Half-Life Fan Game Codename: Loop Coming To Steam

Codename: Loop is a Half-Life fan game that reimagines the classic FPS as a top-down twin-stick shooter, and it's headed to Steam.


Published: October 6, 2022 9:57 AM /

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Codename Loop screenshot showing Gordon off from the top-down perspective.

Have you ever wondered how Half-Life might play as a twin-stick shooter? You won't have to wonder anymore because Codename: Loop is coming to Steam, although the release date is currently "when it's ready". A fan game being made by a PinkyDev, a single developer, Codename: Loop has Gordon confined by G-Man in an ever-changing loop. G-Man wants to see if Gordon can escape and if he's a worthy candidate to be hired. It's an interesting idea for a fan game, and definitely sticks out compared to the VR mods and other fan games that the series has received over the years. Hopefully it won't be as bad as Hunt Down the Freeman, but we'll have to wait and see, eh?

Codename: Loop promises to be a unique experience

Unlike other Half-Life games that are made in-game, Loop is being made in Unity. It still looks like the original Half-Life, which might be a good or bad thing depending on where you stand. PinkyDev is trying to create the same "vibe" as the Gold Source titles, which means that while Half-Life's in-game assets are being used, there are also some custom models, textures, and animations that will help "improve some aspects of the original assets". Considering the game has third-person and top-down views, this is definitely a good thing. 

And yes, before you ask, there will be a first-person view, but it will be "different" compared to what you're used to. 

Codename: Loop screenshot shows Gordon getting shot at and straight up not having a good time.
Gordon is straight up not having a good time.

In addition to the campaign being made by PinkyDev, there will also be support for custom user-made campaigns and levels. Basically, if you're picking up what Codename: Loop is putting down, you can try and put your own spin on it by using J.A.C.K, the level editor. You'll be able to share your levels and campaigns through the Steam Workshop, too.

After its launch, there will also be a roguelike mode released for the game, which should help shake things up for players who want to keep playing but have run out of content. You can do this while using custom skins, too, so you can dress Gordon like the scientist he truly is as you dispatch your enemies.

If you want to test out Codename: Loop, be sure to check out the demo that will be releasing by the end of the year. Until then, stay tuned to TechRaptor for more information on this fan game and other Half-Life fan games and mods.

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A very unflattering picture of my tired face.
| Staff Writer

Patrick is a former Staff Writer for TechRaptor and has been gaming on every console he could get since he could hold a controller. He’s been writing for… More about Patrick