While the video game adaptations of the Alien franchise have been hit-and-miss, the good ones have been outstanding. But just like the transition from the first to the second film, the upcoming Alien game seems to be less about the horror and more about adding a healthy dose of action.
The newest game to plunge us into Xenomorph nests is Aliens: Dark Descent. However, unlike the majority of other games that made use of this license, it is neither a first-person shooter nor a horror game.
Aliens: Dark Descent plot
Aliens: Dark Descent is set in 2198, in part (if not entirely) at Tantalus Base, on the moon of Lethe. It centers on a group of Marines being transported by the Otago as they search through a now-destroyed spacecraft for an offline relay. Their objective is to restart the relay, but when they board the craft, they discover that it has been destroyed by Xenomorphs. The Marines have to survive while searching for a way to fix the Otago.
On Planet Lethe, players take control of a group of battle-hardened Colonial Marines to put an end to a terrifying Xenomorph outbreak. Players need to command their soldiers in real-time combat against iconic Xenomorphs, rogue operatives belonging to the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation, and an assortment of horrifying creatures new to the Alien franchise.
Aliens: Dark Descent Gameplay
There is a fair amount of information available about how Aliens: Dark Descent plays, despite the fact that the world has only seen the tiniest glimpse of actual gameplay. It is a real-time, isometric shooter in which players command a squad through sizable levels filled with alternate paths and shortcuts. It also appears to have some elements of hardcore tactics, such as the fact that any squad member's death is final and that there are various classes to open, learn skills for, level up, and equip. In addition to soldier health, gamers must also consider their soldiers' sanity when deciding who to send on their next mission.
Additionally, because the various areas are persistent, any equipment placed there, such as motion trackers, will stay there during subsequent missions through that space. Instead of giving orders to specific marines, commands are delivered in real time to the squad as a whole. To give players a chance to give orders in the heat of battle, it is also possible to slow time. Facehuggers, aliens, praetorians, renegade humans, and even alien queens will be among the enemy types.
There are rumors that new varieties will also emerge, but they will all reportedly adjust to your tactics. Players must use resources to upgrade the Otago home base outside of battle. The main objective is to stop the outbreak from spreading outside of Moon Lethe, which will probably depend on a player's ability to manage their resources outside of combat as well as complete important missions. Between missions, players can upgrade, equip, and assemble their squad here.
Aliens: Dark Descent announcement trailer
What platforms will Aliens: Dark Descent be released on?
Aliens Dark Descent will be available on nearly every modern console, including PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Only the Switch is missing from that list, but it's probable that the game will eventually release on that system.
When will Aliens: Dark Descent be released?
Aliens Dark Descent was confirmed to be launching on June 20, 2023 which indicates that the initial 2023 release window is still correct. For players who want to buy the game before it is released, there are some pre-order bonuses available. By doing this, players can obtain the Lethe Recon Pack, which includes a Black Armor set and a Unique Feline companion.
