Recently, a nostalgic wave swept over me, compelling me to revisit Gunman Chronicles, the first-person shooter developed in 2000 by Valve and Rewolf Software. This impulse, seemingly unprovoked, is a familiar sensation for those of us approaching our forties, especially for those who grew up immersed in the iconic shooters of the nineties. If I were to pinpoint the source of this longing, it would undoubtedly be the dinosaurs.
Gunman Chronicles stands out as an ambitious endeavor, a sci-fi adventure that whisks players through diverse environments while showcasing programmable weapons—a unique feature even 25 years later. However, what truly captivates me are the dinosaurs. Early in the game, these prehistoric creatures, with their charmingly plasticine appearance reminiscent of Ray Harryhausen’s creations, make a striking impression. The thrill of blasting a velociraptor with a shotgun, occasionally resulting in an explosive head, adds a certain endearment to the gameplay.
However, upon opening Steam to purchase Gunman Chronicles, I was met with disappointment—it is not available for purchase on the platform, or anywhere else for that matter. This curious absence of a game that was developed with Valve’s involvement prompted me to delve deeper into its history. The story of Gunman Chronicles resembles a modern-day Cinderella tale, where a group of passionate FPS modders found themselves at the ball, creating a game with the backing of a titan in the gaming industry. Yet, when the clock struck midnight, they were left without a prince or a glass slipper.
Herbert Flower, who served as the director and team lead of Gunman Chronicles, has always been captivated by computers and the potential they hold for game development. “When I was 10, this new thing called computers showed up,” Flower recalls. His journey into game development began with an Atari ST, where he created an online BBS game called Thieves Guild alongside his friend Paul Witte. Despite its acclaim among fans, the game did not yield significant financial returns.
Flower’s foray into game development was marked by the evolution of his mod for Doom, which eventually transformed into Gunman Chronicles. His dedication led him to craft textures and models by hand, employing innovative techniques to create a visually stunning mod. As technology advanced rapidly in the ’90s, Flower adapted his project to various game engines, ultimately settling on Half-Life’s GoldSrc engine.
As the project expanded, Flower and his team, comprised of young volunteers from around the globe, began to formalize their efforts under the name Rewolf. However, financial constraints loomed large, prompting Banninga, the lead modeller, to reach out to Valve for assistance. Valve responded, providing the team with funding and the opportunity to work collaboratively in Seattle, a dream come true for Flower and his colleagues.
Yet, the reality of working under Valve’s pressure proved challenging. The team faced grueling hours and a demanding schedule, which strained relationships, particularly between Flower and Gabe Newell. Despite the intense environment, the project progressed, and after two and a half months, Gunman Chronicles was completed.
Upon its release on November 21, 2000, Gunman Chronicles received mixed reviews, a point of contention for Flower, who felt the game was unfairly compared to Half-Life. Although it sold reasonably well, the financial rewards were modest, leading Flower to reflect on the challenges of entrepreneurship in the gaming industry.
Following the project, Flower transitioned into a new venture, forming Mythyn Interactive with Witte. Their ambitious MMO project, Linkrealms, faced similar hurdles, ultimately resulting in a prolonged and anticlimactic development process.
Today, Flower has shifted his focus away from game development, running a photogrammetry business named Goatogrammetry, inspired by his love for exploration and the outdoors. As he ventures into the Utah desert with his pack goats, he captures stunning photographs, merging his passion for nature with his professional pursuits.
