TL;DR
Aliens: Dark Descent plunges you into a new Xenomorph outbreak 19 years after Alien 3, where a lone survivor initiates a desperate containment protocol. The game masterfully blends the horror of the original with the action of the sequel, featuring impressive visuals and engaging real-time strategy gameplay. While the PC experience shines, the Xbox controller controls can be frustratingly imprecise for the demanding RTS mechanics. Discover if this tactical horror is worth your time despite controller limitations.
Aliens: Dark Descent is set 19 years after the events of Alien 3. The transport ship The Bentonville offloads its cargo at Pioneer Station, which includes a container housing a Xenomorph, as franchise fans will recognize. The Xenomorph and thousands of facehuggers quickly overrun the ship, infecting the entire crew with the exception of Maeko Hayes, who escapes. In a desperate attempt to contain the outbreak, she initiates The Ceberus Protocol, destroying all ships that could potentially spread the infestation. The ship Otega crash lands, carrying Hayes and a squad of marines. Unaware of the full extent of the dangers lurking on the planet, they begin a struggle for survival, seeking a way out of their predicament.
Alien and Aliens remain iconic entries in the science fiction genre. The original film is a masterclass in horror, while the sequel delivers high-octane action. Unlike some franchises that struggle with genre shifts, (e.g., Rambo) the transition from horror to action is seamless. Alien Dark: Descent effectively captures the essence of both films, achieving a compelling blend of suspense and action.
Aliens: Dark Descent features impressive graphics with a high level of detail. The game utilizes an isometric perspective, with players controlling their character(s) by navigating them through the environment. Designated areas provide cover and concealment. Mission objectives are clearly indicated, ensuring ease of navigation. However, effectively maneuvering soldiers through the pervasive dangers can be challenging, leading to a renewed appreciation for Gorman’s predicament in Aliens.
A key aspect of Aliens: Dark Descent is its implementation of real-time strategy mechanics, meaning that time continues to flow even during combat encounters. Players must rapidly issue commands, manage weapon selection, and adapt their tactics under pressure as they face relentless waves of enemies.
This review of Aliens: Dark Descent was conducted on an Xbox Series S using a controller. The challenges inherent in real-time strategy games become apparent on a console. Controller input, regardless of user proficiency, lacks the speed and precision afforded by a keyboard and mouse. This limitation can lead to frustration as input lag hinders the player’s ability to effectively manage their squad. While the game’s design intends to create a stressful environment, control limitations stemming from the input device can detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Aliens: Dark Descent stands out as a strong addition to the Alien game franchise, featuring a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. However, the console version, when played with a controller, presents unnecessary difficulties. Therefore, a recommendation cannot be extended for this specific platform.
Focus Home Interactive provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial assessments.
