Genre: Real-time tactics
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Tindalos Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a squad-based, single-player action game in the iconic Alien franchise. Lead your soldiers in real-time to stop a new and terrifying kind of Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe. In Aliens: Dark Descent, command a squad of hardened Colonial Marines to stop a terrifying Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe. Lead your soldiers in real-time combat against iconic Xenomorphs, rogue operatives from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation, and a host of horrifying creatures new to the Alien franchise.
You are the commander. They are your weapon.
Infiltrate large open levels and annihilate enemies with your squad, dispatching orders strategically and intuitively at the touch of a button. Tread carefully, as your foes will adapt their tactics to your actions while hunting you down because death is permanent. Forge unique paths for survival, uncovering shortcuts, creating safe zones, and setting up motion trackers in a persistent world where your actions impact levels forever.
Customize your squad with a selection of different classes. Level up and specialize your soldiers with unique abilities and an arsenal of weapons, armor, and perks, for high stakes missions in treacherous territory. Develop your base to research new tech and improve your squad even further.
Manage your resources wisely and take calculated risks to outsmart the deadliest creature mankind has ever faced. Can you and your squad stop the outbreak before it’s too late?
• Face off in a gripping original Alien story against iconic Xenomorph creatures ranging from Face huggers to Praetorians, Alien Queens and many more, including rogue human commandos and a brand-new threat unique to this Alien storyline
• Lead strategically and change squad tactics from mission to mission, carefully managing your soldiers’ health, resources, and sanity, to avoid permanent team losses and mental breakdowns
• Forge unique paths for survival in a persistent world, uncovering shortcuts, creating safe zones and setting up motion trackers to stay one step ahead of these creatures
• Assemble and level up squads composed of 5 starting Marines classes, with dozens of specializations, unique abilities and weapons.
Positive Aspects:
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Tense and atmospheric gameplay: Aliens: Dark Descent masterfully captures the claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere of the Alien franchise. The game’s real-time tactics gameplay is challenging and engaging, with a focus on stealth, resource management, and strategic decision-making.
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Unique squad management system: The game’s squad management system is a refreshing take on the genre. Your marines will gain stress and experience as they fight, and you’ll need to manage their morale and injuries to keep them effective.
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Stunning visuals and sound design: Aliens: Dark Descent looks and sounds amazing. The game’s Unreal Engine 4 graphics are top-notch, and the sound design perfectly captures the eerie and suspenseful tone of the Alien universe.
Negative Aspects:
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Repetitive mission structure: The game’s mission structure can be repetitive at times. Many of the missions involve clearing out similar-looking areas filled with aliens, and the lack of variety can lead to a sense of sameness.
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Technical issues: The game has a few technical issues, such as occasional framerate drops and bugs. These issues can be frustrating, but they don’t detract from the overall experience too much.
Why someone might want to play this game:
- If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise and want a new and exciting way to experience it.
- If you enjoy real-time tactics games with a focus on stealth and squad management.
- If you’re looking for a challenging and atmospheric game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Why someone might not want to play this game:
- If you’re looking for a game with a lot of variety in its mission structure.
- If you’re sensitive to technical issues.
- If you’re not a fan of the Alien franchise or real-time tactics games.
Average Rating:
- IGN: 7.8/10
- PC Gamer: 80/100
Overall, Aliens: Dark Descent is a solid and enjoyable game that delivers a tense and atmospheric experience. The game’s unique squad management system and stunning visuals are worth the price of admission, and the challenging gameplay will keep you coming back for more.
I recommend this game to fans of the Alien franchise, real-time tactics games, and challenging experiences.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1150440/Aliens_Dark_Descent/