Aliens: Colonial Marines (Video Game Review)

With Aliens: Colonial Marines, developer Gearbox Software and publisher SEGA attempted to revive a classic franchise that has yet to see a video game release that could help propel the series to a new height in popularity with a new generation of gamers. Not only has Gearbox created a great game with the release of Aliens: Colonial Marines, but the game definitely remains true to the series that inspired the release and proved the developers behind the game really knew their stuff. From the reimagined U.S.S. Sulaco to the completely original locations that remain authentic to the source material and even the creative cast of characters, Aliens: Colonial Marines is just as much a part of the series and mythology of the Aliens franchise as the films. Aliens fans, this is the game you have been waiting for.

Aliens: Colonial Marines features a grand story told through the eyes of a new protagonist named Corporal Christopher Winter and his crew. Winter is joined in the game by the cold-blooded killer Private Peter O'Neal, tough as nails Private Bella Clarison and the wise-cracking Lieutenant Jeremy Cruz. You'll come to love each of the characters throughout your time in Aliens: Colonial Marines, and the game features plenty of funny one-liners and over-the-top speeches that the Aliens series has become so infamous for over the years. You'll begin the game searching for the missing crew from the films onboard the Sulaco near LV-426. There is plenty of fan service throughout the game, and the storyline of the game is surprisingly original and entertaining in a first-person shooter genre that isn't always known for having strong storylines to support the multiplayer experience, and speaking of multiplayer, Aliens: Colonial Marines features a drop in/out cooperative multiplayer experience for up to four players, so all your friends can join in on the fun.



In addition to the cooperative campaign of Aliens: Colonial Marines, the game features a variety of game modes for up to 12 players. There are first-person shooter standbys such as Team Deathmatch and a Survival/Horde mode as well as two unconventional game types in Escape and Extermination, but the really interesting concept here is that, instead of typical human vs human encounters, one team of Marines will be facing off against a team of Xenomorphs. Team Deathmatch is your normal game mode, only one team will have to fend off deadly Xenomorphs controlled by other players, while Survival will task players with surviving increasingly difficult waves of alien scum. Escape finds a team of Marines trying to get from one part of the map to a safe zone with plenty of obstacles in the way and player controlled Xenomorphs biting at their heels. The game mode is tons of fun and will quickly remind many gamers of the Left 4 Dead franchise in a good way. Finally, Extermination has the human and alien teams battling for control of randomly generated locations that the Marines must hold for a specified time. The multiplayer of Aliens: Colonial Marines is just as finely polished as the single player experience, although the game modes might not appeal to your typical hardcore shooter fan.

If you're looking for flaws with Aliens: Colonial Marines, you're likely not going to find many in this review. Even the presentation of Aliens: Colonial Marines will be the envy of many lesser games. The graphics are fantastic and feature many new Xenomorphs that will scare the crap out of you when combined with the dark and dreary environments and the fantastic soundtrack from award-winning composer Kevin Riepl. The controls of the game are really tight and offer a nearly non-existent learning curve. There are plenty of science fiction elements with power loaders, M56 Smartguns and Pulse Rifles, lots of scares with larger than life aliens and freaky little Xenomorphs as well, and some unique game modes that aren't for everyone but that will definitely resonate with a certain gaming crowd. Aliens: Colonial Marines isn't a game for everyone; I mean there are some snobs in the world that don't like lots of gore, bullets and alien parts constantly flying through the air while some badass marines shout explecitives at their dying enemies, but you're not one of those people are you?

Aliens: Colonial Marines is now available from all major retailers for the MSRP of $59.99 and can be purchased for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 & PC. Aliens: Colonial Marines is rated M by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Strong Language & Intense Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Aliens: Colonial Marines website.

Game Features:

Cooperative Campaign 1-4

Online Multiplayer 1-12

Online Leaderboards

DLC Support

Trophy/Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: SEGA
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (reviewed) & PC
Release Date: February 12, 2013

Score: 7.5 out of 10