It might seem weird to review a video game on a film site, but this is a very particular case: first, the source medium is not one but two series of films, and second, attempts to follow the present product in film form have been undisputed disasters. How could you get those so wrong and this so right?
First things first, the Alien series is perhaps the finest adult science-fiction series in existence, a visionary horror saga that plays on our Lovecraftian fears of the cosmic unknown and delivers the greatest monster of all time. The Predator is a worthy challenger, showcased in one of the greatest sci-fi action films ever made. In the early Alien and first Predator films, we have not just great monsters, but master directors conjuring a perfect atmosphere. That is where Sierra crucially got things right with this game!
This feels like being in a blend of Alien and Aliens, and you will feel fear, no matter the species you choose, for yes, this is a three-scenario game: one as a human marine, one as a predator, one as an alien, and all threads interweave several times. A mighty arsenal is thrown at you in all categories, but you will rarely feel better than merely safe (perhaps as the Predator). The human thread is the most spine-tingling of the lot, and the thrill of holding that pulse rifle quickly evaporates when the motion sensor starts beeping.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a glorious solitary journey into claustrophobic fear and violence, making the leap from effectiveness to greatness by arming itself with tight and smart parallel narrative structures (in several cases, as one species, you see who you'd be playing had you chosen the other). For gamers and general shoot'em-up fans this is essential. for fans of either of Fox's monsters, this is too good to be true!
First things first, the Alien series is perhaps the finest adult science-fiction series in existence, a visionary horror saga that plays on our Lovecraftian fears of the cosmic unknown and delivers the greatest monster of all time. The Predator is a worthy challenger, showcased in one of the greatest sci-fi action films ever made. In the early Alien and first Predator films, we have not just great monsters, but master directors conjuring a perfect atmosphere. That is where Sierra crucially got things right with this game!
This feels like being in a blend of Alien and Aliens, and you will feel fear, no matter the species you choose, for yes, this is a three-scenario game: one as a human marine, one as a predator, one as an alien, and all threads interweave several times. A mighty arsenal is thrown at you in all categories, but you will rarely feel better than merely safe (perhaps as the Predator). The human thread is the most spine-tingling of the lot, and the thrill of holding that pulse rifle quickly evaporates when the motion sensor starts beeping.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a glorious solitary journey into claustrophobic fear and violence, making the leap from effectiveness to greatness by arming itself with tight and smart parallel narrative structures (in several cases, as one species, you see who you'd be playing had you chosen the other). For gamers and general shoot'em-up fans this is essential. for fans of either of Fox's monsters, this is too good to be true!