My prayers for an online game that breaks the mold most games seem to be cast in these days have finally been answered as of Feb. 16th, 2010. Rebellion Studios have released “Alien vs Predator” for the PS3, Xbox360, and PC. Now some of you may recall the 1999 release of the AVP for PC and most of you nerds should recall the movies that inspired this game. Though not a huge fan of the series, I was eager to hunt my copy down, which is a long, bitter tale that ends in unexpected triumph. Let’s save that story for another day and get to what makes AVP such a sexy addition to my collection of games.
CAMPAIGN MODE
The story mode of AVP consists of three different campaigns, one for each race. The Predator missions have got you helping some young-blood Predator into the ranks of hunters when a distress beacon from some other mark-ass Predator that got punked is detected and you move to investigate. As the Alien, or Xenomorph, you get to witness your own bloody birth and then get branded with a number 6 on your forhead, not unlike cattle. So this Weyland, still played by Lance Henriksen, wants you in some program, but you already got plans to hook up with the Queen. This story has you escaping from the lab and putting some teeth to skulls. The marine campaign plays from the perspective of yet another rookie, only this one is human. This bumbling kid gets knocked out right off the go and his story starts in the med bay, lying in bed….while everyone else has been out fighting these creatures. Yes, these campaigns have been fairly thrilling, but I do not see myself playing them more than one time.
AUDIO/VISUAL
If jaw-dropping, revolutionary graphics are a prerequisite to any game you purchase then you may want to take a pass on this one. Now don’t misunderstand me, the graphics are solid and do the job well. Just don’t expect them to win any awards for the visuals for this game. The sound track is ominous when needed and hectic when you are in the middle of some madness. Any fan of the Aliens franchise should recognize the sounds of the gunfire, screeches, hisses, and growls as they have made sure to stay true to the franchise in that regard. Keeping Lance Henriksen from the unemployment office, Rebellion saw fit to have Mr. Henriksen take on the role of yet another Weyland antagonist that seems intent on breeding an army of Xenomorphs. The smooth combination of music, sound effects, terrified screams, dark lighting, and even those elephant death calls that Xenos make from time to time all really help to make you feel as though you are in the midst of a chaotic battle that could bring about demise from literally any angle.
ONLINE PLAY
Now this is what makes me fawn over this game so. As I said before, I am no fanboy of either series, but I do love an online game that really brings something new to the proverbial table. Online battles can hold up to 18 players at one time. Though there have been some laggy matches I’ve been in, the game usually seems to play pretty smoothly. There are a wide range of multiplayer modes that offer all sorts of fast-paced, gore-filled debauchery that are bound to have your heart racing as you lean on the edge of your seat and you are shouting into your mic for back-up. Species team deathmatch can pit up to three teams of six, each a different race. Mixed species team deathmatch has two teams of mixed species. It’s pretty intense but can be a little confusing at times. Survivor mode places you and three friends into one of two enclosed maps and have you fending off wave after scary wave of those creepy ass Aliens. The rock-paper-scissor melee mechanic of the game has you trying to predict your opponents intentions and the grab function has you always watching your own back while keeping an eye out for an enemies back. The maps are huge and offer various areas to duke it out in, but there are only a few. The prospect of future DLC is an enticing concept. Each character has its own unique style of play, so this game does have a bit of a learning curve. If you get frustrated easily or have trouble wrapping your weak little mind around any game that does not play like Halo or MW2 then this may not be for you. If you enjoy rewarding game play that offers some serious opportunities to rape some faces, then this game is a must.
Yes, I love the online multiplayer this game offers. The story itself does what it’s supposed to in a relatively thrilling fashion and offers the ability to swap between species between missions. The vibe the game conveys with sounds and visuals really makes you feel like you’re struggling for survival in the grim, futuristic world portrayed by the Aliens series. Though you may not be a fan of the Aliens or the Predator franchise, we’re all fans of innovative video games, right? This is one game that I encourage everyone to give a shot. Though the lack of story that really brims with replayability, the multpiplayer gives me cause to judge this one 9/10! Whether you play on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, or on a PC, be sure to give this game a try and kill your friends in the most traumatic fashion possible.
Joseph Bryant – SwiftGlassEater
