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About

Silica is a multiplayer shooter game with warfare and science fiction themes. It was developed by Martin 'Dram' Melichárek and was released on May 3, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"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.

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76%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,713 reviews
gameplay143 positive mentions
optimization88 negative mentions

  • Innovative blend of RTS and FPS gameplay, allowing players to switch between commanding units and engaging in combat.
  • Visually stunning environments and impressive sound design that enhance the immersive experience.
  • Active developer engagement with the community, regularly releasing updates and addressing feedback.
  • Significant AI pathfinding issues, causing units to get stuck and requiring constant micromanagement.
  • Lack of basic RTS commands and features, such as attack move, patrol, and unit formations, leading to frustrating gameplay.
  • Performance issues, especially in larger battles, resulting in low frame rates and lag.
  • gameplay
    500 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Silica presents a unique blend of first-person shooter (FPS) and real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics, offering an engaging yet uneven experience. While the core concepts are promising and the vehicle gameplay is particularly enjoyable, many players report issues with slow pacing, poor optimization, and a lack of depth in both modes, leading to a frustrating experience at times. Despite these challenges, the developers are actively working on improvements, and there is potential for the game to evolve into a more polished and engaging title as it progresses through early access.

    • “The strategic mode is the heart of the game’s design, combining the tactical depth of RTS gameplay with the immediacy of first-person action.”
    • “The RTS/FPS mechanics are the smoothest relationship between the two that I have seen from any game in this genre.”
    • “Incredible graphics that make my 2060 want to turn into a live volcano and unique gameplay is very refreshing for this genre.”
    • “The gameplay was very basic.”
    • “This game has been out for a long time and the overall progress has been pretty lackluster, the balance is awful, most of the gameplay feels like a chore in one way or another, the commander AIs are pretty much useless, and after 2 years we still barely have anything in the way of unique content for the 2nd human faction.”
    • “It's frustrating to witness such technical shortcomings, especially when they impede gameplay and immersion.”
  • graphics
    421 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, atmospheric design, and impressive lighting effects, particularly during night battles. However, players have also reported significant optimization issues, leading to performance drops even on high-end systems, and limited graphical settings that restrict customization. Overall, while the aesthetic and art style are generally well-received, the game's performance and graphical fidelity require further refinement to fully realize its potential.

    • “The lighting engine does much of the heavy lifting, giving the landscape an almost photographic sense of heat and distance.”
    • “Visually impressive, the game's detailed graphics and futuristic ambiance draw players into an engaging 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.”
    • “So, potato graphics it is.”
    • “The graphic optimization in this game is dog crap. I have a pretty beefy computer; I can run Monster Hunter World better than this, and that says a lot. Fix your game.”
    • “My eyes were bleeding from the terrible graphics, and there was so much input delay that it was unplayable.”
  • optimization
    362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game is a significant concern among players, with many reporting severe performance issues, particularly during large-scale battles where frame rates can drop drastically. While some improvements have been noted with recent updates, the game remains poorly optimized, especially for midrange and lower-end hardware, leading to stuttering and lag. Overall, players express hope for future optimizations, but currently, the game's performance is a major barrier to enjoyment.

    • “To Bohemia’s credit, optimization has improved incrementally with each update, but there’s still considerable work to be done before the experience feels smooth and consistent.”
    • “Over the past few months, the optimization and balance have improved drastically.”
    • “The dev has continued to make regular updates to the game, focusing 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.”
    • “Frame rate drops and stuttering become common during large-scale battles, particularly when explosions and particle effects fill the screen.”
    • “This game's performance takes a dive even with a moderate amount of units; the terrain and units are buggy, the weapon systems are clunky, and ultimately it feels like an abandoned project.”
    • “The performance issues are a big focus currently, and I look forward to seeing this game get polished and provide an experience that few games can provide today.”
  • stability
    154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly in the RTS mode. Many players describe the experience as "buggy" and "unoptimized," with AI pathfinding and unit controls often failing to function as intended. While some acknowledge the game's potential and fun gameplay, the overall consensus is that it remains a rough and unstable experience, especially in its early access state.

    • “The game looks and runs great; vehicles and aliens are of very high quality, and the terrain appears realistic.”
    • “I haven't experienced any crashes or major bugs, which makes for a smooth gaming experience.”
    • “The frame rate is consistent, even in busy scenes, allowing for seamless gameplay.”
    • “The game is still buggy and rough around the edges and definitely not the best optimized, especially if you have a potato PC.”
    • “Buggy, untested updates are rushed out prematurely and only bring more problems than they do fixes.”
    • “Very buggy especially with the NPC pathing as well as the not-so-smooth controls for units and buildings.”
  • story
    89 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is currently minimal and feels incomplete, with only a couple of missions available in early access, leading to a lack of depth and progression. While some players appreciate the potential for creative headcanon and the intriguing atmosphere, many criticize the delivery and execution of the narrative, describing it as cliché and poorly integrated into gameplay. Overall, there is hope for future improvements, but as it stands, the story lacks substance and variety, leaving players wanting more.

    • “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 transitioning artistic interpretations to create amazing images and accompanied narration that sells what their story truly is.”
    • “There's not much in terms of storyline yet, but if you can do headcanon and make up your own objectives and stuff like I do, it's amazing.”
    • “There's no sense of progression, nothing is unlocked by winning matches (as far as I can tell), and the 'story mode' is mostly just a really bad tutorial.”
    • “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.”
  • music
    73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its beauty and ability to enhance immersion, with many reviewers praising the soundtrack as a standout feature. While some feel it could benefit from a more tailored score specific to the game's themes, the overall composition is described as epic and atmospheric, effectively complementing the visuals and gameplay. Despite a few criticisms regarding technical issues, the music remains a highlight, with many players expressing a desire to listen to the soundtrack outside of the game.

    • “The ambiance is rich with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the cybernetic atmosphere.”
    • “The music score friggin rocks!!”
    • “Amazing work to the artist, the soundtrack really brings a whole new ethereal vibe to the game, and just wouldn't be the same without it.”
    • “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.”
    • “Despite these technical issues, the music, aesthetics and visuals of the game would be enough for me to recommend the game to other players.”
  • atmosphere
    62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and cinematic qualities, effectively conveying feelings of isolation and danger through stunning visuals and sound design. Players appreciate the blend of real-time strategy and first-person shooter elements, with many noting the impressive day-night cycles and environmental details that enhance the overall experience. However, some critiques mention that while the atmosphere is strong, certain gameplay aspects may detract from its potential, suggesting room for improvement as the game develops.

    • “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
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players consistently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and time-consuming, often requiring excessive effort to build and manage units, gather resources, and navigate terrain. Many reviews highlight the lack of efficient mechanics, such as command queues and unit pathfinding, which exacerbate the grind and detract from the overall enjoyment of gameplay. While some appreciate the potential for large-scale battles, the overwhelming need for grinding often leads to a frustrating experience that feels more like a chore than engaging gameplay.

    • “Building nodes for aliens is currently very tedious and time-consuming.”
    • “Speaking of resource fields, having to send out large vehicles to mine out very limited patches of money in a slow, tedious manner isn't fun.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is mixed, with some players finding it enjoyable and replayable, especially in multiplayer settings, while others criticize its limited long-term appeal due to repetitive gameplay and a lack of diverse modes. Many reviewers suggest that the game feels more like a work in progress, indicating that future updates could enhance its replay value significantly. Overall, while it offers fun in short bursts, its current state may not satisfy those seeking extensive replayability.

    • “Very enjoyable and lots of replay value.”
    • “Good replay value.”
    • “- replayable with friends or random online games”
    • “The maps, while detailed, can start to feel a bit too familiar, and the lack of diverse game modes or engaging end-game content makes long-term replayability questionable.”
    • “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.”
  • humor
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it entertaining due to its absurd scenarios, such as bugs and chaotic gameplay moments that lead to unexpected hilarity. While some aspects, like the pathfinding and UI, can be frustrating, the overall experience is often described as a fun and laugh-inducing time, especially when playing with friends. However, the humor may wear thin over time, as players note that the novelty can diminish with repeated gameplay.

    • “I watched a buggy fail to navigate, and then hilariously attempt to traverse a patch of the crystals.”
    • “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.”
    • “You may also want to avoid if you don't find it hilarious to run towards combat for a good long while before seeing your final command 'attack shrimp' and getting sniped before firing a single shot.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has raised concerns among users, with many perceiving it as a potential cash grab rather than a genuine early access project. Critics highlight issues such as intrusive ads and a lack of customization options, fearing that excessive microtransactions could undermine the game's development and community engagement. However, some players remain optimistic about its potential if monetization is handled thoughtfully and the game is nurtured properly.

    • “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.”
    • “This title worries me... though they have made many of my favorite games, Bohemia has a habit recently of releasing early access games and then changing the game to something completely different with no warning, and locking even those supporters out behind a paywall of microtransactions.”
    • “Sounds more like a cash grab than an incubated product.”
    • “On paper, it sounds great; execution, however, appears like a cash grab, at least to me.”
    • “This title worries me... Bohemia has a habit recently of releasing early access games and then changing the game to something completely different with no warning, locking even those supporters out behind a paywall of microtransactions.”
  • emotional
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game evokes strong emotions through its heartfelt narrative and high-concept futuristic setting, reflecting the developer's passion as a solo creator. Players experience intense moments of moral struggle and vulnerability, particularly in combat scenarios, which enhance the emotional depth of the gameplay. The mechanics, such as the fog of war, add layers of tension and strategy, further immersing players in the emotional stakes of their decisions.

    • “The game is high concept, futuristic, heartfelt, and made with love; the developer is solo.”
    • “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

    Character development is noted for its striking and memorable minimalist design, with players finding the character aesthetics appealing. The intimidating portrayal of large bugs adds to the immersive experience, particularly when engaging with the human faction in first-person shooter gameplay.

    • “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.”
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11h Median play time
23h Average play time
6-25h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 20 analyzed playthroughs
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Silica is a shooter game with warfare and science fiction themes.

Silica is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 23 hours playing Silica.

Silica was released on May 3, 2023.

Silica was developed by Martin 'Dram' Melichárek.

Silica has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Silica is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Executive Assault 2, Total Conflict: Resistance, Cepheus Protocol, Iron Harvest, Frozenheim and others.