La Quimera is the debut title from Reburn, a Ukrainian game development studio formerly known as 4A Games Ukraine- the team behind the acclaimed Metro series. This narrative-driven first-person shooter (FPS) marks a significant departure from the post-apocalyptic themes of their previous work, venturing into a high-tech dystopian future set in Latin America.
Released in early access on May 7, 2025, La Quimera is Reburn’s first original video game IP and introduces players to a world where advanced technology, political fragmentation, and mystical elements intertwine.
Set in and around the fictional Latin American megacity of Nuevo Caracas, the game tells the story of a down-on-their-luck PMC group caught up in a vast conflict between rival factions and shadowy corporations, as mystical events increasingly blur the line between reality and illusion.
Setting and Narrative: A Dystopian Latin America
Set in the year 2064, La Quimera unfolds in a world where traditional nation-states have collapsed due to a series of natural and human-made catastrophes in the 2030s and 2040s. These events led to the rise of microstates and powerful corporations that now dominate the geopolitical landscape. Players assume the role of operatives in a struggling private military company (PMC) operating in the fictional Latin American megalopolis of Nuevo Caracas and its surrounding jungles.
The game’s narrative, co-created by filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, The Neon Demon) and writer E.J.A. Warren, weaves a complex tale of corporate intrigue, societal collapse, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Drawing inspiration from Latin American folklore and mysticism, the story challenges players to navigate a world where technological advancement does not necessarily equate to societal progress.
Gameplay Mechanics: Tactical Combat and Customization
La Quimera offers a blend of intense FPS combat and deep customization options. Players are equipped with customizable exoskeletons that enhance mobility and combat abilities, allowing for a tailored approach to various combat scenarios. The exosuits can be modified with a range of parts to suit different playstyles and enemy encounters.
Combat in La Quimera emphasizes strategic teamwork and resource management. Players can engage in solo play or team up with up to two friends in co-op mode, coordinating tactics and combining firepower to overcome diverse enemy factions. The game features a variety of enemies, from aggressive raiders to heavily armored elites, each requiring different strategies to defeat. Additionally, players face robotic adversaries with unique movement patterns and resistances, necessitating adaptive combat approaches.
Technological Integration: AI Assistance and Advanced Weaponry
A notable feature in La Quimera is the inclusion of a personal AI assistant that provides strategic guidance and support during combat and exploration. This AI aids in threat assessment, tactical planning, and navigation, enhancing the player’s situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
The game’s arsenal includes a selection of futuristic weapons and gadgets, such as multitarget electric shocks and scanning tools for hidden threats. These tools, combined with the exosuit’s capabilities, offer players a dynamic and engaging combat experience that rewards tactical thinking and adaptability.
Development Journey: From 4A Games Ukraine to Reburn
The development of La Quimera marks a new chapter for the team formerly known as 4A Games Ukraine. After separating from 4A Games Malta in 2014, the Ukrainian studio rebranded as Reburn in 2025 to establish a distinct identity and pursue original intellectual properties.
Reburn’s team comprises over 110 developers, many of whom contributed to the Metro series and the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games. Under the leadership of CEO Dmytro Lymar and project lead Oleksandr Kostiuk, the studio aims to deliver immersive, story-driven experiences that challenge players’ perceptions and provoke thought about societal and technological progress.
Reception and Early Access Release
Initially scheduled for release on April 25, 2025, La Quimera faced a last-minute delay due to unforeseen challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the complexities of launching a new IP. Despite these hurdles, the game was released in early access on May 7, 2025.
Early reviews have been mixed, with some critics praising the game’s atmospheric setting and innovative mechanics, while others have pointed out issues with storytelling and game length. Reburn has acknowledged the feedback and expressed commitment to refining the game based on player input during the early access period.
My thoughts
La Quimera represents a bold step for Reburn, showcasing the studio’s dedication to crafting a unique and thought-provoking gaming experience. By blending tactical FPS gameplay with a richly detailed world influenced by Latin American culture and mysticism, the game offers players a fresh perspective on dystopian futures. While the early access release has highlighted areas for improvement, Reburn’s transparent communication and responsiveness to feedback suggest a promising trajectory for La Quimera as it continues to evolve.
PC System Specs: Required & Recommended
Minimum:
OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i7 6700 or AMD Ryzen 5 2500X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1070 6GB or AMD Radeon RX5700XT 6GB
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 50 GB available space
Additional Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, SSD
Recommended:
OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i5-11700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3080 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 8GB
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 50 GB available space
Additional Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, SSD