Aliens; Colonial Marines a Sci/Fi L4D ?

Kinda OT, does anyone here remember Aliens Online that was playable at Gamestorm back in the late 90's? That was one of the funnest alien games I've ever played. You could be either a marine or an alien. You could even play as a facehugger haha.. that game was a blast.
 
relapse808 said:
This is it here. I am also a huge alien fan and WANT the game to be the alien game i dreamed about. I have a feeling its gonna suck, game over man.
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Lower your expectations based on everything gathered so far. Not feeling a suck vibe but feeling a "decent to maybe a little better than average" vibe.
 
They're bringing back the best MP gamemodes from the original games...I don't see how it could totally suck. Plus, again...CO-OP!

Balance issues can be addressed via patching.
 
i would just love a remake of aliens vs predator 2 on say cry engine 3.
 
Actually a L4D clone makes complete sense and should be done with the same polish. The site defense aspect would add to that nicely. Meh I'm curious on this game now. I am a huge Aliens fan, but the only game worth a damn was AvP for the Jaguar imo.
 
Already playing a fantastic Marines vs. Aliens game, it's called Natural Selection 2 :)
 
trying to figure out if this would be best played on my PS3 or PC....seems like the graphics and control and possibly the online will be better on PC
 
jbonez21 said:
trying to figure out if this would be best played on my PS3 or PC....seems like the graphics and control and possibly the online will be better on PC
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Controls for FPS are always better on PC, as are visuals, usually.

However, they just released the specs today, and these are the recommended, not the minimum:

Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7. Processor: 2.3 GHz Intel Quad CoreProcessor. RAM: 2GB RAM. HD: 20GB free hard disk space. Optical Drive: DVD. Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible. VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce GTX560/ATI Radeon HD 5850 (512 minimum)

That's some low-ass specs, and despite how good the Aliens themselves look, to me that says "console port visuals". You don't see any games these days for PC with specs that low that are not lower res or cartoon-y visuals. Which then makes me wonder why it's 20GB.
 
It's not like we haven't seen screenshots and video of the game, though. Not sure how you can make the logical leap from "low-ass specs" to "console port visuals" when we know what the game is going to look like.

Looks good, IMO. We'll see about the gameplay but graphically I have no issues from what I've seen.
 
MavericK96 said:
It's not like we haven't seen screenshots and video of the game, though. Not sure how you can make the logical leap from "low-ass specs" to "console port visuals" when we know what the game is going to look like.

Looks good, IMO. We'll see about the gameplay but graphically I have no issues from what I've seen.
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Some screens, particularly of the Aliens, look good. Many look a little "touched up" in ways. But the rest have looked rather low-res. I've seen all the screens, but the recommended specs makes me wonder how the game as a whole looks. It's certainly not specs that speak towards anything really high-res for the PC version given the unusually low specs.

I've no "problem" with the visuals generally speaking, but I see no excuse for not pushing things for the PC crowd, especially for a franchise such as this, and making it all it can be. My only point, really.

But if the game turns out to be good in every other way the it can be forgivable, it just surprised me to see these specs because, while visuals certainly aren't everything, I'd have thought they would have pushed things further for PC.
 
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Krieger91 said:
Someone was making a mod of that...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmD3-sVCbnY
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no, that is not a remake of avp2. i was talking specifically about avp2s multiplayer.
thats a remake of the marine campaign from the first avp game.

also, the system requirements have been released.

Minimum Specs: Operating System: Windows XP SP3. Processor: 2 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor. RAM: 2GB RAM (XP),2GB RAM (Vista). HD: 20GB free hard disk space. Optical Drive: DVD. Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible. Video Card:NVIDIA GeForce 8500/ATI Radeon HD 2600 (256 minimum).

Recommended Specs: Operating System: Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7. Processor: 2.3 GHz Intel Quad CoreProcessor. RAM: 2GB RAM. HD: 20GB free hard disk space. Optical Drive: DVD. Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible. VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce GTX560/ATI Radeon HD 5850 (512 minimum).

Other Requirements: Initial installation requires one-time internet connection for Steam authentication; software installations required (included with the game) include Steam Client, DirectX 9, Microsoft .NET 4 Framework, Visual C++ Redistributable 2005, Visual C++ Redistributable 2008, Visual C++ Redistributable 2010, and AMD CPU Drivers (XP Only/AMD Only).
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nice to see that this game will actually require a nice gaming rig.
 
Inu said:
Wii FPS games can be equally rewarding. IMHO, joystick FPS however is stupid.
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I've never owned a Wii, so I'd have no idea (but I know how it works, so I could see how it could feel that way), but between gamepad and KB/M, there's just no comparison. Old news, however. ;)
 
a game set in the Alien universe should be a win every time...don't know why developers have such a hard time making an Alien game...the hard work is already done regarding the creature designs and environment
 
regarding that, the latest developer is supposedly creating new canon, they are creating new aliens never seen. Supposedly created out of the radiation. The two new ones that i've seen so far are that rammer one, and now that boomer type one.

So I'm not really keen on some of the liberties they are taking with the series, but if it makes for a better multiplayer experience, I guess I can't argue with it.
 
polonyc2 said:
a game set in the Alien universe should be a win every time...don't know why developers have such a hard time making an Alien game...the hard work is already done regarding the creature designs and environment
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I've been saying that same thing for years. My wife and I were just talking about that the other night, word-for-word.

Why is this the once franchise that could be one of the biggest in gaming history, yet with all there is to work with regarding the creature itself, the atmospheres etc., and all the talented writers, artists etc out there, they just cannot produce a truly solid iteration of the series?

With the exception of AvP2, which I loved/played to death.

I just don't get it...
 
Well Obsidian was supposed to have an Aliens RPG until SEGA pulled the project. It was supposed to be very interesting.
 
polonyc2 said:
a game set in the Alien universe should be a win every time...don't know why developers have such a hard time making an Alien game...the hard work is already done regarding the creature designs and environment
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The main problems I've always seen in these games is 1) clunky movement with Aliens and 2) massive balance issues in MP. Neither of which are inherently "fixed" by just being an Aliens game.

Though, not being AvP for this one, it should be easier to balance around two races as opposed to three.
 
I don't know whether or not the balance between the Aliens and Marines even matters because, unfortunately, the game just seems "slow" in both single player and multiplayer.

SP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R8rek4WU1s
MP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHTWnmIfb9Q

Both relatively new vids from December showing off the gameplay.

While the Aliens look better than they ever have in any game, the early previews were right about them not feeling like a threat. The slow pacing in places also doesn't seem to benefit the game by building tension enough, such as in Dead Space, for example. It's just not there and, as much as I hate to say it, both the SP and MP seem relatively boring and bland.

I did have high hopes for this, given we've never truly seen a quality Alien game, and Randy Pitchford is a huge Alien fan, but it almost feels to scripted and too slow. Linearity is fine in games if it's done right, again, such as with Dead Space, which keeps the tension and atmosphere high.

Unfortunately, I'm just not feeling it with A:CM, there's just no real tension in either mode and the combat just seems "meh".

As much as it would massively disappoint me, I'm thinking I might actually have to pass on A:CM until it goes on sale at some point. I feel almost "obligated" to buy it, given how much of an Alien freak I really am, but to be honest, it "feels" like a SEGA title, even though it's developed by Gearbox, which is weird.

Honestly, I feel more tension and atmosphere is Dead Island when the music is atmospheric, there's zombie grows/screams echoing around and I get attacked by zombies out of nowhere.

Someone in this thread asked why it seemed so difficult for someone to make a good Alien game. I don't know, but I don't think this fits the bill either.
 
polonyc2 said:
a game set in the Alien universe should be a win every time...don't know why developers have such a hard time making an Alien game...the hard work is already done regarding the creature designs and environment
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Maybe for the same reason they haven't been able to make a good Aliens movie since the first two. It's hard to come up with a good story for emotionless killing machines,look how bad all the sequels to Jaws were.It takes real talent and inventiveness,something in short supply in both the movie and game industry.
 
I remember the Doom mod with Aliens. Back in the day, that was awesome.

I'm hoping this is another Aliens game that I will remember in 20 years. It looks awesome, and I hope it plays great. As long as I can play it on a big screen, dark, loud and it has that scary feeling to it, I think I'll be fine. :)
 
I don't like how you can preorder the game on Steam but you only get the SHARP gun. Everywhere else I've seen you can get the characters from Aliens skins and Ripley's gun if you buy in store.
 
Zorachus said:
With digital downloads, and Steam, what why can't "Gold" mean it's available same day it went gold ? Why do we have to wait a month now until it's available in stores, if the game is officially finished and ready ? Who buys a game in actual store anymore ? I download every game i have bought the last few years.
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I'm with you...the "gone gold" announcement doesn't mean jack shit these days. Basically all it says is that the game isn't going to be delayed (since we already knew the release date) and that we have to wait X amount of time until we can play it, even though it's already done.

Xenomaniac said:
I don't like how you can preorder the game on Steam but you only get the SHARP gun. Everywhere else I've seen you can get the characters from Aliens skins and Ripley's gun if you buy in store.
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Yeah, that is pretty shitty...because they also get the S.H.A.R.P. rifle too, from what I can tell.

Probably the rest of the stuff will be paid DLC after the fact, though... :rolleyes:
 
Zorachus said:
With digital downloads, and Steam, what why can't "Gold" mean it's available same day it went gold ?
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Good point, and something that always drove me nuts. It's on Steam as of few days back, which makes a full month ahead of time. In the age of digital downloads, it just makes no sense.

I'm concerned about the game anyway, after watching the vids I posted. Seems bit lacking in atmosphere and gameplay seems a little bland, even in multiplayer. But I'm considering it and it would only make sense that if I/we wanted it, to be able to buy it when it's finished.
 
To confirm. Doe the game have a CoOp mode for the single player storyline, like Left 4 Dead, with 4 real live players as Marines, going against computer controlled Aliens ?
 
Zorachus said:
To confirm. Doe the game have a CoOp mode for the single player storyline, like Left 4 Dead, with 4 real live players as Marines, going against computer controlled Aliens ?
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Yep, full drop-in/drop-out co-op for the single player campaign.
 
MavericK96 said:
The main problems I've always seen in these games is 1) clunky movement with Aliens and 2) massive balance issues in MP. Neither of which are inherently "fixed" by just being an Aliens game.

Though, not being AvP for this one, it should be easier to balance around two races as opposed to three.
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I thought the Aliens vs Predator game from 2010 did a very good job with the Alien movement...it was almost too fast and a little out of control at times with the auto-switch from floor-to-ceiling climbing but they did an excellent job overall...the balance issues are definitely an issue when you introduce the Predators into the mix...the Predators are usually way too powerful but I guess it is supposed to be kinda offset by the speed and agility of the Alien and by the powerful weapons of the Marines

I thought the 2010 game was underrated...the DX11 graphics also were really impressive in terms of the creature designs and environment...it was the best looking Alien game hands down
 
Zorachus said:
Thanks, for that alone, it's worth the purchase
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No problem.

I feel MP would benefit from more than just 4 vs 4 for the straight-up deathmatch. I like the tight squad mechanic, on both sides, but more for the other objective-based modes.

For deathmatch, I'd like a more chaotic, bullet-flying, claw-swinging murder-fest available with at least 16 people.
 
polonyc2 said:
I thought the Aliens vs Predator game from 2010 did a very good job with the Alien movement...it was almost too fast and a little out of control at times with the auto-switch from floor-to-ceiling climbing but they did an excellent job overall...the balance issues are definitely an issue when you introduce the Predators into the mix...the Predators are usually way too powerful but I guess it is supposed to be kinda offset by the speed and agility of the Alien and by the powerful weapons of the Marines

I thought the 2010 game was underrated...the DX11 graphics also were really impressive in terms of the creature designs and environment...it was the best looking Alien game hands down
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I never did reply to you, lol. Yeah, I enjoyed the 2010 AvP game a lot, and I agree it was underrated. Actually, on release, it had a lot of balance (and other) problems in MP, and it took a long time for them to finally iron out a lot of them. Probably why it got a bad rap...by the time it was better, most people had moved on. They never did totally fix it from what I can remember, and I think I tried playing it again a few months ago and the MP scene was more or less dead. :(

Come to think about it, that was another problem with the MP on release...the matchmaking system blew ass and you regularly had to stare at a "finding match" screen for 5+ minutes.

If only they had the game modes from AvP and AvP 2 in AvP 2010. That's partially why I'm excited for A:CM...they are bringing back the cool semi-coop modes from the original games.
 
I hope this game brings back some of the atmosphere that I enjoyed while playing Aliens Online on Gamestorm.
 
IcedEmotion said:
I hope this game brings back some of the atmosphere that I enjoyed while playing Aliens Online on Gamestorm.
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There's no atmosphere, never mind going to bring back any atmosphere.

I think people are far too often willfully blind (not directed as quoted person, but in general).

I'm the biggest Alien freak in the known Universe, but despite how good the Aliens themselves look, despite desperately wanting a truly good Alien game for once, the horrible design and gameplay are flaws so big, it's like an elephant standing in the room.

Visuals are sub-par for this generation, with the exception of the alien itself. Absolutely no tension or atmosphere. It looks clunky, blocky and far too scripted in every way. You stand and shoot what's coming straight at you, and when Aliens are hopping around the room, it's almost comical, as they're easy targets. You don't feel threatened at all.

No horror, no tension, no atmosphere and boring combat. There's not even any music to build tension, or ambient soundscapes. Wtf?

Don't believe me? Hit YT and watch actual vids of both the single and multiplayer that aren't put out by Gearbox themselves. There are actually quite a few that are by other individuals and, while they're talking-up the game, they're completely full of shit. Are they even watching what they're playing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R8rek4WU1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNXF40SdJow

Two examples. You cant tell me that's not boring as shit. It's a bland shooting gallery, no challenge, no tension or atmosphere, no sense of dread of fear. Which is something that every preview has stated thus far regarding the game.

The game feels slow and boring, "too crafted" so tightly that it's lost any sense of itself and it's purpose, it's atmosphere and potential. They squeezed the life and atmosphere right out of it.

People are hyping this game because they want, in their own minds, for it to be good. So, their perspectives are warped, then justified by focusing on the "amazing" four-player co-op, which has been done for ten years now.

Sorry, but it's a miserable excuse for an Alien title, and even just sub-par as a game, period.

I'm incredibly disappointed and pissed off, as there's simply no reason for this travesty, given the tech and designers out there today, but bottom line is, it's going to be a shit game. It even looks like a horrible console port, from the FOV (gotta love your gun taking up 1/3 of the damn screen) to the textures.
 
Zorachus said:
With digital downloads, and Steam, what why can't "Gold" mean it's available same day it went gold ? Why do we have to wait a month now until it's available in stores, if the game is officially finished and ready ? Who buys a game in actual store anymore ? I download every game i have bought the last few years.
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because then the consoles get screwed, B&M stores get screwed.

and if you make B&M stores unhappy they wont carry your goods limiting your sales potential because some people still only buy games locally.

and most publishers care more about console sales than pc sales which is why you see games come out before the pc version alot of times.

it will be a cold day in hell when publishers release a game for digital download on pc the moment they ship the master disk off to the stamping plant.

plus the few weeks it takes from gold status to retail ship date gives the devs a couple weeks of testing the gold version of the game to get ready to release a zero day patch or hotfix for any game breaking bugs they might run into that they might have missed.
 
Maybe let's just wait and see when we can actually play the game ourselves? A lot of rampant bashing for an unreleased game.
 
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