Retro-styled shooters (“boomer shooters“) continue to enjoy a strong moment, and The Victor Initiative is quietly carving out its own niche with a blend of old-school FPS action and survival horror. The latest update, The Victor Initiative: Chapter 5, launches on 21 January and pushes the game closer to its endgame — both narratively and mechanically.
Set within an abandoned Welsh government facility (a location that already feels unsettling before anything supernatural turns up), The Victor Initiative mixes chunky visuals with tense exploration and combat. It’s very much rooted in classic PC shooter design, but with a modern sense of pacing and atmosphere.
I’m not entirely sure where in Wales the game is meant to be set, but I’ve always found North Wales to be a slightly scary place. South Wales, of course, is beautiful, but the sense of isolation and the backdrop of industrial decline across parts of the country give this setting a really strong vibe for survival horror. It feels like a location that doesn’t need much exaggeration to become unsettling.
Reaching the heart of the facility
Chapter 5 is the fifth of seven planned chapters and sees players finally reaching the core of the facility. This is where the game promises to reveal its “deepest, darkest secrets”, which feels like a natural escalation after the slower burn of earlier chapters.
As with previous updates, this isn’t just more corridors and enemies. Chapter 5 continues to expand the story while leaning further into the game’s horror elements, with supernatural threats becoming increasingly difficult to contain.
A surprisingly strong voice cast
One of the more interesting aspects of The Victor Initiative has been its voice work, and Chapter 5 adds even more recognisable names to the cast. New voice cameos include Ben Starr and Dave Jones, joining an already impressive line-up featuring Sam Lake, Samantha Béart and Inel Tomlinson.
It’s an unusual but welcome touch for a game with such a deliberately retro presentation, and it helps give weight to the story without breaking the old-school feel.
More chapters on the way
The Victor Initiative remains in Early Access, with two further chapters already planned. Chapters 6 and 7 are expected to arrive in the coming months, bringing the project to its full seven-chapter structure.
For fans of retro FPS games with a darker edge — especially those who enjoy survival horror layered on top — The Victor Initiative is shaping up to be well worth keeping an eye on as it moves toward completion. Chapter 5 feels like a significant step forward, and a clear sign that the end of the facility’s secrets is finally in sight.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
