Solomon Snow: First Contact (v2024.03.13)

An alien assault turns the Futuresalt Corp tower into a cramped, hostile workplace, and ordinary guard Solomon Snow becomes its unglamorous last line of defense. Solomon Snow: First Contact is a retro-styled action shooter about forcing a path upward through a 38-floor office block while an extraterrestrial infestation overruns every corridor, cubicle, and server room. The tone mixes tense survival action with dry workplace humor, casting its unlikely hero as a guard who starts the day at the front gate and ends it fighting for the planet.

Combat revolves around scavenging whatever can be turned against the invaders, from improvised tools such as shovels, crowbars, and fire extinguishers to assault rifles and alien weaponry. Reaching the roof means searching rooms, solving environmental obstacles, shutting down enemy portals, and rescuing staff members who can join the push; scientists bypass locked access points, engineers tackle hazards, and security personnel add valuable firepower. Snow develops through 15 abilities spread across Soldier, Specialist, Commander, Agility, and Vitality paths, letting players lean into direct combat, tougher survival, or more effective squad leadership. Major enemy officers also stand in the way, turning key sections of the ascent into boss encounters rather than simple hallway clearing.

Its strongest idea is the combination of old-school alien-blasting with a small rescue squad whose specialties matter outside combat. The building makes a focused setting for exploration, with dark rooms and tight passages encouraging caution instead of mindlessly sprinting toward the next objective. Players who enjoy the arcade aggression of Doom and Duke Nukem, the sci-fi pressure of Alien Breed, and the problem-solving pace associated with Half-Life should find plenty to like here. Solomon Snow: First Contact suits newcomers looking for a straightforward retro shooter, while veterans can get more from managing survivor skills and choosing upgrades that support their preferred approach.