Best Alien Games Where The Xenomorph Is Playable

Highlights

Alien: Romulus brings back Xenomorph terror with staple characters and expanded gamer options.
Aliens: Colonial Marines received poor reception due to broken AI coding and promised features missing.
Alien franchise fans can now control Xenomorphs in various game titles, including Dead By Daylight.

As a lifelong fan of both the Alien and Predator franchises, I must say that each new installment brings a unique thrill to the table. Among these, the standout for me has got to be the 2010 reboot of Aliens vs. Predator. Having grown up playing the original games, this reboot was like a dream come true.

Fans are once more gripped with fear by the recurring extraterrestrials called Xenomorphs as Alien: Romulus hits the screens. For nearly half a century, the Alien series has been a regular in cinemas, but it’s also made its mark on video games with numerous spin-offs and original games that broaden the universe crafted by Ridley Scott and Dan O’Bannon.

Generally, Alien games often put players in control of human characters as they either outrun or fight against the Xenomorph threat. However, on rare occasions, developers give players the chance to play as these terrifying creatures themselves. While there aren’t many, there is a group of video games that let you experience the role of the ‘perfect organism’.

9 Aliens: Colonial Marines

Xenomorph Is Only Playable In Multiplayer

Enthusiasts of the series eagerly anticipated the release of “Aliens: Colonial Marines” as it was marketed as an exceptional science-fiction first-person shooter, taking place following the events depicted in James Cameron’s “Aliens”. Regrettably, despite initial high expectations, the game failed to deliver on many advertised features and suffered from faulty AI coding for the alien adversaries. This resulted in a disappointing reception for “Colonial Marines”, as the iconic monsters became more of a breeze to defeat rather than a formidable challenge.

In the game ‘Aliens: Colonial Marines’, players could experience an exceptional aspect – controlling the Xenomorph swarms online. Many consider this mode as the best part of the game. Unfortunately, the servers are now empty, making it difficult to find matches for this unique feature. To play as a Xenomorph, you’d have to organize a custom match with a group of friends.

8 Fortnite

In A Battle Royale, No One Can Hear You Rage Quit

Just like numerous other franchises, Fortnite teamed up with Alien for an exciting collaboration. This partnership brought characters such as Ellen Ripley in her Alien and Aliens versions to the game, along with the iconic Xenomorph, which was included in a special skin pack. Players can enjoy an emote that lets them hear the Xeno’s signature screech. However, when it comes to gameplay, the Xenomorph functions identically to any other Fortnite character skin.

Although it might be a letdown that the Xenomorph in Fortnite doesn’t possess special abilities, there’s an undeniable sense of dread. Despite Fortnite’s family-friendly aesthetic, the alien creature remains terrifying enough to induce fear in players when they spot it advancing towards them armed with an assault rifle or a shotgun.

7 Alien Vs Predator

It Walked So Other Games Could Run

1994’s Alien Vs Predator, although frequently overshadowed by subsequent versions, was actually a trailblazer, exclusively available on the underappreciated Atari Jaguar. It featured digitized actors and props, used limited render distance to craft dark environments, and allowed players to choose from all three races. Essentially, the original game laid the groundwork for future gaming experiences.

One notable feature that sets Alien Vs. Predator apart is that each playable species has its strengths and weaknesses. The Xenomorph, for instance, cannot heal itself, so it must transform Colonial Marines into cocoons, and when the Xenomorph dies, it regenerates from the cocoon. On the other hand, the Marine and Predator have their distinct mechanics, which prevented the three campaigns from feeling repetitive and showcased how well Rebellion fits this franchise.

6 Aliens Vs Predator (1999)

The Shooter That Changed Alien Games Forever

Regarding the “Aliens vs. Predator” video games, many enthusiasts often reminisce about the series which debuted in 1999. Rebellion significantly expanded on the original idea, initially introduced with the Jaguar game, and elevated it to a higher level on PC. The game was notably darker, more violent, and much scarier than any previous Alien game.

In the game “Aliens vs. Predator” by Rebellion, each of the three campaigns presented a challenge due to limited save points. As the Xenomorph, you were tasked with stealthy movement and traversal on walls and ceilings, an innovative feature not seen in many 90s first-person shooters. Though later games improved upon this concept, it was groundbreaking at the time.

5 Dead By Daylight

An Expansion Every Survivor Should Fear

Games like “Alien: Isolation” effectively demonstrate the chilling nature of Xenomorphs, but things take a terrifying turn when players switch sides and control one in “Dead By Daylight”. With the addition of the “Alien” DLC expansion, gamers are given the chance to hunt down other human players, either by suspending them on hooks for the Entity (as with all “Dead By Daylight” killers) or employing the iconic inner mouth attack.

In a unique twist reminiscent of iconic Alien movie moments, Dead By Daylight introduces a mechanism where Xenomorphs can unexpectedly burst out from various parts of the map, having navigated through hidden underground tunnels beneath the walls of their hive.

4 Aliens Vs Predator 2

A Big Step Up From Its Predecessor

In terms of increased saves, enhanced controls, and exceptional level design, “Aliens vs Predator 2” stands as an impressive demonstration of how a sequel can excel in numerous aspects. The Xenomorph campaign offers an immersive journey, enabling players to witness the entire evolutionary process of the renowned alien creature.

In the sequel to “Aliens vs Predator,” the evolution of the Alien was taken to new heights, transforming from a Facehugger to a Chestburster and eventually into a Xenomorph Warrior. Not only did the Alien’s narrative receive enhancements, but so did the Colonial Marine and Predator stories as well, with the Marine campaign becoming even more terrifying. What truly sets “Aliens vs Predator 2” apart is its multiplayer mode, allowing players to take control of each of the three species.

3 Aliens Vs Predator: Extinction

An RTS That Anyone Can Enjoy

Similar to StarCraft, Aliens Vs. Predator: Extinction breaks away from the first-person shooter format of its predecessors by adopting a real-time strategy gameplay style. In this game, players can once again control Xenomorphs, Colonial Marines, and Predators. The objective remains simple yet engaging – constructing bases, recruiting armies, and completing missions.

Fans of the “Alien” series can find enjoyment in the game “Aliens Vs. Predator: Extinction,” as it’s not overly complex, yet veteran real-time strategy (RTS) players won’t feel out of place due to its challenging nature. While it may lack the horror elements that some fans might anticipate from “Alien,” it does offer the excitement and tension that a quality RTS game should provide.

2 Mortal Kombat X

The Alien Was One Of Many Deadly DLC Fighters

In Mortal Kombat X, alongside characters such as Jason Voorhees, Leatherface, and the Predator, there was also a Xenomorph. But this wasn’t your average Xenomorph. Netherrealm Studios created a unique version of it by blending it with Tarkatan DNA. This hybrid creature was made even more dangerous as it was equipped with arm blades similar to Baraka.

In the video game “Mortal Kombat X,” the Xenomorph stands out among other characters for its lethal capabilities, offering three distinct variations centered around acid, face-hugging, and slashing. This creature boasts exceptional speed, making it one of the fastest in the game. Its ability to attack from various distances adds to its versatility. While guest fighters in “Mortal Kombat” are generally enjoyable, the Alien has proven to be a crowd favorite, thanks to its memorable fatalities inspired by the movies.

1 Aliens Vs Predator (2010)

Brief But Bloody And Brutal Reboot

For the last time so far, fans got to witness Xenomorphs battling Predators in the game known as “Aliens vs. Predator“. This reboot of the first-person shooter series was created by Rebellion. Despite the fact that the three campaigns are rather brief for a game with such a high production budget, this doesn’t diminish the enjoyment they provide.

Each Aliens Vs. Predator game does something different with the Xenomorph campaign and the 2010 reboot is no different. It was the first game to give the playable Xenomorph an actual story. The campaign follows Specimen 6 from its birth in a Weyland-Yutani lab to becoming the leading warrior in the Matriarch’s hive on BG-386, and while it is short, the story is still worth playing.

2024-08-14 03:34