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Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction |
by Chad
9/11/2003 |
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Anyone who has seen the short film Batman: Dead End knows that Aliens combined with Predators mixed with humans does not make for a peaceful evening of idle chit-chat and mingling among friends. There will be no bridge game, nor a friendly game of checkers. Chances are, someone is going to die; maybe lots of someones. So the most logical thing to do is put Aliens, Predators and Marines together in a virtual free-for-all for control of the universe. Sounds like a great plan, but how does it play out in the real world? Okay, not the real world, the Xbox world.
Real time strategy games are hardly represented in the world of consoles. It could be the core audience remains true to the PC; or maybe there has not been an acceptable title to lure RTS fans to consoles (like Command & Conquer); or perhaps all of the title released so far have not been developed properly. The reality is the lack of RTS success on consoles can probably be attributed to all three, plus a host of other factors that I did not mention. Fox Interactive and Electronic Arts have decided to throw their hat into the ring with Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction.
 
Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction places the gamer right smack in the middle of a battle for everyone’s favorite vacation spot, LV-742. You can choose to play as Aliens, Predators or Colonial Marines. Each species has unique abilities, tactical advantages and inherent disadvantages. You must utilize these strengths and weaknesses to outmaneuver your opponents and gain control of the planet, becoming the hero of all mankind. Or Alienkind. Or Predatorkind. Whatever.
Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction allows you to control your forces through 21 single player missions, broken into seven for each species. Each species includes 10 upgradeable combat units. Seeing as this is a real time strategy game, strategy is the most important element to master. You cannot walk into the den of an Alien hive and proceed to annihilate the slimy bastards. Whether you choose to be Colonial Marines or Predators, they will swarm you and devour you within seconds.
Depending on who you enemy is, you have to take the time to create the correctly balanced custom army. You can choose your combination from a list of units available, apply any upgrades you have available, and then set out to strategically conquer your opponent through intelligent tactics.- Colonial Marines – Military training and hi-tech, big-ass weapons are the strong suit of the Marines. Classic war game tactics are your best hope for survival. Isolating and neutralizing your enemies is essential to your success.
- Predators – As a Predator you must rely on your hunting and tracking abilities. Predators possess highly evolved hunting techniques that have been passed down for generations. You main goal is to destroy your prey and gain the adoration of the Council of Ancients.
- Aliens – Aliens are best used a swarming hordes of vigilant attackers. As the Alien species, your safety is in numbers. Isolation is not your goal. With large groups you can overtake an enemy, incapacitate them and impregnate them. Evolving into a more powerful biological weapon is the end goal of the Aliens.
There are 21 unique maps on the planet LV-742. The maps span different ecosystems and environments. Each map requires planning and executing new strategies for battle. You also must choose your units and weapons carefully, making sure to place the players that are properly matched to the terrain to take full advantage of your battle strategy. Weapons that exploit the map and create strategic advantages should also be chosen. Also, upgrades must be utilized whenever possible. It can save you a lot of frustration if you take the time to create a well thought out battle plan that utilizes all of the tools at your disposal. Weapons upgrades can be found throughout the game. Find them and use them.
 
 
If you are playing with the Marines, obtains and deploying the Marine Commtech’s orbit launched airstrike can net you a huge strategic advantage. This weapon allows you to attack without risking many troops, ensuring a less painful path to victory is used correctly.
Graphics – 6
The graphics in Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction are not the best on the Xbox. They do not go above and beyond the call of duty to utilize the potential contained in the hardware capabilities of the Xbox. The animations are very limited and not robust enough to impress. However, they are not poor. They are merely adequate, which can be an unfair label in this graphics intensive world. The visual effects placed throughout the game are done nicely, but the character could definitely improve.
Sound – 6
Most of the soundtrack for the game is taken directly from the respective movies (Aliens and Predator for those following at home). The game is in the standard Pro Logic, so again the power of the Xbox was not exploited here. The sound effects sometimes drown each other out with the chaotic battles that take place.
Gameplay – 7
If you take the time to learn about the different species you will get a lot more out of the game. There is enough in this game to keep you occupied for some time, and there is enough to learn to keep RTS fans happy for a short time. Some of the missions are repetitive, and sometimes you can accomplish a goal without using the best possible combination of units, but overall the gameplay is consistent and enjoyable.
Overall – 7
Like most RTS games, this is not a game for everyone. If you are just getting your feet wet into the real time strategy world, this may be a good starter for you. If you are a hardcore RTS fan, you will probably find many problems with this game, but there is still enough enjoyment to keep you occupied for a while. This is a definite try before you buy, as I envision this title being a hit or miss with many gamers.
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Eto
Heckler
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RTS without online play? I don´t think so!!!!!!
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Mad Gamer 2
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A Aliens Vs Predator RTS ? Whatever,not worth the money. However it is good rental material. I would love to have a 3rd person game of this nature, or some wonderful version of a FPS. Oh wait, there are FPS´s of AvP on PC. Nevermind then, I think I will completely pass.
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TFC’s:Men Hunter
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Yea,
I´ll give it a rent...
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Nabu the Wise
Heckler
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I think you meant to say "21 single player missions, broken into seven for each species"
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Heyho
Heckler
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I´ve had this game a while now, and it´s not bad as far as FPS´s go on console. In my opinion it´s one of those "bite size" games where you play a mission or 2, bugger off somewhere and then carry on later on. I couldn´t force myself to play through for hours at a time. While I´m on my soap-box, where on earth is Alien Vs. Predator 2 that we were told was coming out a year or so ago??? If you´ve not played it yet on PC, get it - it´s fantastic fun, and kinda creepy too.By far my favourite FPS of all time.
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bDrake
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I found that although the grapic are´nt mind blowing the game play was diverse enough to keep me happy.the various upgrades and weapons make a interesting mix.
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would-be-ne0
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what what what?! no end game moviez? BS!!!
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poser
Heckler
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asw to the different maps the @!*% alien map and the marine mission where you must capture a coccon and take it too the specified site they are exactly the same!
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jetro
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i think there should be a mission editor
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Blak NiNjA XXX
X365 Member
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If I was the part of the team to create this disasterpeace, I think i would be pretty shocked that copeis of this game actually went off the shelves. THIS GAME SUCKS!!!!!! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dinosaur770
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hey does any one have cheats to have more aliens in alien versus predator???
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poop101
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as far as the other ratings go its all right this game is ok but dont buy it
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damaged
X365 Member
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I'm one of the biggest Alien/predator fans i know.
I was extremely disapointed this game didnt have xboxlive support and thus killed any desire for me to play it.
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JESTER MAN
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YOUALL CRAZZY!! IT RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Andre’
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jhgvsjfhgkjhdflkjhdefsgefohsgdfjsgdfjshgdfjl
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dosent matter
Heckler
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ive had this game for a while too and i think that its ok. But after u beat it the replay isnt that great but its ok. Overall its pretty good.
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sickhatchet420
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ALIENS @!*% RULES!!!
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sickhatchet420
X365 Member
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NINJA GAIDEN will crush you Halo2! And if everyone else dosnt like it, they can just go and shove it!
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sickhatchet420
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Just kidding! Halo2 is king.
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dashash598
X365 Member
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well in my opinion i think the game is cool i like marines and predators but it does suck not to play online other than that i place it a good 7 just on the game play it would be a 10 if the could go online and the graghics could at least a little better i think it has good potentiel but any one who is a avp fan or likes stradegy give it try if you want to buy it though
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dashash598
X365 Member
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well in my opinion i think the game is cool i like marines and predators but it does suck not to play online other than that i place it a good 7 just on the game play it would be a 10 if the could go online and the graghics could at least a little better i think it has good potentiel but any one who is a avp fan or likes stradegy give it try if you want to buy it though
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