Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Aliens: Colonial Marines (Xbox 360) Review
Released in 2013, Aliens: Colonial Marines promised to deliver a gripping, intense first-person shooter experience set in the iconic Aliens universe. Developed by Gearbox Software, the game aimed to capture the gritty tension and visceral horror of the film series. Unfortunately, despite the hype and strong source material, the final product fell short of expectations, plagued by technical issues and lackluster design.
Gameplay & Mechanics
| Feature | Description | Verdict |
|---|
| Core FPS Combat | Standard shooter mechanics with rifles, shotguns, and pulse weapons against hordes of Xenomorphs. | Functional but uninspired; lacks depth and variety. |
| Squad Commands | Players lead AI squadmates with simple commands (hold position, follow, attack). | Often inconsistent and buggy, reducing tactical value. |
| Stealth Sections | Occasional stealth gameplay, requiring patience and timing. | Poorly implemented and frustrating due to AI flaws. |
| Alien AI | Xenomorphs supposed to be smart and terrifying, but often behave erratically or get stuck. | Disappointing; reduces tension drastically. |
The gameplay feels generic and clunky, missing the suspense and fluid action fans hoped for.
Story & Narrative
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Plot: Follows a squad of Colonial Marines sent to investigate the aftermath of the Alien films events on LV-426.
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Storytelling: Attempts to bridge gaps between the movies, featuring known characters like Hicks and Bishop.
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Campaign: Linear and predictable, with little narrative impact or player choice.
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Writing: Dialogue and voice acting are uninspired, failing to capture the films atmosphere.
While it has potential in its premise, the story is forgettable and poorly executed.
Visuals & Presentation
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Graphics: Below expectations for a 2013 title; environments lack detail and textures are often muddy.
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Character Models: Stiff animations and generic designs; some characters resemble early-gen models.
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Level Design: Bland corridors and rooms with little variety or ambiance.
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Cutscenes: Sparse and underwhelming, failing to elevate the narrative.
The visuals feel dated and unfinished, detracting heavily from immersion.
Sound & Music
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Sound Effects: Some good Alien growls and weapon sounds, but repetitive overall.
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Voice Acting: Uneven and often lifeless performances.
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Music: Attempts to mimic the films eerie score but lacks impact and presence.
Audio occasionally shines but mostly feels uninspired.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Authentic weapons and some fan-service moments
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Familiar Aliens universe settings and lore references
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Multiplayer mode with cooperative and competitive options
Cons
Poor AI and squad mechanics
Technical glitches and bugs throughout
Weak story and lack of player engagement
Dated graphics and uninspired level design
Fails to deliver the tense atmosphere of the films
Final Verdict
Aliens: Colonial Marines is a disappointing shooter that struggles to capture the essence of its beloved franchise. Technical issues, poor AI, and lackluster storytelling leave it feeling like a missed opportunity. While die-hard fans might find some nostalgic moments, the overall experience is frustrating and bland, falling short of the tension and excitement Aliens is known for.
Score: 4.5 / 10 A frustrating and flawed adaptation that fails to deliver on its potential. Best avoided unless youre a completist or a dedicated fan of the franchise.
