage tactical play.
Highly detailed environments with a lot of interactivity and destructible elements.
Engaging enemy AI that flanks and communicates, making encounters feel dynamic and challenging.

Confusing level design that can lead to getting lost and extended periods of backtracking.
Some weapons feel underwhelming or less effective compared to others, leading to limited variety in combat.
The story is minimal and primarily conveyed through logs, which may not engage all players.

gameplay
886 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
63%
2%
The gameplay of Selaco is widely praised for its fast-paced, tactical combat that combines elements from classic shooters like Doom and F.E.A.R., offering a satisfying mix of exploration, resource management, and engaging mechanics. Players appreciate the fluid controls, diverse weapon upgrades, and the strategic depth provided by features like the invasion tier system, which adapts enemy strength based on player performance. While some reviewers noted minor issues with level design and enemy clarity, the overall consensus is that Selaco delivers a polished and immersive experience that stands out in the retro shooter genre.
- “Gameplay is fast, but also tactical as you can set up traps or use the environment to your advantage.”
- “The sound and light design are sublime and don't just serve the setting and atmosphere, they are integral to the gameplay.”
- “Selaco is a boomer shooter gem, with resource management mechanics and simple crafting mechanics, similar to Doom Eternal's gun upgrade system; early access is 25 hours worth of solid shooter gameplay, and that's only chapter 1.”
- “Gameplay-wise, there are some head scratchers; the juggernaut feels too easy to take down from range (I killed the first and second one by just spamming the heavy pistol).”
- “Unfortunately, the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired.”
- “My main problem with this title is how the consequence of many mechanics handsomely rewards passive, slow playing while not offering any mechanical depth in this regard.”
music
786 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
43%
The music in "Selaco" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its energetic and atmospheric qualities that enhance both combat and exploration. The soundtrack, described as a mix of electronic and ambient tracks, effectively complements the game's visuals and gameplay, creating an immersive experience. Several players have expressed a desire to purchase the soundtrack, highlighting its standout nature as one of the game's best features.
- “The soundtrack is energetic, perfectly matching the high-octane combat, while quieter moments have subtle atmospheric tracks.”
- “The music really fits into the world, and sets a certain aura in where you are - there are several occasions it put me on edge as I just kept expecting some massive horde to come and ruin my day.”
- “The soundtrack was wonderfully tailored to the vibes the devs wanted to capture during various sections of the game.”
- “Most boomer shooters have a *start / stop* setup when it comes to music which can be quite immersion breaking.”
- “By default though I'd say the music is a little loud, so I will probably lower it slightly when I play it next.”
- “You will probably get sick of the music pretty fast.”
story
740 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
75%
6%
The story in "Selaco" is currently minimal and primarily conveyed through environmental storytelling and scattered datapads, leaving players to piece together the narrative themselves. While some find the world-building intriguing and the lore engaging, many reviewers express a desire for a more cohesive and fleshed-out story, especially as the game is still in early access with more content promised in future updates. Overall, the game offers a compelling atmosphere and gameplay, but the narrative aspect feels underdeveloped at this stage.
- “Selaco seamlessly and effortlessly combines stuff you wouldn't think combinable at all: tactical finesse in a frantic shooter; rewarding exploration in a closed, level-based world (oh mate, the insane secrets!); a modern character-based sci-fi story in the GZDoom engine; ultra-tough hardcore fights that are death to the all-guns-blazing folks and a savory challenge to the well-prepared.”
- “The detail in the world and the visual storytelling is amazing; part of the fun while you move through Selaco is piecing together the story from the environment and logs.”
- “The story is interesting so far in chapter 1 and I would like to learn more about what's going on and how it relates to Dawn, but at the moment it's hard to piece things together.”
- “The story remains very nebulous so far, as the game only contains the first chapter and the main character isn't voice acted yet - although I do appreciate the sheer amount of love and passion put into every detail.”
- “The only thing that seems absent or undercooked is the story – the only info player about Selaco is through datapad entries and the main story seems to be barebones.”
- “As it stands, you're usually just completing levels without the sensation of a real narrative through-line, which I'd have appreciated since I'm big on story.”
graphics
666 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
54%
1%
The graphics of "Selaco" have received widespread acclaim for their impressive blend of retro aesthetics and modern visual fidelity, particularly given that the game runs on the GZDoom engine. Reviewers highlight the game's vibrant art style, detailed environments, and smooth animations, which create an immersive experience despite some criticisms regarding visual clutter during intense combat. Overall, the visuals are described as stunning and polished, successfully merging classic pixel art with contemporary design sensibilities.
- “For a game that uses the GZDoom engine (which itself is an enhanced version of the Doom engine), Selaco really takes it to another level. It doesn't even feel like a GZDoom game; it actually feels like I'm playing a modern game. The graphics and visuals are really outstanding.”
- “The visuals are top notch, and I find it incredibly hard to believe that this game runs on GZDoom, but it does! Selaco solidifies itself with its memorable art style that makes your eyes cry of joy, and solid sound design with an atmosphere that immerses you in the environment.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous for the style of game it is, from the reflections and textures down to lighting and particle effects.”
- “To make matters worse, the fancy graphics and particle effects can often turn into a detriment rather than a feature.”
- “The graphics seem fine to look at, but then every time there's a fight, it just gets swamped with dust & smoke everywhere, even when turned down low, and when everything is moving, it blurs into a mess, making it even worse.”
- “The amount of effects on screen is ridiculous, making it near impossible to actually see what you're shooting at unless you turn the graphics way down, and if the game is basically unplayable with certain graphics effects what's the point in even having them?”
atmosphere
264 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
42%
1%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a dynamic soundtrack that shifts between energetic combat themes and subtle ambient tracks. Reviewers highlight the exceptional sound and light design, which not only enriches the environment but also plays a crucial role in gameplay. The game's visual style, level design, and attention to detail contribute to a captivating experience that evokes a sense of tension and discovery, making it stand out among modern shooters.
- “The sound and light design are sublime and don't just serve the setting and atmosphere, they are integral to the gameplay.”
- “The atmosphere and level of detail in the world is amazing.”
- “The presentation is unmatched in doom-like boomer shooters, from a shockingly great original soundtrack to gorgeous and atmospheric environments that get more impressive the later into the game you get.”
- “The gray-blueish tone of the game, I think, is the biggest downside. Not because it's bad, but maybe some people may become bored by the atmosphere (in any case, I know that is an artistic decision made by the devs, the same way the cultic devs did).”
- “It's a rather brief section compared to the rest of the game, and I get the atmosphere and change in pace they were going for, but I didn't find this segment to be that enjoyable.”
- “It's not like other boomer shooters; I'm not sure I'd call it a boom shoot at all actually... it's a very new experience and stands out, mired only by some minor game design flaws (if I can call them that, possibly just artistic choice), such as a lack of bosses and/or NPCs where it would have been very welcome to the general atmosphere overall.”
optimization
106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
66%
13%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players praising its smooth performance and impressive visuals, while others report significant frame rate drops and stuttering, particularly during intense combat scenarios. Users with high-end systems still experience occasional performance issues, especially on larger maps, and those on lower-end devices like the Steam Deck struggle to maintain stable frame rates. Overall, while the game shows potential, many reviewers express hope for future optimizations to address these performance concerns.
- “The cherry on top of the cake is the optimization of the game.”
- “You would truly not think for a second this game was in early access; this game is more optimized and packed full of content than a lot of AAA games now. Huge congrats to the devs, what a gem!”
- “The game is in early access, but the level of optimization and care used by Altered Obits in tinkering with the GZDoom engine puts a lot of recent AAA games to shame.”
- “Can't even hold 60fps on the 'Steam Deck performance' setting.”
- “Performance decidedly suffers as a result – there are times, infrequent as they are, where even my system, with an i9 CPU and an RTX graphics card, experiences some notable drops to the framerate.”
- “Such frequent performance hiccups in a fast-paced game like this, especially one that looks like this, are just unacceptable in my view.”
replayability
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
62%
7%
The game boasts high replayability, enhanced by features like a randomizer campaign mode, extensive modding options, and varied playstyles that keep gameplay fresh. Players appreciate the dynamic enemy encounters and hidden puzzles, which contribute to a rich and engaging experience. Despite some criticisms regarding backtracking and limited enemy variety, many reviewers highlight the game's potential for endless replay value, especially with community support and future updates.
- “There is lots of replay value in the form of a randomizer campaign mode that keeps new runs fresh.”
- “The game is endlessly moddable and replayable.”
- “It reminds me of Black Mesa but with even bigger and more interesting maps; the content is incredibly rich, and apart from killing, which every FPS does, there are tons of weapons, hidden treasures, and puzzles that are both fun to solve and rewarding, making this game easily expand hours of gameplay and has high replay value.”
- “Replay value is lacking.”
- “Not very replayable though because going forwards and backwards and finding those aces offices and having to unlock the tram things gets dull pretty fast.”
- “Could help replayability (I dread doing replays of this game for all the empty backtracking).”
humor
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its clever humor, featuring a mix of funny quips, darkly comedic moments, and numerous pop culture references that enhance the gameplay experience. Players enjoy the lighthearted elements intertwined with action, such as humorous interactions and amusing secrets hidden throughout the levels. Overall, the developers' sense of humor shines through, making the game both entertaining and immersive, despite some criticisms regarding level design and visual aesthetics.
- “You've tied progression and exploring together, and that really made me sniff each corner of each map, looking for secrets, resources, and funny details.”
- “That one optional area with the dungeon and things that insult you when you pick them up had me laughing.”
- “The story is pretty cool too and it has a lot of funny inside jokes, TV references, and Easter egg stuff.”
monetization
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
5%
90%
The monetization aspect of the game is generally well-received, with no microtransactions reported, allowing players to enjoy the experience without additional costs. However, the prevalence of in-game advertisements, particularly neon and holographic ones, has drawn mixed reactions; while some appreciate the immersive world-building, others find them overwhelming and distracting. Overall, the game's monetization strategy seems to prioritize fun and engagement over aggressive monetization tactics.
- “No microtransactions, only fun.”
- “There's silly ads everywhere.”
- “So everything is dark, neon ads are bright and overwhelming, you have no idea where to go and what to do.”
- “Ads sprites are a hindrance, in some cases.”
grinding
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
19%
75%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be overwhelmingly tedious, with exploration often feeling like a chore due to excessive backtracking and the need to hunt for secrets. While some appreciate the reward system for exploration, many feel it leads to long stretches of aimless searching rather than engaging gameplay, making the overall experience exhausting and dull. The design choices contribute to a sense of obligatory padding, detracting from the enjoyment of combat and exploration.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “At its worst, it feels exhausting and is never not tedious.”
- “Because so many important things are in secrets, you feel obliged to find every single one before moving on, which results in maybe 10 minutes of actual shooting in a level, followed by hours of tedious secret hunting in empty maps.”
- “This game has inherited the mind-numbing, dull, and tedious design choices that feel like obligatory padding to run up the clock.”
- “It's incredibly boring and tedious.”
stability
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
77%
23%
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, running smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck and high-resolution monitors. While there are minor bugs, particularly with certain enemy mechanics, players report minimal crashes and a generally bug-free experience. The game is praised for its performance, allowing for enjoyable gameplay without significant interruptions.
- “Awesome music and runs great on Steam Deck!”
- “If you have a Steam Deck, the game runs great there and you can just play on their Steam Deck high preset which does give a solid frame rate or even push it a little further and set the frame rate to 40 for a great visual experience that still doesn't drain the battery.”
- “I should also say that the game was shockingly bug-free with the only exception being that my Steam Deck suffered a single crash during the whole runtime.”
- “The slide/dash mechanism is one of the gameplay mechanics, but it's a bit buggy for now.”
- “Sometimes flying enemies (the jetpack soldiers) are a bit buggy, as they can die instantly upon spawning.”
- “I haven't had to restart the game or reload to the latest save due to any bugs or glitches that didn't just cause the game to crash.”
emotional
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, likening it to nostalgic experiences from their childhood while also appreciating its modern features. The heartfelt storytelling and character development evoke strong feelings, reminiscent of classic titles like System Shock 2 and Deus Ex. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a profound sense of immersion and emotional engagement, especially considering its indie origins and modest budget.
- “Heartbreaking.”
- “Some NPCs or even an important character would ground me emotionally.”
- “It's the first game that's made me feel like I'm playing System Shock 2 for the first time again.”