Selaco – Review

Selaco, the brainchild of Altered Orbit Studios, has carved a niche for itself in the world of first-person shooters. Drawing inspiration from golden oldies like Doom and Half-Life, it injects modern sensibilities into a retro aesthetic to create a thrilling and polished experience. Here’s a breakdown of Selaco’s strengths, weaknesses, and what kind of gamer it caters to.

A Blast from the Past, Reborn

Selaco throws you headfirst into a pixelated world teeming with alien hostiles. Don’t be fooled by the old-school graphics, though. The environments are meticulously crafted, boasting impressive destructibility. Every bullet leaves its mark, transforming the world around you into a chaotic ballet of explosions and flying debris. This level of detail breathes life into the environments and adds a layer of tactical consideration to your firefights.

Combat: A Brutal Dance of Skill

The combat in Selaco is a frenetic dance between aggression and resource management. Unlike some modern shooters with bottomless ammo clips, Selaco forces you to be mindful of every shot. This scarcity creates a constant tension, making each kill a satisfying reward for your marksmanship. The weapon arsenal is diverse, ranging from classic shotguns to high-powered rifles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses to master.

Adding another layer of complexity is the enemy design. These aren’t mindless drones. They exhibit tactical behavior, flanking maneuvers, and utilize cover effectively. This forces you to constantly adapt your approach, dodging, strafing, and employing well-timed jumps to outmaneuver your opponents. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming a particularly challenging encounter is significant.

A Story Unfolding: Emails and Echoes

While the core gameplay loop revolves around frenetic action, Selaco weaves a narrative tapestry in the background. The story unfolds through scattered emails and datalogs, piecing together the desperate struggle of a beleaguered space station under alien siege. While the environmental storytelling might not be for everyone, it adds depth to the world and allows players to connect with the characters’ plight on a deeper level.

Early Access Echoes: A Work in Progress

It’s important to acknowledge that Selaco is still in Early Access. While the core gameplay loop is incredibly polished and the content is substantial (with 30 maps and more promised), there are areas where the game can improve. The movement feels a tad sluggish compared to some modern shooters, and some reviewers have noted a lack of sprint functionality. Additionally, the story, while intriguing, feels underdeveloped at this stage.

Who Should Suit Up for Selaco?

Selaco is a love letter to the golden age of FPS games. If you have fond memories of blasting your way through hordes of demons in Doom or strategizing your way through Black Mesa in Half-Life, then Selaco will undoubtedly scratch that nostalgic itch. The emphasis on skillful combat, resource management, and strategic thinking will appeal to gamers who crave a challenge. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, modern shooter with a fully fleshed-out narrative, you might want to wait for Selaco’s full release to see how it evolves.

Overall, Selaco is a promising title with a bright future. It captures the essence of what made classic FPS games so compelling while offering a modern sheen. With its focus on strategic, resource-managed combat and a world begging to be explored, Selaco is a must-play for fans of the genre, especially those willing to embrace the Early Access experience.