The team behind the famous Half-Life: Alyx NoVR mod is developing its own shooter, Chemical-Burn, which looks like a spiritual successor to Half-Life 2. The Half-Life: Alyx NoVR mod made it possible to play Valve’s latest game without a VR headset, creating a version of Half-Life 2 we never got. The team even got the mod working on Steam Deck. Now, City 1 Studios is working on a brand new title.
Story and Gameplay
In Chemical-Burn, players take on the role of Cindy, who explores a dystopian world with her dog Buddy, fighting robots, drones, and other enemies. According to the developers, the game started out as a Half-Life mod on the Source engine, but the team decided to switch to Unreal Engine 5.
Influences and Unique Features
Obvious Inspirations
The influence of Half-Life 2 is obvious, from the weapon design to the name of the city (Hazard City is a reference to the Water Hazard level from HL2) and even the presence of a companion dog.
New Ideas and Mechanics
However, Chemical-Burn also offers its own ideas. Buddy can attack enemies and bring ammunition, similar to Dog from Fallout 4. The dog also helps solve puzzles, reaching places that are inaccessible to Cindy. The game has elements of immersive simulators – the levels offer several paths to complete, and you can return to your own apartment between missions.
Design and Atmosphere
Corporate and Cyberpunk Influences
The game is influenced by System Shock in how it presents corporations and the cyberpunk atmosphere. Dark colors with bright accents, the feeling of the player’s insignificance in this world, and the approach to enemy design all contribute to the atmosphere. The game relies on body horror elements from System Shock and Half-Life.
“System Shock has a big influence on how we present corporations and the cyberpunk atmosphere. Dark colors with bright accents, the feeling of the player’s insignificance in this world, the approach to enemy design. We rely on body horror from System Shock and Half-Life.”
Director Anthony Marelli
Release Plans
Demo and Full Release
City 1 Studios plans to release a demo of Chemical-Burn by the end of 2025, with a full release planned for 2026. The game already has a Steam page.
Anticipation and Future Prospects
Fans of the Half-Life series and immersive simulators are eagerly awaiting the release of Chemical-Burn. The game’s unique blend of influences and original ideas promises an exciting experience that will appeal to both new players and long-time fans of the genre.
looks rough, sad to see u moved away from source. unreal engine makes it look like a generic cyberpunk shooter, no defined art style.