Fans of facehuggers and acid-blooded space creatures rejoice as a brand new Alien video game is coming our way this summer. Aliens: Dark Descent was originally announced last year, though little has been said about it since. Fortunately, the folks at IGN today finally bring word of a June release date this summer and a look at some gameplay in a brand new trailer. Let’s check it out.
Described as a real-time, squad-based, tactical action game, you are a commander heading up a squad of marines dealing with a Xenomorph outbreak. Based on the trailer, the game will offer a mix of cinematic storytelling with overhead, third-person combat. It’s certainly a unique take on an approach to a game within this series, as opposed to the shoot-em-up style of Aliens: Fireteam Elite from 2021. Focus Entertainment’s official description of the game reads as follows:
“In Aliens: Dark Descent, command a squad of hardened Colonial Marines to stop a terrifying Xenomorph outbreak on Moon Lethe. Lead your soldiers in real-time combat against iconic Xenomorphs, rogue operatives from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation, and a host of horrifying creatures new to the Alien franchise. You are the commander. They are your weapon.”
Aside from the pretty unique tactical approach to the gameplay, the notion of this game including an original story within the Alien universe is undoubtedly appealing. Focus also includes a pretty hefty explanation of what players will actually be doing in the game on their website, which reads as follows:
“Infiltrate large open levels and annihilate enemies with your squad, dispatching orders strategically and intuitively at the touch of a button. Tread carefully, as death is permanent and your foes will adapt their tactics to your actions while hunting you down. Forge unique paths for survival, uncovering shortcuts, creating safe zones, and setting up motion trackers in a persistent world where your actions impact levels forever. Customize your squad with a selection of different classes. Level up and specialize your soldiers with unique abilities and an arsenal of weapons, armor, and perks, for high stakes missions in treacherous territory. Develop your base to research new tech and improve your squad even further. Manage your resources wisely and take calculated risks to outsmart the deadliest creature mankind has ever faced. Can you and your squad stop the outbreak before it’s too late?”
Meanwhile, the Alien franchise is in pretty good shape overall right now. Aside from the game, we also have the new movie currently filming, which is being directed by Fede Álvarez (Don’t Breathe). But that’s not all! FX is also working on a TV show set in the universe, headed by Noah Hawley (Fargo). Not to mention the new Marvel Comics series that have been on shelves over the last year and change. So yeah, much to look forward to on this front.
Aliens: Dark Descent arrives on June 20 for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC.
