Aliens: Colonial Marines has finally hit stores for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Wii U adopters still have a little while to wait till their version is released. Developed by Gearbox Software, this has been a highly anticipated title. This is not only due to its enormous fan base but by the fact this game has been succumbed to such a long development process while teasing gamers with screens and trailers along the way. In this newest entry, players will have to fight to survive unspeakable horrors and chase down the truth regarding ship LV-426. Has Gearbox succeeded in creating a FPS Aliens title with all the atmosphere, tension and feel of the iconic films? Read on to find out what the highlights are and also what went wrong with this latest entry in the Aliens universe.
Plot and Presentation
Gamers play the game through the eyes of Corporal Christopher Winter, a Colonial Marine who is part of a search and rescue team sent to investigate the U.S.S. Sulaco in search of Ellen Ripley, Corporal Dwayne Hicks, and the rest of the missing marines who were dispatched to LV-426. Upon your first few minutes with the game you’ll probably notice the graphics are quite as sharp as compared to other recent high end releases on the gaming consoles. The PC version as usual isn’t affected nearly as bad with more power under the hood to bring out the best of the game visually.
Gearbox’s team did however nail the overall atmosphere and backdrops for each level across all platforms. They set the mood quite well for this dark venture. While eye candy does further immerse gamers into the world they are playing in, there are still some fantastic things to draw you in within Colonial Marines. The sound from the weapons, the music score, the nostalgic motion tracker blip and random easter eggs found throughout the campaign will without a doubt bring a smile to fans of the films. Players are provided with ample firepower to combat the swarms of Xenomorphs which include the Flamethrower, Pulse Rifle, Assault Rifle, Robot Sentry Turrents,Shotguns and our personal favorite…the Smartgun. You’ll need all this weaponry as the Aliens will be clinging to walls,ceilings and using vents to ambush players constantly.
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Enemy and Friendly AI
This is one area that could have used more attention. Don’t get me wrong, I died quite a bit throughout the game but it was usually due to user error rather than being outwitted by the Alien infestation or opposing opposition. Your squad and the human enemies are equally flawed in terms of helping you or strategically advancing. This includes enemies running past me at times as if I was invisible or not having the backup from a teammate within arms reach. This wasn’t a constant occurrence however so it was by no means a deal breaker.
It’s not all doom and gloom. There are also some quite memorable moments that the devs nailed such as the sewer scene in regards to enemy AI. Gamers have to quietly creep by Xenomorphs during this particular chapter, usually within shoulder distance which really builds tension and the moment you make noise or move too fast, outright panic hits and its a race to escape and survive. Being chased by the large Xenomorph will also have the hair standing up on the back of your neck. Again, my point here is while the AI wasn’t implemented with the care it should have been, there are still plenty of thrilling and challenging moments especially for fans who have been waiting for this release. You can also team up with some friends for up to four-player co-op. This can help eliminate the lack of help from your computer controlled mates.
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Multiplayer
Online modes offer a mixture of original and fan favorite offerings. This includes Team Deathmatch,Escape,Extermination and Survival. The Escape Mode features a four-versus-four battle between the Marines or the Xenomorphs. When playing as the the Marines, gamers will be fighting their way to a safe zone while the Xenomorphs soul intent will be to stop them. The action is frantic and you’ll be busy welding doors in between the firefights to buy your team more time. Survivor mode has players waging war against an intense horde of Xenomorphs which is also very entertaining.
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Features:
- Enlist in the Colonial Marine Corps.
- Get tooled up with classic Colonial Marine weapons including pulse rifles, motion trackers and flamethrowers.
- The most authentic Aliens experience ever.
- A true video game continuation to James Cameron’s classic ALIENS™. Enter an eerie, atmospheric world where any moment could bring your death.
- Drop-in/Drop-out co-operative gameplay.
- Gearbox, the masters of co-op bring their expertise to the Aliens universe. Xenos getting too tough? Call up your buddies so they can drop in with extra firepower.
- Play as Xenomorphs or Marines in a range of thrilling game modes – Team Deathmatch, Escape, Extermination and Survivor. Xeno players will have to focus on agile movement and timing of quick, devastating attacks. Marines take them on with teamwork and incredible firepower.
- Create your perfect killing machine. Earn experience to get perks, new weapons and new looks for your squad.
Final Thoughts
Aliens: Colonial Marines certainly had a lot of hype to live up to and for many it fell short. However, I still urge fans of the franchise and films to give this one a try due to the fact there are still many enjoyable moments and nostalgic scenes to experience within it. While the graphics and AI obviously needed more polish, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun shooting your way through the campaign and jumping online for the exciting Escape and Survival modes. I honestly believe this game has been over analyzed due to the high anticipation and development time. This isn’t an excuse for the game’s shortcomings, rather a message to gamers who are fans of the films that there are still good times to be had in Colonial Marines.
Review Rating: 6.5/10
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