Tough Vulnerability
Alien: Isolation. Judging by the conversations I've been having with many of you out there in the Gamersphere, this title is either must-have or an easy-to-forget. Now that I've had plenty of hands of time with it myself, I can tell you that the polarization of opinions regarding this game will never change.
At its core, Alien is a horror game. That said, I don't think hardcore fans of horror games are going to find a lot to love here. Even on the hardest difficulty, avoiding certain death at the claws (or vicious teeth) of the Xenomorph and other myriad enemies (other survivors, androids) isn't all that challenging. I did fail a fair amount initially but after changing how I approached the game and playing with a decent amount of patience, it did become easier. Essentially, all you have to do is think on your feet, hide long enough, or use your little crafted contraptions (Amanda might even be more resourceful than her Mom) in clever enough fashion and you'll be cruising through Sevastopol station.
So, like I said, not really something a super fan of the horror genre is going to find fulfilling. But if you are a fan of Alien and good science fiction, there is a lot here to enjoy. For me, this was a pleasant trip into a fictional world I've only ever been able to enjoy from a distance via my television. This game stuck me into that universe in a remarkably satisfying way. This IS Ridley Scott's Alien, down to the slippers by the cryo beds, highly textured surfaces, and the slime dripping from the villain's fangs.
The story is worth tracking and the gameplay keeps you on your toes. You'll find your own pace and rhythm (especially when the motion tracker finds it way to your hands) as you go but keep in mind that if you simply react to what is happening rather than attempt to "figure out" everything before it happens you'll save yourself a lot of frustration. This game is meant to surprise you and it certainly can. But once you find yourself memorizing the locations of closets and dark, chair-less desks then you'll basically be ready to survive most encounters.
That think-on-your-feet gameplay is fun but the real draw for the fans of the source material is that will remember the characters, story, and events of this game long after they've forgotten where the save points are. Amanda Ripley is acted well and reminded me a great deal of Crystal Dynamics' turn with Tomb Raider. In that game, just like this one, the playable character is strong but inherently human and vulnerable. I am enjoying this trend in games and hope it continues long into the future. Being Master Chief or Duke Nukem is fun for a spell, but being human is far more interesting.
As is Alien: Isolation.
Best game ever? No. But it is worth a play-through even if you aren't a fan of the films. If you are however, just TRY and trade this one back in. Playing as THE Ripley herself on the Nostromo in the Crew Expendable mission is more than enough reason to add this to your Permanent Collection of All Things Ridley. Or to place at the base of his statue in your closet, whichever applies.
~Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment