Coming From The ARMA Devs' "Incubator" Program, "Silica" Early Access Blends RTS & FPS Into One Game

Blending real-time strategy and first-person shooting, Silica, a new project from Bohemia Interactive's incubator program, was announced today.

Per Steam: "Silica is a crossover of FPS and RTS where up to 3 factions battle for control over the planet of Baltarus. Lead from above as commander, or experience the action first-hand, either alone, or with friends. Join one of two human armies, or hunt them down as the territorial aliens."

Silica lets you play both the macro as an RTS, but also allows you to take control of any unit and play as an FPS. It also has a third-person shooter option for those of us who prefer that.

You can play as either the humans or the aliens. Humans control 5 infantry classes and 11 distinct vehicles. The aliens can spawn and shift between 8 different creatures.

The game features three different game modes. Strategy is the main game mode where players fight over resources, build, and attack enemies. Prospector mode challenges players to get in, collect resources, and get out. Arena is a free-for-all FPS mode being billed as "unbalanced."

The game launches in Early Access on Steam "soon", and is expected to be in early access for 9-12 months.