Silica is the name of a new hybrid of real-time strategy and first-person shooter in a sci-fi universe strongly reminiscent of Starship Troopers and Dune. Up to three factions (two human races and an alien race reminiscent of the Zerg from Starcraft) fight for dominance over the planet Baltarus and its resources.
Players can either raise a base and coordinate units from a bird’s eye view or jump straight into the fray – either on foot or at the wheel of vehicles such as futuristic hover tanks or as a fat alien bug. There are single-player and three different online modes to choose from, as well as five infantry classes, eleven vehicles and eight alien creatures.
The game was largely developed single-handedly by Martin “Dram” Melichárek, the developer of Take on Mars, at Bohemia Interactive under the Incubator label. This includes experimental indie projects that are specifically promoted there. Bohemia itself is best known for the Arma series.
Silica will be released on Steam in 2023 as an Early Access title and is scheduled for final release after about a year. According to the developer, a series of larger updates are already being planned.
