Aliens Vs Predator - Review
Review by Cassam Looch
Game Details:
Aliens vs. Predator is an entirely new title for PC and high-definition consoles from acclaimed British developer Rebellion, the team behind the 1999 original PC gaming classic.
Bringing the most intense war between two of science-fiction’s most popular characters FPS fans, AvP delivers three outstanding single player campaigns and provides untold hours of unique 3-way multiplayer gaming.
Experience distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay as you survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps surrounding the damned colony of Freya’s Prospect.
- As the Marine, you’ll experience a claustrophobic and terrifying experience where light is your friend, but there’s never enough. However, the United States Marine Corps are humanity’s last line of defence, and as such they are armed to the teeth with the very latest in high explosive and automatic weaponry.
- As the Predator, you will stalk from the shadows and from above, passing athletically through the treetops to ambush your victims. Although equipped with an array of powerful, exotic weapons and tracking equipment, honour ultimately dictates that you must get in close and take your trophies face to face.
- As the most deadly species in the universe, the Alien offers you the chance to play as the very stuff of nightmares – the monster in the dark swarming forward with countless others, jaws like a steel trap and claws like blades.
- Play all sides off against each other in a series of unique 3-way online modes and go tooth-to-claw-to-pulse rifle in the reinvention of one of multiplayer gaming’s defining moments.
Our verdict:
As someone who remembers the original game (and its inferior sequels) this game comes as a moderate relief. There are problems, not least of which being the intrusive control system, but the spirit of the ’90s classic is present and correct.
As mentioned before you can play in three different ways, and there is undeniable joy to be had in stalking the corridors as either of the non-human species. As the human you are more likely to be stalked with the ever present Motion Sensor coming into play. The problem is the poor level design which means large portions of the game begin to feel repetitive and hence the novelty quickly wears off.
The control system becomes more of a problem the further you get into the game, as there feels like there is no benefit in playing through the game as it never feels natural or instinctive.
The problem is magnified when the level goes from large free-roaming expanse to tight claustrophobic bottle-necks… offering no variety in gameplay but continuous minor irritations.
The close up kills are the trump-card the game has to offer… blood flows freely whoever you play as (or green ooze/caustic acid obviously). The care and attention taken in this part of the game isn’t transformed to other areas unfortunately, yet it is still pleasing to see some faithfulness to the characters.
Alien vs Predator is therefore a darn sight better than the films of the same name, but the characters themselves deserve better.
Formats: PC, PS3, X360
Out: 19/2/2010
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Rebellion