Friday, 1 Nov 2024

Aliens: Colonial Marines Review

Aliens: Colonial Marines

The long-awaited Aliens: Colonial Marines promised to be the Aliens game that fans had been waiting for. Developed by Gearbox and with Fox’s blessing, it aimed to deliver a canonical story that bridged the events of Aliens and Alien 3. However, the end result fell short of expectations, feeling more like an abandoned mod than a fully realized game.

A Missed Opportunity for Storytelling

Colonial Marines’ much-hyped story fails to offer anything of consequence. The game takes players through the aftermath of Aliens, but it lacks the impactful moments that fans were hoping for. While there are nods to memorable events, they come across as shallow and diminish the power of the original material. The game seems more interested in reliving past moments than offering anything new.

Disappointing Xenomorphs

In the films, the xenomorphs are relentless and terrifying. However, in Colonial Marines, they are more of a nuisance than a real threat. The initial anticipation of encountering these creatures quickly fades as their flaws become apparent. Their movements feel awkward, as if they were clumsily placed on a stage. They lack the grace and agility that made them iconic in the films, which is a significant letdown for fans.

Lackluster Alien Life Cycle

Colonial Marines includes all stages of the xenomorph life cycle, including facehuggers and chestbursters. However, these iconic creatures fall short of expectations. The facehuggers come across as mere pests, and their interactions with the player feel lackluster. The game introduces a few new types of xenomorphs, but they fail to bring much variety to the overall experience.

Xenomorphs

Ineffective Squadmates and Dim AI

One of the game’s glaring issues is the ineffective AI of both the player’s squadmates and the enemies. Squadmates often behave illogically, and their actions can sometimes be comical rather than helpful. Enemy AI is equally flawed, with enemies frequently oblivious to the player’s presence. These shortcomings detract from the overall immersion and challenge of the game.

Underpowered Weapons and Limited Upgrades

The game’s arsenal of weapons, including pulse rifles, shotguns, flamethrowers, and the Smartgun, feels underpowered. It becomes especially evident when attempting to engage enemies at a distance. Upgrades exist, but they do little to improve the weapons’ effectiveness. This can make combat frustrating and unbalanced.

Multiplayer Potential

While the single-player experience leaves much to be desired, there is a glimmer of hope in the multiplayer mode. Players can engage in matches as colonial marines or xenomorphs, offering a variety of gameplay options. However, the same flaws that plague the single-player campaign also impact multiplayer, dampening the overall enjoyment.

FAQs

Q: Is Aliens: Colonial Marines worth playing for fans of the franchise?
A: While the game has its flaws, diehard Aliens fans may find some redeeming qualities. However, it falls short of delivering the quality and excitement expected from an Aliens game.

Q: Are there any standout features in Aliens: Colonial Marines?
A: Unfortunately, the game lacks any standout features that set it apart from other shooters. Its main selling point is the Aliens license, which might appeal to fans of the franchise.

Conclusion

Aliens: Colonial Marines fails to live up to the legacy of the franchise. While the game has its moments, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling experience. Diehard fans may find some enjoyment, but overall, it lacks the polish and innovation that would make it a standout title. For a true Aliens gaming experience, fans are better off exploring other entries in the franchise’s rich history.