Bo Mathorne, known for his acclaimed animated short film The Backwater Gospel, has announced a new video game project titled Skarven, in collaboration with developer Thomas Mygind. This title is presented as a first-person shooter (FPS) that draws inspiration from narrative games of the late 90s and early 2000s, such as Half-Life. With a distinctive artistic style, Skarven combines influences from Northern Europe with nostalgia for the PlayStation 2 era. The nostalgia for the games of your adolescence begins The first trailer of the game sets an oppressive atmosphere and […]
Bo Mathorne, known for his acclaimed animated short film The Backwater Gospel, has announced a new video game project titled Skarven, in collaboration with developer Thomas Mygind. This title is presented as a first-person shooter (FPS) that draws inspiration from narrative games of the late 90s and early 2000s, such as Half-Life. With a distinctive artistic style, Skarven combines influences from Northern Europe with nostalgia for the PlayStation 2 era.
Nostalgia for the games of your adolescence begins
The first trailer of the game establishes an oppressive and surreal atmosphere, where the player approaches a lonely rural house, with an industrial mill in the background. The short film shows a disturbing narrative, in which a television presenter in Danish provides details about a sociopolitical context that includes an increase in the retirement age and a rise in labor automation, elements that recall the dystopia presented in Children of Men. This visually striking world is complemented by an artistic design that evokes the grotesque and stylized style of Mathorne, similar to the works of Tim Burton.
Skarven still does not have a demo or a defined release window, but interested parties can already add it to their wishlist on Steam. It is worth noting that The Backwater Gospel, released in 2011, has accumulated 4.6 million views on YouTube, thus raising Mathorne’s profile in the gaming community. Those who are not familiar with his work can find the high-quality short film in his 4K re-upload, released last year.
As the anticipation for Skarven intensifies, video game fans can continue to discover other promising titles on the Steam page of the PC Gaming Show 2025, scheduled for December 4th.
After two decades of rumors about the long-awaited sequel, Half-Life 3, the gaming community is once again experiencing a growing excitement at the possibility of a new Half-Life game. Although there has been no official announcement, the author of a recent article speculates that there is a 25% chance of a new title being announced next year, although only a 10% chance that it will be called Half-Life 3. A game we have been waiting for decades. Interest has been revived in part thanks to recent hardware announcements from Valve, although much of the […]
After two decades of rumors about the highly anticipated sequel, Half-Life 3, the gaming community is once again experiencing a growing excitement at the possibility of a new Half-Life game. Although there has been no official announcement, the author of a recent article speculates that there is a 25% chance of a new title being announced next year, although only a 10% chance that it will be called Half-Life 3.
A game we’ve been waiting decades for
Interest has been revived in part thanks to recent hardware announcements from Valve, although much of the excitement in forums like Half-Life is based on misunderstandings, such as the false information about an imminent announcement provided by journalist Jason Schreier. However, the completion of Half-Life Alyx seems to set the stage for a new main title in the saga, fueling speculation.
Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, has indicated that future Half-Life games must bring significant innovations. This expectation creates uncertainty, as it is unclear what new technology or design concept could be the basis for the next game. While Valve is developing a new virtual reality headset, there are concerns about whether this would be the right approach, given that two Half-Life titles focused on VR could frustrate those who prefer more traditional experiences.
Additionally, there is mention of the possibility that a new game could be linked to the new Steam Machines, although without a clear innovation, it is unlikely that this will materialize. On the other hand, Newell is also involved in ocean exploration and neuroscience projects, which opens the door to an innovative narrative that could include elements of the mystery of Borealis, an enigmatic ship in the lore of Half-Life, or the creation of a real Aperture Science. Thus, fans will surely continue to speculate while waiting for more news from Valve.
The recent release of Dementium: The Ward on Steam, along with an attractive 40% discount, has arrived just in time for Scream Fest. This horror game, dating back nearly 20 years on the Nintendo DS, has drawn comparisons to iconic titles like Silent Hill and Doom 3. A critic on Steam describes it as a mix of Afraid of Monsters and Doom 3, placing it within the horror section of other Half-Life mods. A perfect game for Halloween Despite the wealth of titles released for the Nintendo DS, the […]
The recent release of Dementium: The Ward on Steam, along with an attractive 40% discount, has arrived just in time for Scream Fest. This horror game, dating back nearly 20 years on the Nintendo DS, has drawn comparisons to iconic titles like Silent Hill and Doom 3. A critic on Steam describes it as a mix of Afraid of Monsters and Doom 3, placing it within the horror section of other Half-Life mods.
A perfect game for Halloween
Despite the wealth of titles released for the Nintendo DS, the list of remasters available on Steam is surprisingly short. This is astonishing considering the numerous acclaimed games that have been left out of the digital market. Classics like Meteos, Professor Layton, and Hotel Dusk still have no presence on Valve’s platform, raising questions about the portability decisions for these beloved games among fans.
Although a greater number of 3DS titles have been observed on Steam, possibly due to their more accessible 3D graphics for remastering, both systems continue to be underrepresented in the Steam catalog. This situation is especially disappointing given the growing trend towards portable gaming on PC, which could open opportunities for many unremastered DS and 3DS games to reach a new audience.
Additionally, it is suggested that there is still room for the port of Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, an RPG based on Sonic created by Bioware. This title, although criticized for its music, has significant historical value and could be a good candidate for its arrival on PC. This need to highlight iconic games from the DS reflects the players’ desire to see a more diverse and complete catalog on platforms like Steam.
In the universe of video games, the influences among creatives can lead to extraordinary works, and Hideo Kojima is a clear example of this. Recently, it has been revealed that the renowned designer was inspired by Half-Life to develop the cutscenes of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This information comes from the analysis conducted by the DidYouKnowGaming team, which meticulously explores Kojima’s development diary, titled Development Diary – Hideo Kojima: Four Years of Struggle. The influence of Half-Life goes even further than we imagined. After the resounding success of Metal Gear Solid, Kojima […]
In the universe of video games, the influences among creatives can lead to extraordinary works, and Hideo Kojima is a clear example of this. Recently, it has been revealed that the renowned designer was inspired by Half-Life to develop the cutscenes of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This information comes from the analysis conducted by the DidYouKnowGaming team, which meticulously explores Kojima’s development diary, titled Development Diary – Hideo Kojima: Four Years of Struggle.
The influence of Half-Life reaches even further than we imagined
After the resounding success of Metal Gear Solid, Kojima encountered the impact of Half-Life, a title that revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. In his diary, Kojima expresses his admiration for how Valve integrated cinematics with gameplay, providing a more immersive experience. However, when considering implementing a similar interactive system in his own work, he decided it would not fit with the complex narrative of Metal Gear Solid 2.
The challenge was to achieve an effective combination of action and narrative, and Kojima devised the use of split screen so that players could control Raiden while following a cinematic. Although this innovative idea generated excitement within the development team, it was ultimately discarded in the final version of the game without a concrete explanation in the diary. This decision has fueled curiosity about what the gaming experience could have been like had it been retained.
Currently, Kojima is once again the center of attention with the recent release of Death Stranding 2, a title that stands out for its fusion of action, infiltration, and exploration in a post-apocalyptic world. As the video game industry continues to evolve, the influences between creators like Kojima and Valve continue to fuel discussions about intertextuality in this medium.
A new mod for Team Fortress 2, titled Lambda Fortress, has caught the attention of fans by allowing the experience of Half-Life 2 and other Source engine games in multiplayer and single-player modes. This mod presents itself as an explosive fusion between two of Valve’s most iconic titles, allowing players to take on the role of mercenaries while exploring the chaos surrounding City 17. Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life finally come together In an interesting twist, the Lambda Fortress trailer opens with a memorable scene from Half-Life 2, where an officer […]
A new mod for Team Fortress 2, titled Lambda Fortress, has caught the attention of fans by allowing the experience of Half-Life 2 and other Source engine games in multiplayer and single-player modes. This mod presents itself as an explosive fusion between two of Valve’s most iconic titles, allowing players to take on the role of mercenaries while exploring the chaos surrounding City 17.
Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life finally unite
In an interesting twist, the Lambda Fortress trailer opens with a memorable scene from Half-Life 2, where a Combine officer orders Gordon Freeman to pick up a piece of trash. However, players will not control Freeman, but will play as the Scout from Team Fortress 2, a character known for his speed and a baseball bat. This mix of characters promises chaotic gameplay, especially when mechanics like ÜberCharge and the famous rocket-jumping are used.
One of the most striking features of this mod is the ability to integrate existing inventories from Team Fortress 2, allowing players to use weapons and hats they have previously earned. Additionally, Lambda Fortress will include new weapons, which will surely expand the possibilities for fun and customization.
Another aspect that generates anticipation is how the vehicle sections will be handled within the game. There are rumors about the possibility that all players will have their own boat, which could create an even more chaotic environment, although how this will be implemented remains uncertain.
Lambda Fortress still does not have a defined release date, but it already has its own page on Steam, where interested parties can follow its development. The gaming community is eagerly awaiting more news about this exciting project that promises to revolutionize the experience in the Team Fortress 2 universe.
Counter-Strike, a name that resonates strongly in the history of video games, originated as a mod of Half-Life and has evolved into a global phenomenon, largely thanks to the flexibility that Valve, the company behind the title, has shown towards modifications on its Steam platform. However, recently, the modding landscape has taken a drastic turn with Valve’s decision to issue a cease and desist order against the mod Counter-Strike: Classic Offensive. Where I said “digo,” I now say “Diego.” This mod, which aimed to revive the classic essence of CS:GO and had […]
Counter-Strike, a name that resonates strongly in the history of video games, originated as a mod of Half-Life and has evolved into a global phenomenon, largely thanks to the flexibility that Valve, the company behind the title, has shown towards modifications on its Steam platform. However, recently, the modding landscape has taken a drastic turn with Valve’s decision to issue a cease and desist order against the mod Counter-Strike: Classic Offensive.
Where I said “digo” I say “Diego”
This mod, which aimed to revive the classic essence of CS:GO and had received explicit approval from Valve in 2017, was abruptly canceled in January 2025. According to the development team, Valve’s communication was brief, merely stating that the project was not “suitable for Steam”. Hours before releasing an update that promised to revitalize the mod, the team encountered the legal notification that ended their eight years of work.
Valve’s decision has sparked a strong debate within the modding community, who see this move as a radical change in the company’s stance towards supporting user creativity. “This stance contradicts the previous approval and historical tolerance that Valve had with the modding communities,” notes the Classic Offensive team, highlighting that their efforts follow the company’s official processes.
This turn raises concerns about the future of modding within Valve’s ecosystem, where the company’s perception as a supporter of creativity is threatened. Mod developers must reconsider their relationship with Valve, an entity that benefits from community innovation but, at the same time, can dismantle years of efforts without warning, leaving a climate of uncertainty about the future of their own projects.
The acclaimed FPS classic, Half-Life 2, is getting a new lease on life thanks to a remastered version called Half-Life 2 RTX, which will be released for free in the future. On March 18, 2025, a demo of this remake was released, which has raised expectations among fans. However, reactions have been mixed, with only 60% positive reviews on Steam, where many players have pointed out that the demo is quite demanding and lacks optimization. A questionable use of path tracing The most notable complaints come from the changes in lighting, which use […]
The acclaimed FPS classic, Half-Life 2, is getting a new lease on life thanks to a remastered version called Half-Life 2 RTX, which will be released for free in the future. On March 18, 2025, a demo of this remake was released, generating expectations among fans. However, reactions have been mixed, with only 60% positive reviews on Steam, where many players have pointed out that the demo is quite demanding and lacks optimization.
A Questionable Use of Pathtracing
The most notable complaints come from the changes in lighting, which use ray tracing and path tracing technology. Some players on Reddit have expressed their discontent, pointing out that these improvements have altered the original atmosphere of the game, removing the fear that characterized areas like Ravenholm. This aspect has sparked a debate about how technological changes can affect the classic experience that many fondly remember.
David Driver-Gomm, from Orbifold Studios, stated that Half-Life 2 RTX is an interpretation of the original game and is modifiable, allowing the community to create their own versions. “The idea of this demo is that we have laid a very solid foundation. We want to see what people think,” Gomm commented, while reminding that the project is still in development and there is interest in exploring future episodes. “Half-Life 2: Episode 1 and 2 have many resources with the game. Even if we don’t do it ourselves, the community could take up the work,” he concluded.
Despite the current criticism, the return of this icon continues to generate interest and conversation in the gaming community, highlighting the affection that Half-Life 2 has garnered over the years. With NVIDIA’s RTX Remix technology, players have the opportunity to customize their experience and bring new interpretations to this timeless classic.
In 1998 things were very different: if there was a bug in your game, you had to eat it until the end of days. And that’s what happened in ‘Half-Life’… until now
These days, when we install a new game, it’s likely packed with bugs: a person flying here, a talking horse there, a level ending that’s impossible to pass. Well, you know, those things. Eventually, we get used to it all. But back in 1998, it was very different: if there was a bug in your game, you had to live with it forever. And that’s what happened in ‘Half-Life‘… until now.
If you’ve played, you remember the moment because it’s spectacular: in chapter 6, an alien tentacle breaks a window, taking a scientist with it. It’s impressive, it raises the danger sky-high, and it further enhances such an incredible game as this one. Yes. But… the animation has a glitch that makes it look broken and unrealistic. In short, we could never fully enjoy it as Valve intended.
However, they had a second chance last week when Valve released a patch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the video game. And it had all sorts of improvements: from new maps to content that was cut back then, or some fixes here and there. Okay, yes, all great, but in episode 6, the tentacle still looked broken. Fans thought it would stay that way forever, but sometimes dreams do come true.
Just yesterday, Valve released a new patch exclusively dedicated to one thing: ensuring the tentacle had animation up to standard. The game, 25 years later, is finally complete. It can be considered that, for the first time, anyone playing ‘Half-Life’ for the first time will practically be playing ‘Complete-Life’. It took many years to fix a small thing, but a small thing that has made a lot of people happy.
And ultimately, isn’t that what video games are for, right?
Valve will be in Cologne, Germany for Gamescon teaching something related to a franchise we already thought was forgotten.
Few games continue to generate as much buzz as Half-Life. Its fans still clamor for a third installment, even though at this point, the possibility of that happening seems somewhat remote, if not outright impossible. Even after Valve continued the franchise in 2020 with the excellent Half-Life: Alyx, which is still considered one of the pinnacles of virtual reality gaming, there doesn’t appear to be any immediate intention of returning to the universe that brought them absolute success. Or so we thought.
From August 23rd to 27th, in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom, the largest video game fair in Europe, will be held. With the apparent decline of E3, Gamescom currently stands as the world’s biggest gaming fair, raising expectations for an unusually high number of announcements during these days. In preparation for the event, Gamescom has already released an app where it’s possible to, among other things, see the list of companies that will be present at the fair. This reveals an interesting result: Valve, the creators of Half-Life, is among them.
Of course, on its own, this doesn’t mean anything significant. Valve’s presence at a gaming fair doesn’t imply much by itself. However, the fact that “Half-Life” appears among the tags on their page does seem indicative that they may have something hidden up their sleeves related to their beloved universe.
The speculation and most rumored possibility for Valve’s announcement at Gamescom is a port of the mentioned Half-Life: Alyx for Sony’s new virtual reality experience, the PS VR2. This doesn’t rule out the possibility of them announcing other projects like Half-Life 2: Episode Three, Half-Life 3, Half-Life Alyx 2, or any other game related to Half-Life that we are currently unaware of. As of now, all we have is a tag in an app, but hope remains until the end of August. Until then, we’ll have to wait and see what Valve has in store for fans of the Half-Life universe.
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There are hostile aliens behind every corner, and puzzles set to challenge your psyche in these amazing games!
The science fiction genre has been around for hundreds of years, and for good reason. Sci-fi lets us take a peek at what might be, showing us visions of hundreds of possible futures… some hopeful, and some bleak. Sci-fi lets us explore far off worlds, encounter colorful new creatures and species, and at the same time lets us take a look back at ourselves through a unique lens. Sci-fi games are no exception and have left an indelible mark on gamers everywhere. Here’s our roundup of the top 10 most definitive sci-fi video games.
10 best sci-fi games of all time
For this list, we had to draw a hard line between fantasy games and science fiction games. Although you might not consider it to be one, the Mega Man games are technically sci-fi games. Sci-games are games where the setting is only made possible by advancements in science, technology, or major social and environmental changes.
10. Portal
Image courtesy Valve
Though sci-fi is known for letting players experience unique perspectives, Portal took that rather literally. This puzzle game has players taking control of a test subject, Chell, in a mysterious scientific facility. She’s tasked with using futuristic portal-gun technology to navigate a variety of increasingly difficult testing chambers.
Portal is a totally unique puzzle game that will have players looking at the world in entirely different ways and provides some truly mind-blowing and sometimes head-scratching scenarios.
It’s also loaded with Valve game developer’s trademark dry sense of humor and more than a few colorful characters, all of which combines to make this sci-fi puzzle game truly stand out from the crowd.
To call Starcraft a worldwide phenomenon might be an understatement. It is the definitive RTS game. Since arriving on the scene several decades ago, Starcraft has endured with a loyal following of competitive and casual players across the globe.
The real-time strategy game allows players to take control of one of several factions and duke it out for battlefield supremacy. Starcraft has since become a staple of professional gaming leagues and inspires an almost disturbing level of fanaticism among fans.
Some sessions will last for hours or even days at a time, and some players have even died while playing. The game is so wildly popular that even UC Berkeley offered a class on it. It’s incredibly addictive and incredibly fun, and players that give the game a shot will soon find that out for themselves.
Prey is a spiritual successor to the iconic sci-fi classic System Shock and has been given a modern makeover. Players take control of a scientist aboard the orbiting Talos space station after things have gone out of control. Unfortunately, the space station has suffered an alien invasion. A sinister alien species has slaughtered most of the station’s inhabitants, and it’s up to the player to stop the threat.
Like its cousin, Bioshock, Prey sports a stunning retro-futuristic aesthetic, and players will use a combination of both conventional weapons and supernatural powers to combat the alien threat. You can call it a sci-fi game or you can call it a horror game. We call it “fun.”
In the future, corporations hold almost unchecked power, and humans are able to be augmented to near godlike status with various cybernetic components. Of course, this makes for some ridiculously fun and creative combat scenarios, but the RPG elements are what sets Deus Ex apart from the pack. The player will have to make some choices that have serious repercussions. Throw in tense, twisting plots worthy of any best-selling thriller novel, and it soon becomes apparent why Deus Ex has endured for more than 20 years.
Another entry from Valve, Half-Life became an instant classic almost immediately upon release. Playing as scientist Gordon Freeman, players take on a hostile alien threat at a secret government research facility.
The second game, however, is where the series really shines. Freeman is transported into the future, where an alien government known as the Combine has taken over Earth. The Earth is barren and looks like the end result of a nuclear war.
Freeman is forced to fight through a variety of dystopian settings to liberate humanity. Half-Life effortlessly blends solid combat with platforming and puzzle-solving to create an endlessly replayable experience. Though fans are still waiting (perhaps forever) for the much-anticipated conclusion to the series, the other entries are still well worth playing.
EVE Online is perhaps the best definition of the term “massive multiplayer online game.” EVE is a world in and of itself, with a living, breathing in-depth economy and player base. The game regularly breaks records and makes headlines.
For example, “The Bloodbath of B-R5RB” lasted for almost 21 hours and involved tens of thousands of players. It was also one of the most expensive battles in gaming history, measured in the real-world dollars that were lost in the battle. In fact, EVE is so significant that it’s been featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Though there are microtransactions (and plenty of them) players can still enter this vast world of political espionage, massive battles, and hypercapitalism for free.
Some argue that Knights of the Old Republic is the definitive Star Wars game, and it’s easy to see why. The game acts as a prequel to the movies, letting players explore the galaxy as it was when the Jedi and Sith were at the height of their powers.
It’s an incredibly in-depth RPG, allowing players to follow their character from young Padawan all the way to a full-fledged Jedi Knight. The world and characters are utterly immersive, and the game also features a stellar soundtrack by Jeremy Soule, who some gamers may know as the musician behind the sounds of Skyrim. KOTOR isn’t just a great sci-fi game or a great Star Wars game, it’s perhaps one of the best games of all time.
When the term “survival horror” is uttered, the Dead Space franchise is probably the first thing that comes to mind.
Though many look to the stars and see possibilities for hope and exploration, others look at that vast expanse and wonder what horrors might lurk in the inky blackness. The Dead Space series answers that question.
As engineer Isaac Clarke, players are tasked with investigating a distress call from the USG Ishimura, a massive planetary mining vessel. What follows is a living nightmare, as twisted alien creatures known as Necromorphs have turned the ship into a vision of true horror.
As Isaac, players will use a variety of engineering and maintenance tools as weapons to try to stay alive. Though the combat and scares are both top-tier, the game’s setting can be easy to overlook. In-game technology is sleek and creative, from the actual in-game holographic pause menus to the interfaces on doors to the health bar on Isaac’s armor. The rich lore that lurks in the background only serves to heighten the terror.
Halo is the definitive sci-fi first-person shooter. Players take on the role of super-soldier Master Chief as he fends off an invasion at the hands of hostile aliens. It may sound like a derivative plot, but it’s done to perfection, and it’s hard not to get wrapped up in Master Chief’s story.
The gameplay is a gold standard for the genre, blending staple weapons like pistols and rifles with more… creative weapons such as the Needler and iconic Energy Sword.
Single-player aside, the multiplayer is a recipe for endless hours of fun, whether experienced online or on the couch with friends. Players can even look outside the games for even more content, such as popular Halo machinimas like Rooster Teeth’s classic web series Red vs. Blue.
There are role-playing games, and then there’s Mass Effect. Rather than merely taking on a role, you will take on an entire universe of possibilities.
Another Bioware classic, the Mass Effect trilogy is the quintessential gaming experience for any sci-fi fan. Hundreds of years in the future, humanity has used mysterious Mass Relay technology to join a host of other alien species in the universe at large.
As humanity struggles to find its place in an already close-knit galactic community, another threat appears in the form of the mysterious and powerful Reapers, bent on wiping out all life in the galaxy. That’s where Commander Shepard comes in. Players will control almost every aspect of Shepard’s journey, from combat style, to appearance, to personality.
Even the smallest choices might have repercussions that shape the fate of the galaxy. It’s a long and emotional journey and one that players will want to take over and over again. Mass Effect is everything good about science fiction and role-playing done to absolute perfection.
Were there any titles that we may have overlooked? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back with Softonic for more lists and other gaming-related news, guides, and updates.
