Preface
This review of Aliens vs. Predator was originally written in May 1999 by a much younger version of myself. Now, in 2024, I’ve revisited and updated it to reflect how this sci-fi horror classic holds up today. While it’s a fascinating slice of late-90s gaming, its age is more apparent than I remembered.
If you’re a fan of the Alien movies—particularly James Cameron’s Aliens—or the Predator franchise, Aliens vs. Predator offers a thrilling glimpse into these worlds. However, it’s not without its flaws. Let’s explore what makes this game worth revisiting—and what might leave some players frustrated.
Atmosphere That Delivers, Despite the Wrinkles
One of Aliens vs. Predator’s strongest assets is its ability to immerse you in the iconic worlds of Alien and Predator. The game’s environments—dimly lit corridors, eerie alien hives, and abandoned space stations—successfully recreate the tension and dread of the movies. The flickering lights, dripping textures, and moody soundscapes capture the essence of the films.
That said, the graphical fidelity has not aged gracefully. While the textures and lighting were cutting-edge in 1999, today they look blocky and dated. Still, for those who can see past the jagged edges, the atmosphere remains gripping.
Sound Design: Still Creepy After All These Years
The sound is where Aliens vs. Predator still shines. As a Marine, the blip of your motion tracker will keep you on edge, and the shriek of a Xenomorph as it bursts from the shadows can still make your heart race. The Predator’s signature audio cues—like the hum of its plasma caster or the click of its cloaking device—are faithful to the movies. And as the Alien, the echo of footsteps or muffled voices tells you everything you need to know about your prey.
However, some of the sound effects feel overused, and the voice lines—where present—are generic and repetitive. While effective, the sound design lacks the polish of modern games.
Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Frustrations
The game’s three campaigns—Marine, Alien, and Predator—offer distinct and engaging playstyles. The Marine campaign delivers survival horror thrills, the Alien campaign encourages chaotic ambush tactics, and the Predator campaign provides a satisfying power fantasy. Each experience feels unique, which is a major achievement.
However, the gameplay is not without its faults. The Alien’s wall-crawling mechanic, while innovative, can be disorienting and difficult to master. The Predator campaign, while fun, feels underdeveloped compared to the others, with missions that lack variety. The Marine campaign is arguably the most balanced, but it can be overly punishing, especially on higher difficulty levels.
Enemy AI is another weak point. While the Xenomorphs’ speed and unpredictability are terrifying, human enemies are often static and unresponsive. This inconsistency detracts from the immersion.
A Product of Its Time
While the core gameplay loop is engaging, some design choices show the game’s age. The lack of a proper save system (relying on limited save points) can be frustrating, especially for players used to modern conveniences. Additionally, the game’s narrative is sparse, offering little in the way of story or character development.
Aliens vs. Predator is best enjoyed as an atmospheric experience rather than a narrative-driven one. For fans of the movies, this might be enough, but players looking for deeper storytelling will be disappointed.
Final Thoughts
When I first reviewed this game in 1999, I saw it as a groundbreaking experience. Revisiting it in 2024 reveals a game that’s still enjoyable, but far from perfect.
For fans of the Alien and Predator franchises, Aliens vs. Predator is worth a revisit, especially if you can forgive its flaws. While it may not be the pinnacle of early 3D shooters, it remains a fascinating and often thrilling homage to two beloved cinematic universes.
How to Play Aliens vs. Predator on Modern Systems
If you’re eager to dive into Aliens vs. Predator today, here’s how to play it:
- Original Release (PC):
Aliens vs. Predator was originally released for PC in 1999. If you have an old-school gaming rig or a way to emulate Windows 98/XP environments, you can track down the original CD-ROM. - Updated Version (Steam/GOG):
The Aliens vs. Predator Classic 2000 edition is available on Steam and GOG. This updated version runs smoothly on modern systems, featuring slight tweaks for compatibility but retaining the original gameplay and feel. - Emulation:
If you want to experience the original in its untouched form, DOSBox or other emulators for vintage PC games can help.
