Altered Orbit Studios has released "The Machines of War," a major update for the FPS "Selaco," which has been in Early Access since May 2024.
A title inspired by “F.E.A.R.” and “Half-Life”
This shooter, inspired by classic titles of yesteryear, is set on “Selaco,” a massive space station serving as a refuge for the last remaining refugees several years after the collapse of Earth. As Captain Dawn Collins, a high-ranking security officer, you’ll face off against the invaders who have attacked the space station.The action elements are heavily influenced by *F.E.A.R.*, blended with *Half-Life*-style exploration and modern game design.
The Largest Update to Date
This update is the largest to date; it further expands upon the elements established in the initial release while significantly overhauling systems that were previously deemed insufficient.
Update Highlights
Campaign: “Machines of War”
The story continues from Chapter 1. Dawn is pursued by relentless War Machines and finds herself in a desperate, life-or-death situation.
19 new maps have been added. Playtime is approximately 6–8 hours
Improved Enemy AI
Rebuilt from the ground up. Enemy capabilities have been enhanced, and they now exhibit more dynamic behavior than ever before.
Heavy Weapons
Pick up miniguns and rocket launchers to unleash overwhelming destructive power. Since these weapons cannot be reloaded or replenished, they disappear once you run out of ammo.
However, you can obtain heavy weapons on the spot by using the new “Heavy Weapons Case” item.
Expanded Enemy Varieties
In addition to the addition of numerous new enemies, Invasion Tiers have been introduced for existing enemies.
Expanded Weapon Arsenal
Bring powerful firepower to take on tough enemies. The Weapon Variant System and Weapon Kits have been added, significantly expanding the variety of weapons available.
Revamped Lighting and Shadows
Ray-traced lighting has been incorporated into all levels. Shadow rendering is now richer, and performance has been improved (no ray-tracing-capable hardware required).
Performance Optimization
Performance has been significantly improved across all environments through efficient use of VRAM, as well as improvements to logic and pathfinding.
Campaign Remaster
All existing levels have been updated to work with the revamped system.
In particular, additional story dialogue has been added to the later levels.
Navigation Assist
A guide feature (optional) to prevent players from getting lost. It leads players to the appropriate route without compromising the exploration element—the true essence of *Selaco*.
Operation Table
A new facility installed in the expanded area of the Safe Room. Here, you can permanently disable Invasion Tiers.
Mutator System
We’ve introduced a brand-new Mutator System that allows you to change and adjust settings at any time during the campaign. You can add variety to your gameplay with a wide range of mutators.
Enhanced Combat Sounds
Sounds such as bones snapping, glass shattering, ricochets, and bullet impacts now sound more realistic and varied. This heightens the immersion and brutality of combat, allowing you to experience intense firefights firsthand.
Sliding and Dash Rework
We’ve completely overhauled the movement system to deliver faster, more responsive, and more precise controls. No more missed inputs, lag, or clunky movement.
Character Upgrades
By obtaining supplements, you can unlock permanent upgrades for Dawn and gain access to new mechanics. These include the ability to display alerted enemies on the map, a sliding maneuver that knocks enemies back, collectibles that emit sounds, and armor enhancements.
Expanded Interactions
You can now perform a wider variety of actions with objects. You can bounce or push exploding oil drums, carry a pizza box to a quiet spot to eat it slowly, pick up a rubber duck, or squeeze it to make a sound.
On-Demand Gravity Manipulation
Once you obtain the special weapon kit for the wrist computer, you can manipulate gravity with the push of a button. Since you can move or throw objects at any time, this opens up more creative strategies for combat and movement. Just be mindful of the cooldown.
Procurement Menu
There are now more ways to spend Selber Credits. From the new procurement menu available in the safe room, you can purchase new types of grenades, restock ammunition, and acquire weapon kits.
Game Pacing Improvements
Secrets have been removed from the 100% completion requirements. From now on, completion will require collecting data pads, upgrades, and weapon kits. Note that the traditional completion method remains available as an option.
Enemy Patrols
Enemy soldiers now patrol the area before combat begins. You can use this to move stealthily and launch surprise attacks from advantageous positions.
Even during combat, if enemies lose sight of the player for a while, they will switch to patrol mode.
Special Campaign Expansion
New spawn systems, drop pods, and other features have been added to the Special Campaign (Randomizer), ensuring a fresh experience even with repeated playthroughs.
Jetpack (aka: Raider Unit)
Using the new Jetpack weapon allows you to launch into the air and unleash a barrage of fire on enemies with its mounted machine gun.
Expanded In-Combat Dialogue
The number of enemy voice lines has more than doubled. A wider variety of exchanges and a broader range of reactions are now available.
Original Soundtrack Expansion
Owners of the original soundtrack can receive the new track collection “The Machines of War” for free. It is currently in production and will be released soon.
"Selaco" is currently available in Early Access on Steam for 2,800 yen. A 33% off sale is also underway through November 28.
