We recently got the chance to join the hunt and get single player hands-on time with Rebellion’s Aliens Vs Predator thanks to SEGA…

Aliens and Predators first faced off back in 1990 in a series of graphic novels published by Dark Horse Comics. Since then the franchise has spanned not only comics but books, movies, and video games. In 1994 Rebellion developed the first AvP video game for the Atari Jaguar, which was then followed by the classic PC game in 1999. Since then a few games based on the AvP brand have been released, including a follow up to the PC title. Now Rebellion have returned with a new Aliens Vs. Predator game, and I was lucky enough to get the chance to go hands-on with both the single and multiplayer modes.

Like many gamers, I was lucky enough to get a sample of the multiplayer side of AvP at the recent Eurogamer Expo. So when SEGA gave me the chance to get a taste of the single player I was keen to get my hands on it. The game features three different stories – Marine, Alien, and Predator. Each one is unique, however they do cross paths and intertwine later in the game. Each of the campaigns kick things off with a tutorial, introducing the different styles of attacks and moves. Which is where my first question was raised – who was it that decided top use the Xbox 360 bumper buttons for attack?

While playing as either the Alien or Predator the right and left bumper buttons are used for heavy and light attacks. Not a game breaking issue, but it certainly does take a little getting used to. In fact, I found that even after playing for half an hour I was still pressing the wrong buttons during the more heated moments. To be fair, my time with it was limited and I had to cram in as much as possible. Playing in the comfort of your own home and truly immersing yourself in the experience would make the odd control layout seem a much less obvious problem.

Rebellion have done a fantastic job in creating a very unique experience for each class. I played the first half an hour or so of each one, and each felt like a new game in itself. Playing as a Predator for example is all about stealth, stalking your enemies and then going in for the kill. As an Alien it’s about sticking to the shadows and using speed and agility. The Marine, well all the Marine has to do is stay alive against overwhelming odds. If you was to ask me what the best one was to play as out of the three it would be hard for me to choose. Each have their good points which means that each campaign is more than enjoyable in it’s own way.

The atmosphere has been totally nailed, the look and feel really can’t be faulted. From the guttural sounds, movement, and vision modes of the Predator, to the screeches and vicious hive mentality of the Aliens are spot on. As a Marine there is this feeling of dread and impending doom in every darkened corner. When the pulsing ping of the motion tracker kicks in words can’t express the panic that enters you mind. Rebellion have certainly delivered a faultless experience for fans.

However, during my couple of hours with the game I did encounter a few little things that niggled me. Firstly that mad and complicated use of the buttons, I just didn’t see why that had been done. Even jumping about as the Alien or Predator feels overly complicated. The Alien can traverse up the walls and across the ceilings, however a button press is needed to move to each one. It certainly does prevent things from becoming disorientating but it also doesn’t feel smooth either. One bumper is used for heavy attack and the other is light attack, holding down both blocks, and thus works on a rock-paper-scissors system. But in the heat of battle when those Aliens are coming at you from all sides, and at speed, that is a lot easier said than done.

Playing a game sat in a brightly lit room with a bunch of other journos and trying to experience as much as possible in a short amount of time doesn’t help. I think that had I been sat comfortably in front of my own TV, feet up, with munchies and beverage at my side then things would of been different. Trying to take the rush approach as a Predator is certainly not the way to go, after all he is a hunter and stalker by nature. I would also say that once you have got used to the rather strange button setup then what you will experience is a fine piece of sci-fi action gaming. Like I say, for attention to detail the game cannot be faulted at all. It looks great, tells an interesting story, and offers a lot of varied gameplay. What more could you ask for?

Well obviously multiplayer right? Once again Rebellion have things covered with a number of multiplayer modes. I won’t go on about the multiplayer modes to much since there really isn’t much point. You can give them a try for yourself with the multiplayer demo that is now available on Xbox LIVE, Playstation Network, and PC. OK, so it probably won’t replace the likes of Halo, Modern Warfare 2, and Uncharted 2 as some of the most played games online, but it is solid and offers a totally different experience. You may think that in games like Deathmatch and so on the Marine would stand no chance, but that is where you would be wrong. The multiplayer has been tweaked to no ends, and the balance feels pretty much spot on. Although having said that, be prepared to die a lot during your first few games.

Once you get into the mindset of the different classes, taking advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of each one you will uncover a deep and tactical shooter. Yeah you can run and gun and go in all guns, or claws, blazing. But then you will just end up as Alien food. Overall during my time with AvP I was happy with what I saw and experienced. It certainly left me wanting more. The pure brutality and grizzly nature of the finishing moves never get tiring. In fact, even if you’re not a fan it’s worth buying the game just to witness them anyway. There is no doubt about it, AvP is going to be huge when it releases on 19th February here in the UK. But if you’re still undecided about picking up AvP, although I have no idea why you should be, then be sure to check back soon for our full review on what is shaping up to be another classic title for 2010.

Written by: Stephen Butler