The best parts of the Alien franchise have always thrived on a balance between slow-burn horror and bursts of violent action, and Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition tries to bring both sides together in a cinematic way. Developed by Survios and released for PlayStation 5, this edition reworks the original VR-focused release into a flat-screen experience, with updated visuals, smoother performance, and tweaks to make the gameplay flow on a controller. The result is a tense, atmospheric shooter that occasionally stumbles but still manages to capture the hostile spirit of the films.
The story bridges the gap between Alien and Aliens, placing players in the role of Zula Hendricks, a Colonial Marine who has to face a secret Weyland-Yutani facility gone wrong. The setting on Purdan gives it a strong sense of isolation, and the presence of your synth ally Davis 01 adds a welcome dynamic, both narratively and mechanically. While the plot doesn’t break much new ground for the franchise, it’s compelling enough to keep you invested across the campaign, particularly as you uncover more about the corporate machinations behind the outbreak. Some players may find the pacing uneven, with certain stretches leaning heavily on gunfights rather than tension-building exploration.
On the gameplay side, this edition makes some smart adjustments for traditional screens. Combat has weight thanks to responsive aiming and impactful weapons, with the iconic pulse rifle and flamethrower delivering the expected thrills. The standout mechanic is the unpredictability of the Xenomorphs – sometimes charging recklessly, other times stalking carefully – which keeps encounters feeling dangerous. The “Evolved” tuning has also smoothed out some of the VR quirks, but the reliance on combat can sometimes overshadow stealth and horror elements that long-time Alien fans might prefer.
Controls on the DualSense are handled well, with adaptive triggers giving tactile feedback for different weapons and haptics that underline the tension when Xenomorphs close in. Movement is tight, though not flawless, with occasional clunkiness when switching quickly between weapons or interacting with objects. Despite this, the game avoids many of the frustrations that plagued its VR counterpart, making it more approachable on console.
Where the “Evolved Edition” really earns its title is in the presentation. The flat-screen rework doesn’t simply port over the VR visuals; instead, it takes advantage of the PS5’s horsepower to deliver 60 fps performance, sharper textures, and improved lighting. The environments, ranging from dim corridors to sprawling industrial complexes, feel oppressive and alive with danger. This version also benefits from reworked enemy AI that behaves more consistently outside of VR, though it occasionally struggles when multiple Xenomorphs attack at once.
Visually, Rogue Incursion shines on PS5, with detailed environments drenched in ominous lighting and an impressive use of shadows to keep you on edge. The Xenomorph models are suitably terrifying up close, though animations can sometimes look stiff in more chaotic firefights. Audio, meanwhile, is excellent – between the echo of footsteps in empty corridors and the terrifying hiss of unseen enemies, the game nails the sense of dread. The soundtrack leans into familiar franchise tones, helping maintain continuity with the films.
Compared to the VR original, the Evolved Edition is more cinematic but arguably less immersive. The flat-screen format loses the physical intensity of VR encounters, but the stronger technical polish and smoother pacing help compensate. For players who were curious about the VR version but hesitant to try it, this release offers a more comfortable way to experience the story without sacrificing too much of the atmosphere.
Taken as a whole, this reimagined release is a solid way to experience Survios’ take on the franchise without the barrier of VR. It won’t rival Alien: Isolation for pure horror, and it sometimes leans too much into shooter territory, but as a hybrid action-horror it delivers suspenseful encounters and a faithful atmosphere. For Alien fans curious to see Zula Hendricks’ story unfold, it’s a worthwhile addition, though not without its rough edges.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 