Publisher: Electronic Arts
Ages: nine and up.
Parental
Advisory:
Combat violence
If a game based on a single movie can be great, a title built around two could have even more potential. That's the premise behind Electronic Arts' excellent Aliens versus Predator Extinction. Based on the popular Aliens and Predator sci-fi films, the game is the latest in a line of first rate titles to combine elements from the respective films and let players fight as one of three species: Aliens, Predators or Colonial Marines. While prior versions of the game were shooters (Daytrum review of Aliens vs. Predator 2: Primal Hunt Expansion Pack for the PC)-which is logical given the action in the films-this time around, Aliens versus Predator is a compelling real-time strategy game.
In real-time strategy games, such as Command & Conquer and Age of Mythology on the PC, players collect and manage resources that include food, raw materials, and more; research technologies; and ultimately control and maneuver armies to take over the world. In the same vein, Aliens versus Predator Extinction lets players control the forces of one of the three species and build custom forces and execute attack strategies. Each species has seven missions in an overall campaign, and there are 21 missions in all.
Each species has its own distinct characteristics that force players to figure-out and execute different tactics and play styles. The game's designers did an excellent job of differentiating the species. Marines are fighting men on steroids with vast weaponry. Predators can cloak and heal themselves and must kill and gain honor to build-up forces. The Aliens have a queen, much like that in the movies, which lays eggs that hatch into facehuggers. And these despicable creatures then locate hosts to latch onto and grow into different kinds of Aliens. The concept is brilliant and well-executed.
Unlike the popular real-time strategy games for the PC, Aliens versus Predator doesn't ask players to build bases and cities. The emphasis here is on managing units and conducting combat. And for this, the game offers lots of strategic options.
When playing as humans, for example, gamers can call in strikes; call-in additional soldiers, medics, technicians and other personnel; heal with medics; upgrade equipment and more. And if a character is within range of another, for example, a medic and a hurt soldier, the characters automatically act. Here, the medic immediately heals the wounded soldier. The only downside is that at times, characters can split and lose their way, particularly when moving in large groups.
While using a mouse to play a PC-based real-time strategy game is superior to using the analog control on a console game pad, Aliens versus Predator offers decent controls. They take some time to learn, but work well.
The graphics are good, but not ground-breaking. While the single-player campaigns are challenging and entertaining, surprisingly, the game offers no online multiple-player games. Aliens versus Predator Extinction is a war game and it graphically depicts its bloody battles.
Aliens versus Predator Extinction is worthy because it's one of the first titles to bring real-time strategy to the console and do it well. And it dresses its strategy with a creative adaptation of two popular movie worlds. For console players who have never experienced the joys of real-time strategy, Aliens versus Predator Extinction is a good bet.
8/18/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
