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Aliens: Dark Descent

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Aliens: Dark Descent
Item: Aliens: Dark Descent
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Horror, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJun 20, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperTindalos Interactive

Overview

Drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a squad-based, single-player action game in the iconic Alien franchise. Lead your soldiers in real-time to stop a new and terrifying kind of Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent garners mixed reviews: critics praise its atmosphere, tension, and homage to the Alien franchise, highlighting effective character dynamics and moral dilemmas. However, many lament its lack of depth, originality, and engaging dialogue, deeming it overly reliant on familiar tropes and predictable outcomes. While it captures some essence of the Alien universe, the consensus is that it ultimately falls short in delivering a captivating narrative, despite moments of intrigue.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Aliens: Dark Descent reveals a mix of appreciation for its thematic elements and acknowledgment of its engaging moments. Critics such as We Got This Covered and But Why Tho? highlight the narrative's ability to evoke the classic dread and isolation associated with the Alien franchise, praising the character dynamics and the immersive atmosphere. GamingTrend also notes that the story effectively builds tension and fear, reminiscent of the original films, while KeenGamer appreciates the integration of gameplay with memorable dialogue and moral dilemmas. Additionally, GameSpew describes the story as engaging from the outset, suggesting that it captures some of the essence of the Alien universe while introducing new characters and scenarios. Conversely, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the story's depth and originality. GameOver.gr and TheGamer criticize the narrative for being generic and lacking engagement over its lengthy duration. Shacknews points out the lackluster character development and dialogue, while Everyeye.it mentions predictable outcomes that fail to connect with the established lore. Critics like IGN Italia and GamingBolt echo similar sentiments, stating that the story does not offer surprises and falls back on familiar tropes without exploring interesting ideas. This sentiment is further reinforced by PC Gamer, who notes that while the gameplay may compensate for narrative shortcomings, the script suffers from forced conflicts and awkward dialogue. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a recognition of the story's potential but highlights its shortcomings in execution. While some reviewers like PlaySense and Metro GameCentral appreciate the narrative's homage to the Alien franchise and its incorporation of new elements, many others feel that it ultimately lacks the depth and creativity necessary to fully engage players. The narrative's reliance on established tropes and the absence of meaningful character development are recurring themes in the critiques, suggesting that while Aliens: Dark Descent has moments of intrigue and tension, it struggles to deliver a compelling and original story that resonates with fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent delivers a thrilling blend of tactical depth and survival horror, praised for squad management and resource allocation. Critics laud its immersive mechanics and strategic elements, adding replayability with roguelike features. However, the experience is hampered by punishing difficulty spikes, clunky controls, and flawed stealth mechanics. While it appeals to tactical gamers, many find it frustrating and unbalanced, leading to a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Aliens: Dark Descent has garnered a mix of praise for its tactical depth and immersive mechanics. Many critics, such as Hobby Consolas and IGN Adria, highlight the unique blend of real-time strategy and survival horror elements, which create a thrilling atmosphere as players manage a squad of marines facing Xenomorph threats. The game is noted for its emphasis on squad management, resource allocation, and stress management, with several reviewers, including GameSpot and GamingTrend, commending the intuitive controls that facilitate strategic planning and decision-making under pressure. The incorporation of a roguelike element, where player choices impact infestation levels, adds a layer of replayability that some critics, like KeenGamer, found engaging. However, the gameplay experience is marred by significant criticisms regarding its difficulty and mechanics. Many reviewers, including Gamersky and Game Informer, express frustration over the punishing nature of the game, citing difficulty spikes and cumbersome controls that detract from enjoyment. The clunky execution of stealth mechanics and the sometimes overwhelming pressure of resource management were also highlighted by critics such as TheGamer and Riot Pixels, who noted that the gameplay can feel unbalanced and repetitive. Additionally, Twinfinite pointed out the ineffectiveness of melee combat and the presence of useless skills in the skill tree, further contributing to a sense of dissatisfaction among players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Aliens: Dark Descent offers a compelling mix of tactical gameplay and atmospheric tension, it struggles with execution and balance. Many reviewers appreciate the strategic elements and the depth of squad management, as noted by GameGrin and CGMagazine, but the frustration stemming from difficulty spikes and mechanical inconsistencies, as highlighted by critics like Hey Poor Player and Ragequit.gr, leaves a mixed impression. The game seems to cater well to players who enjoy tactical challenges but may alienate those looking for a more streamlined and accessible experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent nails the atmospheric essence of the Aliens franchise, with critics praising its detailed environments and immersive lighting. However, it stumbles with poorly designed character models and animations that detract from the overall experience. Despite creating a compelling world, the game suffers from technical glitches and inconsistent visual quality, ultimately failing to deliver a fully polished presentation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Aliens: Dark Descent have garnered a mixed but predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to capture the atmospheric essence of the Aliens franchise. Many reviewers, including IGN and New Game Network, praised the game's environments for their detailed design and authentic representation of the film's aesthetic. The use of lighting effects, noted by critics such as GamingTrend and Vandal, contributes to a tense atmosphere that immerses players in the dark, claustrophobic settings reminiscent of the original films. Additionally, the environmental design is frequently described as impressive, with Pure Xbox and Push Square emphasizing the atmospheric quality that enhances the overall experience. However, the game is not without its shortcomings, particularly concerning character models and animations. Critics like Gamereactor UK and Hobby Consolas pointed out that the character models, especially in cutscenes, suffer from poor design and lack detail, which detracts from the immersion. Issues such as awkward proportions and stiff animations were also highlighted by Finger Guns and The Jimquisition, leading to a perception that the game's technical performance falls short of current standards. Furthermore, many reviewers noted graphical glitches and inconsistencies that hinder the visual experience, as mentioned by GameMAG and Player 2. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Aliens: Dark Descent successfully captures the dark and immersive atmosphere of the Aliens franchise, it struggles with character design and technical execution. Critics like GameSpot and CD-Action acknowledged the game's ability to create a compelling environment, yet many echoed concerns about the dated quality of character models and animations. This duality in reception indicates that while the game excels in creating a rich atmospheric experience, it ultimately falls short in delivering a visually cohesive and polished presentation across all aspects, particularly in character representation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent excels in sound design and music, enhancing tension with iconic franchise sounds and adrenaline-pumping scores. Critics praise its immersive atmosphere, but repetition in voice lines and uninspired music detracts from the overall experience, raising concerns about player engagement. While it captures the essence of Aliens, improvements are needed for full impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Aliens: Dark Descent have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and tension. Many reviewers praised the effective use of iconic sound effects from the Aliens franchise, such as the motion tracker and pulse rifles, which contribute significantly to the immersive experience. For instance, critics from Pure Xbox and TechRadar Gaming noted that these familiar sounds heighten the tension during gameplay, while Hobby Consolas emphasized the effective ambient sounds and recognizable melodies that evoke the essence of the original films. Additionally, the music has been described as adrenaline-pumping and capable of intensifying combat scenarios, with But Why Tho? and Gamereactor UK remarking on how it enhances the overall experience. Despite the many strengths, several critics pointed out notable weaknesses in the sound design and music. A recurring criticism is the repetitiveness of voice lines, which detracts from immersion. Critics such as Gamereactor Finland and The Jimquisition expressed frustration with the limited dialogue and repetitive sound bites, suggesting that they can become tiresome and disrupt the overall experience. Furthermore, some reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and Gameblog.fr, criticized the music for lacking inspiration and failing to maintain engagement throughout the gameplay, with some feeling that it becomes repetitive over time. Additionally, issues with voice acting quality were mentioned, with ZGD and Hey Poor Player noting inconsistencies that affected the overall delivery. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Aliens: Dark Descent successfully captures the iconic sounds and atmosphere of the franchise, it suffers from certain drawbacks that prevent it from achieving its full potential. The sound design is often praised for its authenticity and ability to create tension, as noted by critics like Player 2 and Metro GameCentral. However, the repetitive nature of voice lines and some aspects of the music have been highlighted as areas needing improvement. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its immersive soundscape, but it also faces challenges that could impact player engagement over time.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"Aliens: Dark Descent" features commendable voice acting that enhances immersion and character depth, with critics praising the performances of the main and supporting cast. However, many reviewers cite issues with repetitive dialogue and a lack of variety that detracts from the overall experience. The reception is polarized: while some celebrate the voice work, others criticize its redundancy, leading to an uneven narrative impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Aliens: Dark Descent" has garnered a mix of praise from several critics, particularly for its contribution to the game's immersive atmosphere and narrative depth. Notably, GameSpew highlights "excellent voice acting," while Noisy Pixel appreciates the quality of performances, especially from the supporting cast, which helps to illuminate the characters' relationships and struggles. Finger Guns also commends the main characters' voice work, noting that it positively impacts the narrative experience. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it echo similar sentiments, emphasizing that the voice acting enhances the overall storytelling and character interactions, creating a more engaging experience for players. However, a significant number of reviewers have pointed out substantial drawbacks regarding the voice acting in the game. Many critics, including Gamereactor Finland and The Jimquisition, emphasize the repetitiveness of lines and sound bites, which detracts from the overall immersion. IGN Italia describes the voice acting as "unremarkable," while PlaySense notes a lack of depth that affects the connection players feel with the characters. Additionally, critics like COGconnected and Xbox Tavern mention that while the lead voice actors perform well, the rank-and-file marines and their exclamations during battles fall short, contributing to a sense of monotony. This sentiment is echoed by several others who express frustration over the recycled phrases and limited variety in dialogue. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are commendable aspects of the voice acting in "Aliens: Dark Descent," particularly in terms of enhancing immersion and character portrayal, the repetitive nature of the dialogue significantly undermines the experience. The mixed reviews indicate a divide, with some critics like Movies Games and Tech celebrating the voice work, while others, including The Jimquisition and Gamereactor Finland, highlight the drawbacks of redundancy and lack of variety. This dichotomy suggests that while the voice acting has the potential to elevate the game's narrative, its execution falls short for many players, leading to a somewhat polarized reception.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent shows mixed technical performance across platforms. PC offers smooth gameplay for some, but suffers from serious bugs and crashes. Xbox Series X receives praise for performance modes, yet faces quest glitches. PS5 has minor graphical issues but generally performs well—though it also has significant bugs. Overall, critics agree that the game's numerous technical issues overshadow its positives, creating frustration and a need for urgent improvements across all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Aliens: Dark Descent across various platforms, it is evident that there are some positives worth highlighting. On PC, several critics, including GamersRD and TechRadar Gaming, noted that the game runs smoothly for the most part, with some even reporting good frame rates and minimal bugs. The Xbox Series X version also received some praise, with reviewers from Generación Xbox and Gamereactor Finland acknowledging solid performance and the availability of quality and performance modes. On PS5, PlayStation Country and PlaySense mentioned that while there are some minor graphical issues, the game generally performs well, especially in its performance mode, which offers a stable experience. However, the negatives for each platform are significant and cannot be overlooked. The PC version is plagued with numerous issues, including game-stopping bugs, crashes, and problems with the save system, as highlighted by critics like TheGamer and We Got This Covered. The PS5 version also faces its share of challenges, with The Jimquisition and Finger Guns reporting bugs that lead to unresponsive controls and gameplay disruptions. Similarly, the Xbox Series X version has been criticized for glitches and quest progression issues, as noted by Movies Games and Tech, while critics like GameMAG pointed out that performance issues can lead to soft locks and unpassable missions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent suffers from a range of technical performance issues across all platforms. While there are some instances of smooth gameplay and stable performance, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X, the overwhelming sentiment is one of frustration due to the numerous bugs and glitches that detract from the experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral have noted a disparity in performance, suggesting that while the PS5 version may be more stable, all platforms require significant improvements to address the myriad of technical problems that players are encountering. The game's technical performance, therefore, appears to be a substantial hurdle that may hinder its reception among players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent sparks mixed reactions on replay value. Some critics praise its tactical gameplay and character customization, hinting at replayability for strategy fans. However, many highlight drawbacks like linear progression, repetitive missions, and punishing difficulty that may deter players from replaying. Overall, while the game has redeeming qualities, its appeal for multiple playthroughs varies greatly depending on player preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Aliens: Dark Descent reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with some highlighting positive aspects that could encourage players to revisit the game. Several reviewers, such as IGN and PC Gamer, note that the game offers a variety of difficulty levels and tactical gameplay, which can enhance replayability for those who enjoy strategic challenges. Critics like GamersRD and Gaming Nexus emphasize the potential for replay value through squad management and character customization, suggesting that players can explore different strategies and play styles. Additionally, Generación Xbox and Vandal mention the game's lengthy campaign and side missions, which provide opportunities for players to engage further beyond the main storyline. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value, pointing to factors that may deter players from returning. Gamersky and Twinfinite argue that the linear progression system and finite XP limit the incentive to replay, while TheGamer and Riot Pixels highlight the repetitive nature of gameplay and missions, suggesting a lack of engaging content. The punishing difficulty is also a common theme, with critics like Ragequit.gr and IGN Italia noting that it may discourage casual players from attempting multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, Eurogamer and Gamereactor UK mention that the game is designed to be completed in one go, which diminishes the emphasis on replayability compared to other tactical games. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious outlook on the replay value of Aliens: Dark Descent. While some reviewers acknowledge the potential for replayability through tactical depth and varied mission types, many others highlight the limitations imposed by difficulty spikes, linear progression, and repetitive mechanics. Critics such as Softpedia and PC Games suggest that while there are elements that could encourage players to return, the overall experience may not be compelling enough for repeated playthroughs. This dichotomy in opinions suggests that while the game has its merits, its replay value may ultimately depend on the player's preferences and tolerance for its challenging mechanics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding "Aliens: Dark Descent" is a mixed bag, with several critics acknowledging its strengths. Many reviewers, such as IGN Italia and Game Rant, highlight the game's engaging tactical gameplay and its ability to capture the essence of the Alien franchise. Critics like WellPlayed and TechRadar Gaming commend the game for its tension and atmosphere, suggesting that it successfully immerses players in the world of Aliens. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and Worth Playing, even go as far as to label it as one of the best entries in the franchise, praising its fresh take on the series and its compelling storytelling. The game is noted for appealing to fans of the franchise, with many suggesting that it provides a unique blend of strategy and horror elements. However, the game is not without its significant drawbacks. Critics such as Gamersky and TheGamer express disappointment over the excessive difficulty, poor mechanics, and numerous technical issues that plague the experience. Many reviews, including those from BaziCenter and Everyeye.it, point out the repetitive gameplay and lack of strategic depth, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, several reviewers mention bugs and performance issues that hinder the gameplay experience, as noted by Game Rant and Shacknews. The narrative has also been criticized for being weak or losing its appeal over time, as highlighted by critics like Eurogamer and GamesRadar+. In summary, while "Aliens: Dark Descent" has garnered praise for its tactical gameplay and atmospheric design, it is equally burdened by technical issues and gameplay flaws. The overall consensus among critics is that the game offers a worthwhile experience for dedicated fans of the franchise, as indicated by reviewers like GameOver.gr and Push Square, but it may fall short for newcomers or those seeking a polished gameplay experience. The mixed reviews suggest that while the game has potential, it requires further refinement to fully realize its ambitious vision.

TL;DR

"Aliens: Dark Descent" impresses with its tactical gameplay and atmospheric immersion, earning praise as a strong franchise entry. However, it suffers from excessive difficulty, poor mechanics, and technical glitches that hinder the experience. While fans may enjoy its unique blend of strategy and horror, newcomers might find it lacking polish. Overall, it’s a mixed bag that needs refinement to reach its potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

138 reviews found

KeenGamer

Jun 26, 2023