E3 2009: Preview: Aliens vs. Predator - Preview
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 15 June 2009 / 6,799 Views
Aliens vs. Predator takes you inside the world of the popular science fiction film series of the same name. The title is being developed by Rebellion, the guys that brought you AvP ten years ago. One of the unique perks about this iteration is that you get the chance to play as the Aliens, the Predators and the Colonial Marine. Each species holds it’s own single player campaign for you to play though. The Predator was playable on the show floor for everyone in attendance. However, VGChartz got a special sneak peek at the Colonial Marine in a behind closed doors meeting. The two species’ play style is so different that they don’t even feel like they are part of the same game.
Let’s start with the Predator. The demo begins with the Predator flying into the jungle on a snazzy spaceship. Both the spaceship and Predator disappear behind a cloaking ability immediately after landing. Right away, the forest looks very drab and the colors look very washed out (which is not a bad thing; it’s just the style). As you should know from the movies, the Predator is very stealthy and loves his technology.
The Predator jumps around from tree to tree using a red portal icon that will let you know where your character will land (to prevent any mis-steps, I’m assuming). It’ll also let you know whether you are making a stealthy jump or a noisier jump. You don’t want to upset those aliens! Alas, that is near impossible. You will get noticed and you’ll have to rid the planet of all the aliens possible. However, be careful not to get too close to an injured alien. Their acidic blood will harm you and has the potential to kill you.
You have three different vision modes, which include your normal visor, thermal vision mode, and alien vision mode. Infrared mode will help you detect heat in the area (aka living beings). Your alien mode will allow you to spot aliens better. Your visor is also very intelligent and will give you information on your enemy and your enemy’s weapon.
You have a number of melee weapons and long ranged weapons at your disposal. A plasma caster gun, a grenade, mines and your blades mainly. While in close combat, you can perform trophy kills. These are uniquely animated kills that will be sure to creep you out. Anyone care for a severed Marine head?
The last segment of the Predator demo has you use the head of a slain Marine to pass a retinal scan that will grant you access to the inside of the Marine base. Once you’ve made it through the Marine base and back outside, a cutscene plays and you meet up with the Predalien, a gigantic combination of an alien and a predator. However, the demo ends before you have the chance to battle it.
Now for the Colonial Marine demo. As I mentioned earlier, this demo was entirely different from the Predator demo. While playing as the Colonial Marine, you and your fellow Marines are forced to defend yourselves against a pack of xenomorphs that are surrounding your base. You are equipped with a gun and a flashlight. If you shine the flashlight in dark areas, you are bound to find aliens lurking. However, they’ll scurry off into another dark corner, so make sure you peg them first. You really are not safe anywhere you go. Aliens can crawl on the walls and even the ceilings. As you stroll through your base with your comrades in hand, you’ll find huge, gaping acid burn holes and remnants of the aliens. Once you think you’ve killed most of the aliens, the lights go out and more aliens start attacking you from all sides. The end of this demo really isn’t a pretty outcome for the marine.
Aliens vs. Predator is looking like it’ll be an astounding new installment into an already famed franchise. Using Rebellion’s own engine, AvP looks chiseled and hardcore. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third campaign, the Alien. Look for Alien vs. Predator to come to PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2010.
