Tindalos Interactive and Focus Entertainment have announced that Aliens: Dark Descent is now available globally on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC at a starting MSRP of $34.99. This is a strategic, real-time, squad-based tactical action game set in the iconic Alien universe, and while James Cameron had no involvement in it, some early players are already calling it the best Aliens game ever made, a sentiment that has been echoed by a few reviewers, including one who claims it “absolutely nails the feel of the films.” That said, critics have already found at least a handful of shortcomings with it, including the lack of true ultrawide support, co-op play, and Pulse Rifles that don’t sound like Pulse Rifles.
Aliens: Dark Descent Features
- Face off in a gripping original Alien story against iconic Xenomorph creatures ranging from Facehuggers 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
From a Focus Entertainment post:
In Aliens: Dark Descent, players command a squad of hardened Colonial Marines as they attempt to stop a terrifying new threat on Planet Lethe. Led as one unit with intuitive controls on keyboard and mouse as well as on controller, the squad takes on real-time combat against iconic Xenomorphs, rogue operatives from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani, and a host of horrifying creatures new to the Alien universe. Using a range of tactical abilities, players will unravel an authentic Alien tale full of sinister secrets, diving in and exploring the horrors and wonders of a cinematic narrative campaign.
As they infiltrate large open levels and annihilate enemies with their squad, players can use comms to dispatch orders that will be swiftly obeyed by the Marine best equipped for the situation. They will need to use their wits to navigate the game’s expansive, persistent, reactive levels and complete objectives. Being cautious and monitoring each Marine’s vitals is essential, for death is permanent for any who fall in combat.
Players can find refuge in their base — the stranded Otago spacecraft. There they can customize their squad with a selection of different Marine classes. Level up and specialize each soldier with unique abilities and an arsenal of weapons, armor, and perks. Players can also treat wounds and trauma, as well as research new tech to improve their squad even further.