Aliens vs. Predator Review
Two decades before his Oscar-nominated, 3D masterpiece Avatar, James Cameron was scaring film-goers with his survival-horror/action sequel to the 1979 classic, Alien. Placing a squad of colonial marines in an infested colony with hundreds of aliens, Aliens was a gritty, terrifying masterpiece that set a new standard for sci-fi action/horror. That bar was matched a year later in 1987 when John McTiernan directed Predator – a thrilling story of one exceptional soldier (Arnold Schwarzenegger) facing an extraterrestrial hunter. Both series later combined into Alien vs. Predator, spanning comics, novels, and films.
On the gaming front, British developer Rebellion first tackled the franchise with Alien vs. Predator for Atari’s Jaguar in 1994, earning acclaim. In 1999, Rebellion released a PC version improving on the original. For nearly a decade, fans awaited a next-gen Aliens vs. Predator title – and that wait is now over. Sega-published and Rebellion-developed, the new Aliens vs. Predator delivers, living up to the franchise’s high standards.
Aliens vs. Predator (AvP) succeeds not because of groundbreaking gameplay, but due to Rebellion’s meticulous care with the source material. Each single-player campaign – one for the Alien, one for the Predator, and one for the Colonial Marines – is packed with references to the films. Moments like a cloaked Predator flashing its visor or the ping of a marine’s motion tracker add tension and authenticity.
The Marine campaign, inspired by id’s Doom 3, features dark environments with scarce ammo, where players must survive by strategy, combat, or retreat. Dynamic lighting, gritty visuals, and authentic sound effects create a nerve-wracking survival-horror experience.
In the Predator campaign, players use camouflage, tracking, and stealth attacks. Leaping between branches and using wristblades for melee kills mirrors the films’ lethal hunting style. The Predator’s arsenal – shoulder cannon, combi stick, smart disc – enables methodical elimination of targets.
The Alien campaign focuses on melee attacks and speed. Players can cling to walls and ceilings, making exploration and stealth attacks exhilarating, though the camera can be disorienting. Turning on Alien Auto Transition in options helps, but the freedom and speed make playing as the Alien thrilling and true to the films.
After completing all three campaigns, players can enjoy AvP’s multiplayer modes, including Infection, Predator Hunt, Survivor, and Species Death Match. The multiplayer is well-balanced: Marines rely on limited vision and motion trackers, Predators on high-tech weapons and stealth, and Aliens on speed and invisibility. Despite a flawed matchmaking system and occasional camera issues in melee combat, the multiplayer is addictive and faithful to the franchise.
Graphically, AvP may not be a showstopper, but the dark, gritty environments, dynamic lighting, and detailed models fit the survival-horror style. Audio is excellent, with sparse, atmospheric music and iconic sound effects from the films. Lance Henriksen’s voice work adds authenticity, enhancing the cinematic experience.
Overall, Aliens vs. Predator is a must-play for fans. Each campaign provides a distinct experience, and the multiplayer, though occasionally hindered by matchmaking, is engaging and unique. Whether playing as Marines, Predators, or Aliens, Rebellion delivers a faithful, thrilling FPS true to the films’ spirit.