NOT
Dated Graphics
On the Xbox 360 version that I played, I was utterly disappointed on the visual quality the game delivered. Every environment and textures of the game looks blurry and you cannot see any fine detail. Character models looks stiff when they talk and pretty much the whole visual department of Colonial Marines is a total mess. However, if you are playing on the PC version, you will get to see more visible textures and fine designs of the environments of the game, although it will not change the fact that the engine used on the game is still dated.
Lacks Variety
This generation has made a lot of shooters where only a few stand out while others died down due to the lack of variety it offers. In the case of Colonial Marines, it’s one of those shooter titles where it gets repetitive. From the start to finish, all you will do is mindlessly taking down Xenomorphs non-stop with no variety at all in taking them down or any fun stuff that you can do. The fighting can get dull throughout the campaign and going back the second time will no longer be an option to anyone. Despite having a co-op mode, the purpose of it is simply shot down since the AI or anything within the game doesn’t change. The levels feel like it’s not designed at all for co-op play. In other words, the progression of the campaign and how it’s laid out is boring regardless if you play it co-op or by yourself.
Short Campaign
When it comes to the length of the game’s campaign, you will be once again disappointed to know that it will take you roughly four to five hours. The game offers five missions in all and they can be done in at least an hour each. Those who are looking to expand their time in playing the game can look to an alternative by playing the game again on a harder difficulty. Though with the not-so varied gameplay, I doubt you will go back and play the game again.
Predictable Story
Despite being the direct sequel of the 1986 Aliens movie, many have hoped that it will have a cool storyline. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen as the quality of the plot slowly dies down in every mission. At the start, you will find the plot very interesting. Sure, the end of the Aliens film left a cliffhanger and any fan will surely want to know what happens next. The game will give you just that at the very beginning but will left you hanging as you go in the middle till you reach the very end. Boss fights aren’t that interesting as they’re not specifically shown in the game that they’re actually boss fights. The last boss, or might as well say regular enemy is rather dull.
VERDICT
Despite all of the years spent developing Aliens: Colonial Marines, the final product is average at best. It’s far from the best shooter out there, but for someone who is an Aliens fan, you will probably enjoy the game even if there are some major problems. There are many references that fans will appreciate and the different multiplayer modes will satisfy fans. As for its campaign, don’t expect anything extraordinary as it’s pretty dull and you will most likely find yourself playing the multiplayer more than its single player.
[Editor’s Note: Aliens Colonial Marines was reviewed on the PC and Xbox 360 platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
