Codename: Loop is a free action game from PinkyDev, taking elements from Half-Life and creating a mind-boggling premise about being in a temporal loop. This twin-stick shooter game lets you play as Gordon Freeman, this time trapped by the G-Man in an ever-changing loop. It’s up to the player to survive and find the way out.

Unlike most HL-inspired games, Codename: Loop features a top-down camera perspective. Aside from the single-player campaign, it also comes with an extra roguelike game mode where you can challenge yourself. You can also check out the Absolute Zero Mod.

Figure out a way to break the loop

The first thing you’ll notice with Codename: Loop is its different visual approach. It uses a top-down camera perspective, which fits right in with its twin-stick shooting gameplay. You use one set of controls for character movement and another for aiming. Despite its 2D gameplay, it definitely feels like a Half-Life game with its color choices, especially its health and armor indicators.

In terms of storyline, it takes a small page out of Freeman and G-Man’s interaction. It could even fit into the general Half-Life storyline. Whereas the mysterious government agent invites Freeman at the end of the first game, this indie spinoff visualizes Freeman getting trapped in a temporal loop, tested against varying scenarios to prove his worth as a full-time employee.

Like most indie projects, expect a short playthrough for this one. Also, while most games are in the first-person shooter format, its twin-stick, top-down gameplay could come across as unusual and counterintuitive. Other than these minor inconveniences, this is a good entry in the growing library of Half-Life-inspired games.

For a different Half-Life experience

For players of the classic action game, Codename: Loop is a good reason to revisit the HL universe. Despite its different overall approach, it still contains visual and story elements that make it immediately feel familiar to fans of the original franchise. Complete the campaign or enjoy random runs in its roguelike game mode. For those looking for another lore entry, even in a different gaming genre, this is it.