INTRODUCTION
Set in the legendary Alien universe, “Aliens: Colonial Marines” is a first-person shooter (FPS) game offering a cooperative mode that takes you right back into the heart of the iconic film franchise. Developed by Gearbox Software, the illustrious masterminds behind popular titles like “Brothers in Arms” and “Borderlands,” this game is more than just a mere homage to the cinematic series; it is a thrilling extension. Picking up the narrative threads left hanging after “Alien 3”, “Colonial Marines” promises to satiate your craving for alien combat with its chilling storyline and immersive gameplay.
JOURNEY AS CHRISTOPHER WINTER
Playing as the determined corporal of American colonial marines, Christopher Winter, players find themselves on a gripping rescue mission, the goal? Find Ellen Ripley, the relentless heroine of the “Alien” series. With the fate of Ripley unknown, players explore notorious locations from the film universe, including the ominous USS Sulaco and the harrowing landscapes of colonial planet LV-426. Here, it would be best to confront the fear-inducing Aliens, lethal life forms designed with a singular purpose – extermination. The game unspools a hitherto untold narrative that casts new light on the series.
THE CAMPAIGN: SOLO OR CO-OP
“Aliens: Colonial Marines” delivers an exhilarating campaign comprising eleven missions, which can be tackled solo or in co-op mode. In split-screen gameplay, it supports two players, but online, up to four players can band together to battle the xenomorph menace. Gearbox has designed the missions to immerse players deeply into the series’ mythos, featuring iconic locations, familiar themes, and a rich arsenal of well-known weapons like flamethrowers and smart guns that detect enemy presence. The thrilling anticipation of alien encounters is amplified by the distinctive sound of the motion detector as targets approach.
CHARACTERISTIC XENOMORPH SUBSPECIES
In its gallery of terrors, the game showcases the diverse xenomorph subspecies, ranging from the diminutive yet deadly face-huggers to the formidable mutant strains. Not content with merely reprising the film series’ horrors, Gearbox introduces several original enemies to the “Alien” universe. These include sneaky hunters who lurk in the shadows awaiting an opportune moment for a surprise attack, blind xenomorphs that explode on contact with their targets, and the massive xenomorph ram armored to withstand assaults and equipped with a deadly charge attack.
UNLEASHING THE MULTIPLAYER MODE
No FPS game would be complete without a multiplayer mode, and “Colonial Marines” doesn’t disappoint. While the primary campaign restricts you to the human perspective, the multiplayer mode lets you experience the thrill of playing as a xenomorph. The developers have cooked up a variety of multiplayer modes, including the suspense-filled Escape mode, where marines must navigate through rugged terrain, and the strategic Extermination mode, with specific tasks for each battle. The multiplayer experience is enriched with a system of archetypes, equipment, skills, and improvements that can be customized before each engagement.
CONCLUSION
The game is a genuine love letter to the “Alien” franchise, designed to thrill and engage fans with its immersive storyline, gripping missions, terrifying foes, and interactive multiplayer mode. “Aliens: Colonial Marines” isn’t just another game in the “Alien” universe – it’s an experience that adds a new chapter to the gripping saga. So, gear up, marine; the aliens are waiting!
