Recent reviews by // DRΛYUX

Beautiful game not without its flaws. But even after 6 years since its release, the attention to detail and overall integrity of the gameplay experience remains unmatched by most.

The level of detail that went into the alien AI is incredible. Though it's "learning" is not a full-scale machine learning algorithm, SEGA built a much lighter-weight system that behaves just as well. To the casual player, the xenomorph latches on to your strategies and ensures the player doesn't brute force a level the same way over and over, for an incredibly immersive survival experience.

Notable flaws to mention for the casual player:
- The humans never run out of ammo.
- Nightmare mode, though a fun challenge, was not scaled perfectly. Lockers are useless, and revolvers do far too much damage compared to shotguns
- The game acts weirder the more times you load a save (without restarting the game) leading to unusual behaviors.
- The game likes to drop inputs, especially at lower framerates.
- The nature of how the alien hunts makes the game considerably harder for the casual player. By this I mean: The longer you stay in one place, the more "convinced" the alien is you're in that vicinity. Thus, by hiding, the game becomes more difficult. This is contrary to what would make sense by "playing it safe."
- Novice mode, on the other end of the spectrum as nightmare, is also scaled down unusually. The alien is easily exploited because of this.
- The biggest immersion-killer is the hard-on the xenomorph has for the player and only the player. You'll see this best when playing the game.
- The map is very large and detailed, but as such, a bit intimidating. By going locker to locker on your way to the objective, it becomes incredibly easy to become lost. Most players forget that the motion tracker can also be used to find your way.
- I think there are about 6 or 7 unique player models for insignificant players. Perhaps I only notice this because I have played the entirety of the game nearly 25 times, but you may start to notice it more and more on a casual run.

I mention these things, not to demonstrate that the game is bad, but as key things I believe would have helped me when playing the game casually the first few times.

Overall, I'd give this game a solid 9/10, especially for the player that likes a good challenge.