Aliens: Dark Descent is the latest video game set in the universe of the galaxy’s ultimate apex predator. Let’s take a look at this strategic approach to Xenomorph.
Release
Aliens: Dark Descent will be released on June 20, 2023, and will be available for most gaming platforms, including Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X. The game was developed by Tindalos Interactive. It’s a French studio best known for the warmly received tactical game Battlefleet Gothic: Armada.
Plot
The game takes us to a new-to-the-universe planet called Lethe, where the protagonists’ ship crash lands. It turns out that the base is infested by terrifying Aliens. You’ll meet Mako Hayes from Weyland-Yutani and colonial marine Jonas Harper, who must form an unlikely alliance to survive in this exceptionally hostile environment. The developers promise a gripping story that unfolds throughout the single-player campaign.
Gameplay and classes
There were a lot of great video games set in the Alien universe. However, unlike most titles featuring Xenomorphs, the release developed by Tindalos Interactive tests players’ strategy talents instead of shooting, aiming, or hiding skills. Aliens: Dark Descent is a squad-based strategy game. Therefore, the player commands a team of space marines that are divided into five classes.
- Sergeant. With its strategic mindset, this class is the backbone of any team.
- Gunner. Provides invaluable fire support with a powerful M56 Smart Gun.
- Medic. This class can heal other members of the squad, so it’s essential on the battlefield.
- Recon. Knowledge is power, so this quick scout with a pulse rifle is a valuable member of any squad.
- Tecker. Thanks to its profound technological knowledge, this class is irreplaceable when you have to hack something.
Between missions, you can upgrade your soldiers, unlock new skills, and equip them with better gear to increase their chances in battles against Xenomorphs. Taking care of your squad members’ health and stress levels is essential because Aliens: Dark Descent features permadeath. Therefore, if one of your troops dies on the mission, they’re gone forever, and you have to recruit a rookie to replace the fallen veteran.
Fortunately, you’ll have some tricks up your sleeves. For instance, the game uses real-time combat, but when the action becomes too intense, you have the option to slow time a bit to make tactical decisions. This feature should be a good facilitator for more experienced players and a real lifesaver for newcomers.
There’s also the option to withdraw your squad from the battlefield, regroup, and return when you feel you’re ready. What’s special about Aliens: Dark Descent is that your actions have long-term repercussions. For instance, if you block some path in one mission, it remains sealed when you visit the same location later in the game. The same goes for unlocking new landing pads and deploying gear well-known from the Aliens movies, such as sentry guns and motion trackers.
Enemies
The adaptive AI is one of the most impressive things about Aliens: Dark Descent. Your opponents will learn your behavior as the game progresses. Hence, they won’t fall for the same trick all over again. Consequently, you will have to change and adapt your tactics for the following missions. On your missions on Lethe, you’ll encounter a vast range of enemies, including guardians, synthetics, and numerous forms of Xenomorphs:
- Facehuggers. An early stage of Xenomorphs’ life cycle. It dies after infecting a living creature with a Chestbuster.
- Runner. Incredibly fast and athletic, but not particularly resilient. Theories state that Runners are born from four-legged creatures.
- Warrior. A bipedal form of Xenomorph strikes fear into everyone’s heart. Not without a righteous reason, as it’s an extremely dangerous specimen.
- Praetorians. A Hive starts creating this form of bipedal monster when it reaches its full development. Bigger and stronger than their peers, Praetorians serve as the Queen’s guards.
- Queen. It’s the largest and smartest of all Xenomorphs. A Queen makes even the most battle-hardened squad think twice before it invades an Aliens’ hive.
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