At a glance...

Previewer	Platform	Publisher	Developer	Players	Release Date
Andy Daniel	Xbox 360	SEGA	Gearbox Software	1-4 (Online Co-op)	Spring 2012

Aliens: Colonial Marines preview

Ridley Scott petrified and horrified audiences in 1979 with space horror Alien. Movie sequels have continued to keep up the atmosphere and horror, but video game tie-ins have never captured the atmosphere the cinema provides. Gearbox Software plan on changing that with Aliens: Colonial Marines which we got to see up close at Gamescom.

I caught up with Gearbox Software at the SEGA booth and was shown a run-through of an early level of Colonial Marines. In an attempt to make the game an authentic part of the movie franchise, Gearbox have rewritten the lighting code since earlier demos to match the trademark dark, deep atmosphere. It certainly shows, as the demo had a rich, genuine look undoubtedly matching the lighting from the movies. The team also worked with 20th Century Fox, Ridley Scott, and original concept artists to ensure the level of detail in the game is aligned completely with the original look, and they have done a great job of it; the Xenomorphs replicate the originals, and the variations match too.

Watching the game brought me back to watching those movies. Colonial Marines is canonical to the series of films, and I was told that it takes place after Alien 3, but feels more of a sequel to Aliens, the second movie. We follow a team of Marines sent out to search for Ripley and the USS Sulaco, but were unfortunate enough to land on the Xenomorph-ridden planet LV-426. The Marines will encounter a lot of Xenomorphs and the game will be more of an action shooter than spooky, jumpy horror, although there will be times where the horror element will take centre stage. There will also be no HUD so the player will have to rely on the ammo status on the gun, and the familiar pings from the movement indicator, thus enhancing the atmosphere.

We also get full use of turrets to help control the pest problem in certain choke points throughout the game. They are very useful as the Xenomorphs can be quite wily in their attack, apparently. The player can assume the role of one of four Marines, and command the rest of the crew throughout the game. Co-operative play is on offer too, allowing drop-in multiplayer at any stage. Gearbox are on top of this with lessons learnt from Borderlands, which should be reassuring. The co-op with drop-in was also demonstrated and proved remarkably effective and painless.

I am very excited about this game. As a fan of the Alien movies - and let's be honest, who isn't? - it is about time an Aliens game gets so much attention and authenticity comparable only to the likes of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Are we finally at a time where movie-based games are no longer cheap cash-ins? Unlikely, but at least some developers are taking a fresh look at the possibilities in this area, and Aliens: Colonial Marines is sure to be a hit when it releases in Spring 2012.

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