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Aliens: Dark Descent

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

2023

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

AvailableJun 20, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5

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

Critics are split on Aliens: Dark Descent's story. Some praise its engaging, immersive narrative with tough decisions and well-developed relationships, while others criticize its lack of depth, character development, and originality. Despite mixed reviews, the game captures the essence of the Alien franchise, offering an enjoyable sci-fi experience with more positives than negatives. Perfect for fans seeking a compelling narrative in a survival-horror setting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Aliens: Dark Descent are quite varied. Some critics, such as Xbox Tavern and But Why Tho?, praise the story for being engaging, immersive, and well-developed. They appreciate the palpable fear, tough decisions, and well-developed relationships between characters. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming also commend the game for its original narrative that weaves in elements from the films and homages famous tropes from previous Alien works. These positive opinions highlight the complexity and originality of the story, as well as its ability to keep players hooked and invested. On the other hand, some critics express more negative views about the story. GameSpot criticizes the lack of engaging characters and a meaningful narrative beyond a straightforward mystery, while Gamereactor UK finds the story not particularly exciting and falling flat relatively quickly. GamingBolt mentions that the story lacks payoff and fails to explore the interesting ideas introduced in the game, instead relying on classic Alien franchise tropes. Hey Poor Player criticizes the story for feeling like a flimsy excuse and lacking strong characters and personalities. These negative opinions reflect a sense of disappointment in the storytelling aspects of Aliens: Dark Descent. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Aliens: Dark Descent has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the engaging and immersive narrative, well-developed relationships, and originality, others find it lacking in depth, character development, and original ideas. However, it is worth noting that the majority of critics acknowledge the game's ability to capture the essence of the Alien franchise and provide an enjoyable sci-fi experience. The positive aspects of the story seem to outweigh the negatives, making Aliens: Dark Descent a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise and those looking for a compelling narrative in a survival-horror game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise Aliens: Dark Descent for its unique gameplay combining real-time strategy, tactical management, stealth, and survival horror elements. Positive aspects highlighted include squad missions, strategic combat, and immersive progression. However, some critics mention drawbacks like AI issues, control problems, and tedious boss fights. Overall, the game offers a compelling experience despite its flaws, appealing to fans of the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Aliens: Dark Descent are generally positive. The game combines various elements such as real-time strategy, tactical management, stealth, and survival horror mechanics, providing a unique and refreshing gameplay experience. Critics like Xbox Tavern, ZTGD, But Why Tho?, COGconnected, Checkpoint Gaming, Cultured Vultures, GGRecon, Game Informer, GameCritics, GameGrin, GameSpew, GameSpot, GameStar, Gamereactor UK, GamesRadar+, Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, PC Games, Player 2, Slant Magazine, TRG, TheSixthAxis, GamingBolt, and Push Square all mention positive aspects of the gameplay. They highlight features such as squad-based missions, tactical combat, stress and people management systems, intuitive squad management, customization options, and a satisfying progression loop. The gameplay is described as pulse-pounding, suspenseful, entertaining, and immersive. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics such as Cultured Vultures, Game Informer, Hooked Gamers, Hey Poor Player, and Twinfinite. These critics point out drawbacks like occasional AI issues, lack of granular control, cumbersome squad movement during stealth sections, difficulty spikes, backtracking, clunky controls, and tedious combat against bosses. Hey Poor Player even states that the gameplay doesn't offer anything new or innovative, while Twinfinite mentions that melee is practically worthless and the skill tree has too many useless skills. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent offers a compelling gameplay experience with its combination of different gameplay elements. The game successfully incorporates real-time strategy, tactical management, stealth, and survival horror mechanics to create an immersive and intense atmosphere. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as squad-based missions, strategic choices, stress and resource management, and a satisfying progression loop, are praised by multiple critics. However, there are some criticisms regarding AI issues, lack of control, cumbersome squad movement, difficulty spikes, and clunky controls. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that Aliens: Dark Descent provides a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics applaud Aliens: Dark Descent for its detailed, atmospheric visuals that capture the essence of the Aliens franchise, praising its isometric 3D graphics, HR Giger influences, and fearsome Xenomorphs. Some critics note issues like rigid animations and graphical glitches, but overall, the game successfully immerses players in the dark, menacing world of the Alien universe, creating a visually stunning and authentic experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Aliens: Dark Descent are mostly positive. Critics such as But Why Tho?, COGconnected, GameGrin, GameSpot, Noisy Pixel, PC Games, Slant Magazine, TRG, TheSixthAxis, GamingBolt, Hey Poor Player, and Push Square all praise the game's visuals and how it captures the essence of the Aliens franchise. They mention that the visuals are detailed, artistically creative, and atmospheric, with dark and cramped environments that evoke the authentic presentation of the Alien universe. The game's isometric 3D graphics, well-designed maps, HR Giger influences in the architecture and aliens, and standout lighting engine are also commended. The portrayal of the aliens is described as fearsome and challenging, requiring specialized tactics and equipment to take down. The Xenomorphs in the cutscenes are particularly highlighted as fantastic. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Aliens: Dark Descent. Cultured Vultures criticizes the animations as rigid and simple, and mentions visual issues with the UI. Player 2 expresses disappointment with character detail, mission maps feeling samey, and graphical bugs and glitches. Gamereactor UK criticizes the game's graphical prowess as extremely limited, with cutscenes suffering in particular, and lacking good old-fashioned flair. Impulsegamer mentions some graphical oddities and a game crash encountered. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent successfully captures the style, atmosphere, and look of the Alien franchise. The game's visuals are praised for being detailed, atmospheric, and faithful to the source material. The dark and cramped environments, menacing atmospheres, and impressive light effects contribute to the survival-horror feeling reminiscent of the Alien movies. The game's graphics, while not without flaws, manage to create a dense atmosphere and distinctive design that resonates with the fans of the franchise. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics outweigh the negative opinions, making Aliens: Dark Descent a visually stunning and authentic representation of the Aliens universe.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Aliens: Dark Descent for its immersive sound design and music, featuring familiar Alien franchise sounds and intense combat-enhancing music. Voice acting impresses with attention to detail, although some critics note inconsistencies and lack of music in certain moments. Despite minor flaws, the game captures the tense, fearful essence of the Aliens franchise, offering a faithful and immersive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Aliens: Dark Descent are largely positive. Xbox Tavern, Cultured Vultures, COGconnected, and Impulsegamer all praise the game's sound design, mentioning the use of familiar sound effects from the Alien franchise, such as the motion tracker and the smartgun, as well as the disquieting soundscape and iconic voice lines. They highlight the immersive experience created by the overall sound design, with But Why Tho? specifically mentioning how the music enhances the intensity of combat, making it even scarier. GameGrin and Gamereactor UK also commend the music, stating that it matches the tone well and contributes to the atmosphere of the game. Slant Magazine and TRG appreciate the attention to detail in the voice acting, with Slant Magazine noting that the voice actors humanize the characters with impressive details. Noisy Pixel and Player 2 both emphasize the authentic sound design that captures the tension and fear of the Aliens franchise. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Aliens: Dark Descent. ZTGD mentions that the voice over for the marines is loud and contextually inconsistent, which can be annoying. Checkpoint Gaming points out the lack of music during post-mission briefings, which makes victory feel oddly anticlimactic. Noisy Pixel also mentions that the constant yelling of the crew members during movement was a minor annoyance. Hey Poor Player expresses disappointment in the voice acting and dialogue, considering them mediocre. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent has commendable sound design and music. The use of familiar sound effects from the Alien franchise, the disquieting soundscape, and the well-written dialogue are all highlighted as positive aspects. The music is praised for enhancing the intensity and contributing to the immersive experience. However, there are some criticisms, such as the loud and inconsistent voice over, the lack of music during certain moments, and the mediocre voice acting and dialogue. Despite these minor flaws, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music successfully capture the tension, fear, and authenticity of the Aliens franchise, making Aliens: Dark Descent a faithful and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Aliens: Dark Descent. Some praise it for bringing depth to characters, while others criticize inconsistencies and weaker performances, impacting player immersion. Positive feedback highlights excellent supporting cast performances, while negative feedback points out flaws in battle exclamations and inconsistent delivery. Overall, while some critics appreciate the humanization of characters, others find the voice acting mediocre and hindering player engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Aliens: Dark Descent are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameSpew and Noisy Pixel, praise the voice acting, describing it as excellent and of high quality. They specifically mention the supporting cast and how the characters' relationships, struggles, and personalities shine through in the story. This positive feedback suggests that the voice actors successfully brought depth and authenticity to their performances, enhancing the overall experience for players. On the other hand, there are critics like COGconnected and IGN who mention some flaws in the voice acting. COGconnected points out that while the lead voice actors do a good job, the rank-and-file marines and exclamations in battle don't fare as well. IGN also notes that the voice acting is inconsistent, but does highlight that there are some memorable performances. These criticisms indicate that there may be some inconsistencies or weaker performances in certain areas of the game, potentially affecting the immersion and engagement of players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are positive remarks about the voice acting, particularly in terms of the supporting cast and the humanization of characters, there are also mentions of minor issues with facial animation and inconsistent performances. Critics like Xbox Tavern and Hey Poor Player express more negative opinions, with Xbox Tavern specifically mentioning repetitive sound bites from the marines and Hey Poor Player describing the voice acting as mediocre. However, critics such as GameSpot and Slant Magazine focus more on the chemistry between the game's leads and the investment in their fates, suggesting that the voice acting may have hindered the overall engagement for some players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Aliens: Dark Descent faces major technical issues on PC, including bugs, crashes, and glitches that affect gameplay, according to multiple critics. Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 experiences are limited, making it hard to assess their technical performance accurately.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

27%

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

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, ZTGD reported issues with lip syncing during cutscenes, unrecognized controller buttons, and other bugs and glitches. These technical issues hindered the overall experience for the reviewer. However, it is important to note that ZTGD's opinion is the only one specific to Xbox Series X, and there are no other critics who played the game on this platform to provide additional insights. Moving on to PC, the opinions regarding technical performance are more varied. COGconnected mentioned lots of bugs and a lack of polish, with commands glitching out, brain-dead squad AI, and missions failing to connect. This suggests significant technical issues that impact gameplay. Similarly, GameCritics expressed frustration with game-stopping bugs, crashes, and lockups. IGN also highlighted frequent technical issues that can be game-breaking. These critics' experiences indicate a consistent presence of technical problems on the PC platform. However, not all critics on PC had such negative experiences. GameGrin only encountered a couple of instances where bugs caused active issues, while Noisy Pixel mentioned encountering a few bugs and a game crash but stated that they didn't significantly affect gameplay. TRG reported that the game ran smoothly without any glitches or noticeable performance hitches. TheSixthAxis mentioned glitching on the character select screen but did not mention any other technical performance or stability issues. These critics' experiences suggest that while there may be some technical issues on PC, they are not universally experienced or game-breaking. As for the PlayStation 5 platform, Push Square noted that the game suffers from crashes and technical hiccups, leading to lost progress. However, these issues are considered small in the overall experience. Unfortunately, there are no other critics who played the game on PS5 to provide additional insights. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent has significant technical issues on the PC platform, including bugs, crashes, and glitches that can impact gameplay. While there are a few critics who had a smoother experience on PC or encountered minor issues, the majority of opinions highlight the presence of technical problems. The opinions specific to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are limited, with only one critic providing feedback for each platform. Therefore, it is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion about the technical performance on these platforms based on the available information.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Aliens: Dark Descent. Positive aspects like challenging gameplay, customization options, and interesting missions contribute to replayability. However, criticisms include repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and limitations in progression system. Overall, while the game offers engaging features, negative aspects may impact its overall replay value by potentially leading to boredom and lack of variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Aliens: Dark Descent are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. ZTGD praises the game for its difficulty and the ability to extract with marines at any time, as well as the option to train marines in new classes and equip them with better gear. GameGrin also commends the game for its interesting and unique challenges in missions, as well as the inclusion of secondary objectives that reward the player. PC Games mentions the side objectives to complete and areas to explore, which adds to the replay value. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the game, providing players with different options, challenges, and rewards to experience. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. But Why Tho? notes that the gameplay loop can get repetitive, although it still offers enjoyable and rewarding gameplay. Gamereactor UK mentions that while the game has solid systems and ideas, it lacks crucial variety and can become monotonous after a while. Twinfinite highlights the finite amount of XP and linear progression system, which limits the replayability of the game. Noisy Pixel also points out that the permadeath feature loses its weight due to the ability to reload, diminishing the consequences of player choices. These negative aspects may impact the overall replay value of the game, as they contribute to potential boredom or lack of variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent has some positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. The inclusion of challenging gameplay, customization options, and the ability to train marines in new classes and equip them with better gear are mentioned as positive factors. Additionally, the presence of interesting missions, secondary objectives, side objectives, and areas to explore adds to the replay value. However, the game also faces criticism for its repetitive gameplay loop, lack of variety, finite progression system, and the diminished weight of the permadeath feature. These negative aspects may detract from the overall replay value of the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Aliens: Dark Descent are mixed, with a leaning towards the positive side. The game is praised for its fresh take on the Aliens franchise, its understanding of the source material, and its ability to capture the atmosphere and tension of the movie franchise. Critics such as Xbox Tavern, But Why Tho?, Cultured Vultures, GameGrin, Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, and TRG all express positive sentiments towards the game, with some even calling it the best Aliens game of all time. They appreciate the game's immersive real-time strategy squad gameplay, compelling storytelling, and satisfying gameplay experience. The game is also commended for its clever gameplay mechanics, strategic gameplay, and effective use of the Alien license. However, there are also some negative aspects highlighted by critics. Technical issues, slow start, pain points, squad control issues, and lack of innovation are mentioned as the game's weaknesses. Critics such as ZTGD, COGconnected, GameSpot, Gamereactor UK, Hooked Gamers, IGN, Hey Poor Player, and GamingBolt all point out these flaws. They mention that the game falls short in critical areas such as story, character development, optimization, higher production values, critical mission design, and innovation. These issues hinder the game's potential and prevent it from being the best adaptation in the medium. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Aliens: Dark Descent is a fun and immersive game that successfully combines tactical action, strategy, and the tension of the Alien franchise. It is recommended for fans of strategy games, survival horror games, or Aliens fans. The game is praised for its fresh approach, capturing the feel of the original films, and delivering a true Alien experience. While it has some flaws and technical issues, the game still manages to do many things right, offering a well-rounded and satisfying experience. The overall verdict is positive, with critics appreciating the game's unique blend of action, horror, and strategy, as well as its ability to capture the atmosphere of the film and provide a solid story and gameplay experience.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Aliens: Dark Descent, leaning towards the positive side. Praised for its fresh take on the Aliens franchise, immersive real-time strategy gameplay, and captivating atmosphere, some call it the best Aliens game ever. However, technical issues, slow start, and squad control problems are noted as weaknesses. Despite flaws, the game offers a fun and immersive experience, blending action, horror, and strategy for fans of the franchise.

MONSTER

Reviews

138 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Jun 26, 2023