Aliens: Colonial Marines - Is It Worth Playing Today?

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Ever heard of Aliens: Colonial Marines? This game has a bit of a reputation, and not always for the right reasons. Launched with a lot of hype, it ended up being quite controversial. But let's dive in and see if it's worth checking out today. Is it a hidden gem, or does it still deserve the criticism it initially received?

What's the Deal with Aliens: Colonial Marines?

Aliens: Colonial Marines is a first-person shooter developed by Gearbox Software and published by Sega. It came out in 2013 and is part of the legendary Alien franchise. The game promised to be a thrilling, canon-friendly continuation of the Aliens movie, putting players in the boots of a squad of Colonial Marines as they investigate the U.S.S. Sulaco and LV-426. Sounds awesome, right? Well, the initial reception was…mixed, to say the least.

Initial Hype and Disappointment

Leading up to its release, Aliens: Colonial Marines had a ton of hype. Trailers and demos showed intense firefights, scary Xenomorph encounters, and a storyline that seemed like a perfect fit for fans of the Alien universe. However, when the game finally hit the shelves, many players and critics were hugely disappointed. The graphics were underwhelming, the AI was wonky, and the gameplay felt clunky. It was a far cry from what was promised, leading to a lot of backlash and negative reviews.

Common Criticisms

So, what exactly went wrong? Let's break down some of the main criticisms:

  • Graphics: The visual quality was a big letdown. Textures were low-resolution, and the overall look didn't live up to the standards of other games at the time.
  • AI Issues: The Xenomorph AI was notoriously bad. Sometimes, enemies would just stand around, not posing any real threat. This made the game feel less scary and more like a shooting gallery.
  • Story Problems: While the story was intended to be canon, many fans felt it contradicted established lore and didn't do justice to the Alien franchise.
  • Bugs and Glitches: The game was plagued with bugs and glitches, which further detracted from the overall experience.

Gameplay: What to Expect

Okay, so the game has its issues, but what's the gameplay actually like? In Aliens: Colonial Marines, you play as a Colonial Marine, and your mission is to investigate what happened to the U.S.S. Sulaco and the colony on LV-426. You'll be equipped with iconic weapons like the pulse rifle, flamethrower, and smartgun. The game is structured as a series of missions, where you'll fight through hordes of Xenomorphs and uncover the mysteries of what happened.

Combat and Weapons

The combat in Aliens: Colonial Marines can be intense, especially when you're facing a swarm of Xenomorphs. The weapons feel powerful, and there's a certain satisfaction in mowing down aliens with a pulse rifle. However, the effectiveness of the weapons can be inconsistent due to the AI issues. Sometimes, enemies will go down easily, while other times, they seem bulletproof.

Level Design

The level design is a mixed bag. Some environments are well-crafted and atmospheric, capturing the claustrophobic feel of the Alien movies. However, other levels feel generic and uninspired. The game does try to recreate iconic locations from the films, but the execution is often lacking.

Multiplayer

Aliens: Colonial Marines also features a multiplayer mode, where you can play as either Colonial Marines or Xenomorphs. The multiplayer can be fun in short bursts, but it suffers from many of the same issues as the single-player campaign, such as AI problems and glitches.

The Infamous AI Patch

One of the most talked-about aspects of Aliens: Colonial Marines is the infamous AI patch. Years after the game's release, it was discovered that a simple typo in the game's code was causing the Xenomorph AI to malfunction. A single misspelled word was preventing the AI from functioning correctly, leading to the enemies' lackluster behavior. Once the typo was corrected, the AI improved significantly, making the game more challenging and engaging.

How Much Did It Help?

While the AI patch did improve the game, it didn't completely fix all of its problems. The graphics still looked dated, and other bugs and glitches remained. However, the improved AI did make the game more enjoyable, as the Xenomorphs became more aggressive and unpredictable.

Is It Worth Playing Today?

So, the big question: is Aliens: Colonial Marines worth playing today? The answer is...it depends. If you're a die-hard Alien fan and you're curious to experience this controversial chapter in the franchise, then it might be worth checking out, especially if you can find it at a low price. However, it's important to go in with realistic expectations.

Pros:

  • Alien Universe: It's set in the Alien universe, which is a big draw for fans.
  • Iconic Weapons: You get to use cool weapons like the pulse rifle and flamethrower.
  • Improved AI: The AI patch did make the game more challenging.

Cons:

  • Dated Graphics: The graphics haven't aged well.
  • Bugs and Glitches: The game is still buggy.
  • Story Issues: The story might not appeal to all Alien fans.

A Modding Community Perspective

Don't count Aliens: Colonial Marines out just yet. The modding community has been hard at work, and they've managed to make some incredible improvements to the game. Mods can enhance graphics, fix bugs, and even overhaul gameplay mechanics. Some popular mods can make the game look and play much better, potentially turning it into a more enjoyable experience. If you're considering playing Aliens: Colonial Marines, checking out the available mods is highly recommended. You might be surprised at the difference they can make!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Aliens: Colonial Marines is a flawed game with a troubled history. It didn't live up to the hype, but it's not a complete disaster either. If you're a Alien die-hard, who's looking for a modern game, then try Aliens: Fireteam Elite. Just be sure to temper your expectations and maybe grab it on sale. And hey, if you do decide to play it, let me know what you think! Did you find it enjoyable, or did it reinforce its bad reputation? I'm curious to hear your thoughts!