Aliens: Dark Descent is a thrilling real-time action game that pushes the boundaries of traditional genre classifications. Developed by Tindalos Interactive, this ambitious single-player experience offers a unique approach to gameplay. However, similar to the divisive film Prometheus, its experimental nature sometimes struggles to maintain its creative momentum.
A Fresh Take on RTS
Dark Descent sets itself apart by eliminating or narrowing the resource gathering, technological improvement, and base building elements commonly found in real-time strategy (RTS) games. Instead, the focus is on maneuvering a team of four USMC soldiers. This creates tension as you become invested in the survival of these specific characters, worrying about ammo and stress rather than traditional RTS resources like ore and minerals. The game immerses you in a brutal experience filled with unforgettable moments.
A Welcome Tutorial
The game starts with a 45-minute tutorial that serves as both an introduction and a prologue to the larger story. This tutorial is crucial for players to familiarize themselves with the game’s unique tactical options and systems. However, it falls short in terms of action and fails to showcase the game’s strengths or provide engaging combat.
Mastering Tactical Decision Making
The game’s most sophisticated tactical systems revolve around command points. These points allow you to perform various actions such as suppressive fire, powerful shotgun blasts, and fire walls for protection. The game does not allow pausing, only slowing down time when opening the command menu. It’s essential to quickly become comfortable with this system as it plays a central role in making tactical decisions during intense conflicts.
Repetitive yet Satisfying Gameplay
Dark Descent’s gameplay can sometimes feel repetitive due to the inability to send a single trooper or small fireteam for specific tasks. However, this streamlined approach also ensures simplicity. The game’s different environments are fully realized and add depth to the gameplay. From sprawling colonies to massive space docks engulfed in xenomorph shells, exploration becomes a satisfying experience.
Beauty in Chaos
The game features moments of beauty and inventiveness as you navigate combat zones swarming with xenomorphs of various sizes and shapes. The AI adapts to your tactics, making it feel like you’re being hunted. Environmental factors can also turn against you, forcing your soldiers to confront their mental trauma. These elements combine to create engaging and challenging gameplay.
An Evolving and Engaging Campaign
The campaign, although somewhat linear, offers an open-world feel by allowing you to uncover new areas on the world map. While you must complete main story objectives in each sector, you can revisit them later to find missing items and complete sub-tasks. Additionally, the game allows for mid-mission evacuations, preserving the well-being of your squad members. However, evacuating too often increases the intensity of the alien threat, adding a sense of urgency.
Ambitious and Noteworthy
Despite its occasional flaws, Aliens: Dark Descent is an ambitious game that brings something new to the Alien video game franchise. While it may not be the most exceptional entry, it offers a rich and rewarding isometric tactical experience. Available on multiple platforms, this game is definitely worth exploring for fans of the Alien series.