Aliens: Dark Descent, an atmospheric, isometric real-time strategy game set in the Aliens universe, offers fans of the franchise and strategy game enthusiasts a gripping and immersive experience. With its original story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning aesthetics, Dark Descent proves to be a worthy addition to one of sci-fi’s most important franchises – while delivering on the promise we saw during our earlier preview.
The game opens with a thrilling scenario of a xenomorph infestation caused by sabotage aboard a USMC space station. As the player assumes command of a team of Colonial Marines, the objective is to uncover the root of the infestation and prevent its spread. The narrative elements are described with enough detail to keep both Aliens fans and newcomers on the edge of their seats, and continues to be engaging. The game presents players with difficult decisions, such as whether to carry a cocooned survivor while trying to outrun the xenomorphs or hunker down and hope the threats pass by. Such decision-making scenarios add depth and tension to the gameplay and evoke memories of James Cameron’s work.
Aliens: Dark Descent pays homage to the cinematic roots of the franchise with its subtle nods to cinema in scene direction and the unveiling of the xenomorphs. The game’s aesthetics, from the gorgeous scenes framed with emotion to the detailed rendering of various xeno-type aliens, immerse players in the terrifying universe of face-hugging parasites. The title successfully captures the essence of wide-angle shots and cinematic artistry, providing moments that make players feel as if they are watching a horror movie in theaters, especially when played on a big screen with the volume turned up. However, there are some minor inconsistencies in aesthetics, particularly when it comes to in-game character interactions. Some of the character models appear a little stiff in how they’re animated as well, and with a little more polish that could have been avoided.
In-game, Dark Descent offers players a wealth of tactical options and encourages varying strategies. The game’s real-time mechanics and dynamic scenarios adapt as players progress, requiring quick decision-making for survival. Tools such as motion sensors, hacker marines, and sniper marines provide avenues for diversion, traversal, and tactical advantage. Players can choose between going guns blazing or employing stealthy approaches, with the game accommodating both playstyles while always giving players a challenge. The ability to customize squad loadouts, conduct research and develop your squad further enhances the strategic depth of the gameplay.
The game caters to fans of challenging mechanics, offering pre-set difficulty settings ranging from a “Story” mode to a “Nightmare” difficulty. Additionally, players can customize their own difficulty settings, affecting mechanics like alien aggression and save file availability. While easier difficulties allow for a more relaxed exploration of the story, higher difficulties provide a more immersive and intense experience, resembling the suspenseful moments from the movies. The real-time mechanics and the increasing infestation level on the planet add to the pressure and force players to make strategic decisions, and make them quickly!
Despite its many strengths, which will greatly appeal to fans of the films like ourselves, Aliens: Dark Descent does have a few areas that could benefit from improvement. Some inconsistencies in gameplay and aesthetics, such as stiff animations and a few glitches came up, and we also had a few crashes early on. We’re hoping these are going to be addressed in future updates and patches, but it’s a shame that they made it into the launch build – Aliens: Dark Descent is good but could have been something really special.
Aliens: Dark Descent is an excellent addition to the Aliens franchise, providing players with an intense and immersive real-time strategy experience. Its gripping narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, and attractive aesthetics make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and strategy game enthusiasts. With its tactical freedom, varying strategies, and customizable difficulty settings, Aliens: Dark Descent offers hours of strategic challenges and heart-pounding moments that’ll make you want to re-watch Aliens just to appreciate how well this game captures its spirit.
Score: 8.0/10
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