The Boss is a big retro fan. He particularly loves his old-school 2D platform games – a genre that has largely, these days, been lost to the mists of time. So it was with great excitement that he approached Aliens: Infestation – a 2D platform shooter, the likes of which were ten a penny back in the 8-Bit and 16-Bit glory days.
However, I need to issue a word of caution first. This is not a pure retro 2D platform shooter. It’s got modern ‘things’ in it (damn you progress…). At first, I was a little perturbed by these features – I’m in a 2D platform game, do I really want a cover system a la Brothers in Arms or Gears of War, or an elaborate cinematic story?
Well, as it turns out, the answer is yes.
"The formula works beautifully…"
The best way to describe Aliens: Infestation is Metroid. I don’t mean the 3D Metroid Primes, I mean classic, suck-you-in-til-the-end Super Metroid / Metroid Fusion style Metroid. Like these classics, you have a huge map to explore, but can only gain access to various sections gradually as you acquire new devices – primarily key cards in this instance – and weaponry. The formula works beautifully – treading the line between open-world and linear structured gameplay beautifully.
For a handheld 2D shooter, the game conveys an amazing sense of suspense and fear, beautifully echoing the movies. It’s not quite up to the tension of Aliens Vs Predator on the Jaguar (or the PC sequel), but play this in a dark room, and you’ll find yourself jumping more than you’d think. The titular aliens are abundant; faithful recreations of the movie counterparts, and the presence of face huggers amplifies your survival instincts, as ever.
This is all helped by some great presentation. The graphics are solid, and pack in some pretty impressive amounts of detail. However the sound, in particular, deserves special credit – the sound of the pulse rifle is spot on, and evokes memories of the movies, helping to further suspend your disbelief. My only criticism audio wise is with the sound of the footsteps; wherever you walk, you get a (very) loud sound of footsteps on metal. Even when you don’t appear to be walking on anything metallic…
The game has a good length, and genuinely grabs you from the moment you start playing. It’s fun, engrossing, and is a great demonstration of how 2D platform games can be successfully brought into the modern era of gaming. If you’re a Metroid fan, or an Aliens fan, or both, you’d do well to pick this title up. If you’re not a fan of either, then you’re no geek at all, and you’re henceforth banned from reading this website. No seriously, go away…
The Boss says: infest your portable gaming life with this great modern day evolution of a classic genre. But remember, on the number 42 bus, they CAN hear you scream…
