Silica

About

"Silica" is a shooter/RTS hybrid offering 2-player co-op, PvP, and single-player action. Choose between human infantry or alien hive-mind, each with unique vehicles and creatures. Join the community through the official Discord server for updates, developer interaction, and player collaboration. Despite some bugs, the technical aspects, humor, and dense atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+13

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,033 reviews

gameplay109 positive mentions

optimization64 negative mentions

The game has a unique blend of RTS and FPS gameplay, providing a fresh experience.
The graphics and sound design are impressive, creating an immersive atmosphere.
The developer is actively updating the game, showing commitment to improvement and community feedback.

The AI pathfinding is poor, often causing units to get stuck and making gameplay frustrating.
Performance issues lead to significant frame rate drops, especially in larger battles.
The game lacks basic RTS features such as attack move commands, unit formations, and a proper tutorial.

gameplay
406 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
7%
The gameplay of Silica is a mixed bag, showcasing a unique blend of RTS and FPS mechanics that many players find intriguing, yet it suffers from significant issues such as poor AI pathfinding, lack of essential mechanics, and unbalanced gameplay. While the core concept has potential and some players enjoy the strategic depth and cooperative elements, the execution is hampered by bugs, simplistic controls, and a lack of polish, making the experience feel incomplete and frustrating at times. Overall, the game shows promise but requires substantial improvements to its mechanics and optimization to reach its full potential.
- “In this game, a player can play as a commander and experience the usual top-down RTS gameplay or instead choose to play as one of the commander's units and fight the enemies on the frontline.”
- “Silica stands as a groundbreaking marvel in the gaming world, seamlessly merging the cerebral brilliance of RTS with the visceral thrills of FPS gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is fun, interesting mechanics, and a very unique atmosphere.”
- “Mechanics are not explained.”
- “It's frustrating to witness such technical shortcomings, especially when they impede gameplay and immersion.”
- “The gameplay is not perfect yet, the AI is not that clever (still kudos for multiplayer AI) and there are some technical hiccups.”
graphics
356 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
38%
4%
The graphics of the game have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising the stunning visuals, especially during night battles and in expansive environments. While the aesthetic is often compared to iconic franchises like Dune and Starship Troopers, some users have noted issues with optimization and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game showcases impressive potential in its visual design, though it still requires further refinement and optimization to enhance the gameplay experience.
- “The graphics are amazing, the day and night cycle make the scenery much more beautiful and the playstyles between commander and infantry is outstanding.”
- “The visuals are stunning and need to be witnessed.”
- “The graphics are simply stunning (especially the fights at night) and the sounds are absolutely great!”
- “My eyes were bleeding from the terrible graphics and there was so much input delay that it was unplayable.”
- “Just to put into perspective how horrible this is for RTS, 'Command and Conquer: Generals', a game from over 20 years ago, has arguably better graphics (lower res but looks so much better), insanely better controls, more content, all for the same price as this.”
- “The graphics are rough and the audio is rougher.”
optimization
292 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
66%
22%
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, particularly during late-game scenarios with numerous units on screen. While some updates have shown improvements, the overall consensus is that the game is not well-optimized for lower-end systems, leading to significant frame rate drops and lag. Players express hope for future optimizations, acknowledging the game's potential but cautioning that it currently requires a powerful rig to run smoothly.
- “Over the past few months, the optimization and balance have improved drastically.”
- “In silica's current iteration as of writing, patch v0.8.11, in-game performance has been the top priority, already showing increases in performance compared to previous versions, with future patches on the way.”
- “The dev has continued to make regular updates to the game, and focused on core aspects like multi-threading and network optimizations to allow hundreds of units on the battlefield simultaneously, which I think is one of the most appealing aspects of the gameplay.”
- “Not even close to being optimized for non-top of the line systems; it looks like garbage and still runs at 30-40 fps.”
- “The performance of the game is just simple; it is terrible. If you start the game, it is fine, no lags, no issues, but the moment you construct some units and start playing with multiple people, it becomes a PowerPoint slideshow with 7 fps.”
- “The optimization in this game is so poor that it is unplayable even with a decent rig.”
stability
120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches affecting gameplay. Many users describe the AI and unit pathfinding as particularly problematic, leading to frustrating experiences during both RTS and FPS elements. While some acknowledge the game's potential and fun aspects, the overall consensus is that it is currently too buggy and unoptimized for a smooth experience, especially in its early access state.
- “The entire day has been me starting my computer again, starting Steam, loading this game, game freezes, computer full freezes, computer gets force shutdown.”
- “The game is extremely laggy and buggy, even on fairly strong PCs, and the menus and unit control/AI are not smooth.”
- “Game is a buggy mess at the moment and it is very badly optimized so I guess lag.”
story
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
83%
4%
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the intriguing backstory and artistic presentation, while others criticize it for being clichéd, poorly delivered, and lacking depth. Many users express a desire for a more developed narrative and varied environments, as the current missions often feel repetitive and uninspired. Overall, while there is potential for a compelling story, it currently feels underwhelming and in need of significant improvement.
- “Silica, an indie gem found on Steam, is a captivating journey that seamlessly blends cyberpunk aesthetics with thought-provoking storytelling.”
- “As you progress through the game, you uncover cryptic messages, hints, and fragmented memories that gradually piece together a complex and thought-provoking storyline.”
- “The game's introduction made a stylistically excellent choice by utilizing an artistic interpretation to create amazing images and accompanied narration that sells what their story truly is.”
- “- terrible story delivery (a really long info dump in the intro, meaning it's happening every time you turn on the game. The story's a mix of several popular sci-fi fictions, so nothing original either; they're almost uncomfortably familiar. AI art slideshow, and the narrator's voice electronically modified to sound like a sci-fi villain from a late 20th-century TV show for kids. There is a 'story mode' game as well. It's one of those, 'you are here, go there, it's important, well done, and repeat' type).”
- “The 'campaign' is mostly running (classic Arma running sim) and the story is rather nonexistent, and on top of that, they don't really teach any game mechanics.”
- “This game has a lot of potential, but it is unbalanced and lacks any depth for story.”
music
65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
72%
23%
5%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its epic quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere and immersion. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack is beautifully composed, fitting perfectly with the game's aesthetic and action, often comparing it to the works of renowned composers like Hans Zimmer. While some players mentioned minor technical issues, the music consistently stood out as a highlight, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
- “The ambiance is rich with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the cybernetic atmosphere.”
- “The battles at night are beautiful and the soundtrack is just perfect for this game.”
- “The greatest thing about this game, however, is the extremely beautifully composed and arranged music!”
- “The game just ends in the middle of it, then the game restart timer ends before the victory music ends, overall making things feel finished prematurely.”
- “The music is terrible.”
- “The music and art direction and ideas are all good, this could be great, but it needs, frankly, an insane amount of work.”
atmosphere
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
31%
5%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and cinematic quality, blending stunning graphics, a haunting soundtrack, and detailed sound design that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the unique combination of RTS and FPS elements, with many noting the impressive day-night cycles and environmental effects that contribute to a rich, engaging ambiance. However, some critiques mention that while the atmosphere is strong, it may not fully compensate for gameplay shortcomings or lack of depth in certain areas.
- “The atmosphere is so good and feels cinematic.”
- “The art and sound design is top tier and the general vibe/atmosphere feels incredibly immersive.”
- “What an amazing experience to be in a convoy of tanks and get ambushed by a horde of alien scorpions, or to storm an enemy base with a swarm of bugs while the humans fire their rocket launchers and whatnot at you, explosions everywhere... this game is packed full of atmosphere.”
- “I guess it's silenced or maybe muted by the lack of atmosphere.”
- “Obviously it is still lacking much of what is needed to create an atmosphere of replayability, but I expect that would come with time in development.”
- “In contrast, the cold and foreboding night atmosphere is skillfully portrayed, with the night vision gadget adding a new layer of fear and transforming how players approach encounters in the first-person shooter (FPS) mode.”
grinding
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
88%
Players consistently find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often requiring excessive effort to gather resources and expand bases. While new transport options and air units aim to alleviate some of this monotony, many still feel that the gameplay is bogged down by slow mechanics, poor unit pathfinding, and a lack of strategic depth. Overall, the grinding experience detracts from the enjoyment of the game, making it feel like a chore rather than an engaging challenge.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The game lacks a concede option, which means that when faced with an inevitable loss, players must endure a protracted and tedious process of having their buildings destroyed before the game concludes.”
- “Gameplay is slow and often tedious, and there is a major lack of depth.”
humor
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
94%
6%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players finding joy in the absurdity of gameplay moments, such as hilarious deaths and unexpected interactions. Voice chat enhances the comedic experience, allowing for shared laughter among friends, while the game's quirky mechanics and bugs contribute to its charm. However, some players note that the humor can wear thin over time, especially when faced with performance issues or gameplay frustrations.
- “Funny, voice chat is probably what took this game from the morgue to the graveyard.”
- “Like many others have said, the game is very barebones as it is still in beta, but playing with my friends and playing with others, it's a great laugh to watch your friends get blown up or die in funny ways when you are playing as the commander.”
- “Provide in-game voice chat or proximity chat, it's fun/useful and can be hilarious entertainment, overall it's nice for coordination.”
- “I take one look at the most recently posted blog post for this game and see some dude giving me the light skin stare 'how do you combine two genres?' Well, I don't know, I wouldn't ask you; I'd ask the Battlezone devs. I'm being funny, but it's because it's so cringey. I cannot be blunt about it; I have to soften it for my own psyche with humor. Highly cringe bohemia! This looks like a thumbnail for one of those 'learn how to use Unity in 15 minutes' videos and reeks of egotistical influencerism.”
replayability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable and capable of offering good replay value, others note its short playtime and linear gameplay may limit long-term engagement. Many believe that as the game continues to develop, it will enhance its replayability, particularly in multiplayer settings. Overall, it shows potential but currently lacks the depth needed for sustained replayability.
- “Very enjoyable and lots of replay value.”
- “Good replay value.”
- “- replayable with friends or random online games”
- “Silica's relatively short playtime and linear gameplay may not provide extensive replay value for some players.”
- “Obviously it is still lacking much of what is needed to create an atmosphere of replayability, but I expect that would come with time in development.”
- “If you're picky and want a game that needs crazy replayability right now, I recommend you wait.”
monetization
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
10%
70%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users expressing concerns that it feels like a cash grab, particularly due to its rushed early access release and intrusive ads. However, others believe that with proper support and minimal monetization, the game has the potential to grow into something special, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the community rather than relying on microtransactions. Overall, players are hopeful for a balanced approach that prioritizes gameplay experience over aggressive monetization strategies.
- “The bones are strong here, and provided there isn't a ton of monetization, this is a contender for Game of the Year for me personally.”
- “Don't pollute it with microtransactions; nurture your community, and it will grow into something special.”
- “Sounds more like a cash grab over an incubated product.”
- “Feels like a quick cash grab judging by the rushed early access release.”
- “Don't pollute it with microtransactions; nurture your community and it will grow into something special.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game's intense moments, highlighting feelings of desperation and resilience during critical gameplay scenarios. The struggle for survival and the impact of strategic decisions contribute to a profound sense of immersion and emotional investment in the experience.
- “Down on ammo and down on morale, I held my ground for the fiercest 4 seconds. I noticed them before touching hands with God, just to be cast back into the light.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development is noted for its striking and memorable minimalist design, with particularly impressive and terrifying representations of large bugs that enhance the experience for players in the human faction of the FPS.
- “The character design, though minimalist, is striking and memorable.”
- “The character designs are super cool and the bugs are very large and terrifying to see charging at you while playing the human faction in FPS.”