2. Not Only Is It A Game, It Is The Official Sequel To Aliens
Yep, you read that right. This is being hailed by 20th Century Fox as the actual sequel to the 1986 classic movie. That is a big accolade. While it isn't uncommon for licensed based games to follow the established narrative, even to the extent where it can be placed into a timeline of events accurately, this (to my knowledge) is uncharted water for the gaming industry. If it isnt, feel free to slaughter me in the comments box, I will go down fighting, just like Hudson. Just a few seconds into watching any of the numerous trailers and game-play clips that have been released online, it is evident that Sega and Gearbox have pulled out every stop to make this game as accurate and immersive as possible. For example, Hadley's Hope, one of the main locations from the original movie is emulated so well, it looks as if it has been transplanted, brick by brick from the movie and then replanted into the game with expert precision. It's that good. The sound is no different. It's spot on. The music, the bleeps and pulse of the tracker, breathing noises coming from the dark and that smart gun; its sure to send shivers down any fan-boy's spine as soon as a few rounds are let go. On top of this, the developers are unveiling a new lighting engine which looks frankly superb and could be the real highlight de jour. In the original film, lighting was one of its most effective features, giving the setting a sense of depth and territory. Not only did it make the film's subject matter more sinister, it enabled James Cameron to cocoon the audience's suspense and fear, teasing them numerous times before unleashing the main course. This too looks to have been recreated faithfully. Dark, endless, blood-soaked and glass covered corridors are briefly illuminated from swinging, flickering strip lights and damaged flashing monitors. Even the large, shimmering, industrial mining bulbs and the dark blue, lightning pierced sky of LV426 are on the games' colour pallet, complete with fog, rain and debris. Brightly lit areas offer a clear heads up and brief respite is in rare supply. The added upshot to this "sequel" is that it is not a passive experience. You actually get to be one of those Marines. Yeah you, John from Swindon! No longer are you a slightly overweight, overly sensitive IT Consultant trapped in a loveless marriage*. You are now Lieutenant Maverick, Hicks, Ripley, Loose Cannon-Vasquez the Third and you have come to kick ass and chew bubble gum and you are all outta gum. You get to enlist in the action and use all their cool toys from the safety of your living room couch. You can even play cooperatively with a friend (thats if you have any)! Pulse rifles, smart guns and sentry turrets, oh my! Sound good? Remember, short controlled bursts. *Disclaimer: I don't know anyone from Swindon named John who works in IT.