The Aliens franchise has produced some truly memorable games, but few stand out as much as Aliens vs Predator (2010) and Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013). Both games offer intense battles against Xenomorphs and share iconic elements from the Aliens universe, but they take very different approaches to gameplay and immersion. In this article, we’ll explore how these two games stack up against each other and what makes each unique.
Pulse Rifle: The Classic Weapon
The pulse rifle is a staple of Aliens lore, and both games feature it prominently. However, there are notable differences. In AVP, when you fire the pulse rifle, the barrel glows red-hot, and smoke emerges, adding a realistic touch. But the sound of the rifle in Colonial Marines feels more authentic, capturing the heavy, iconic sound from the films. One downside in Colonial Marines is that audio gaps appear during sustained fire, potentially breaking immersion, whereas AVP keeps it smooth.
Xenomorph Combat: How They Fall
Fighting Xenomorphs is the core experience in both games, but the way these aliens react to damage differs greatly. In AVP, Xenomorphs take damage in stages; you’ll see them wounded, crawling on the ground, still trying to fight before their final death. This makes combat more dynamic. In Colonial Marines, Xenomorphs show no visible damage until they die, at which point you’ll see blood decals appear.
An interesting detail is how each game deals with the aftermath of an alien’s death. In AVP, Xenomorphs melt away due to their acidic blood, which also poses a hazard to players. In Colonial Marines, the bodies disintegrate after death, which may be less exciting, though blood splashes on your character are a nice touch.
Facehuggers and Quick Reactions
Facehuggers, the iconic alien parasites, are deadly in both games. In AVP, you can shoot them before they latch onto you, but if they succeed, they deal significant damage. In Colonial Marines, there’s a quick-time event when a facehugger jumps at you, requiring you to quickly press buttons to survive. If you fail, it’s an instant game over, adding tension to every encounter.
Motion Tracker: A Tool of Suspense
The motion tracker, famous for its beeping radar, works differently in both games. In AVP, the tracker is always on-screen, giving you constant situational awareness. In Colonial Marines, however, the motion tracker requires you to holster your weapon, forcing you to make a choice between seeing where the enemies are and defending yourself. This adds a layer of suspense as you must decide when to track aliens and when to engage.
Alien Behavior: Creeping or Swarming
The behavior of Xenomorphs changes the gameplay dynamic. In AVP, aliens tend to attack one at a time, almost like they’re waiting their turn. This creates a more suspenseful and methodical battle. In Colonial Marines, Xenomorphs attack in swarms, all at once, making the experience more chaotic and intense—arguably more in line with the terrifying horde-like nature seen in the movies.
Weapons and Melee Combat
AVP and Aliens Colonial Marines feature different approaches to weapons. In AVP, each weapon has a secondary fire option, like a burst shot for the pistol. Colonial Marines offers a more modern feature: the ability to aim down sights, giving it a tactical, shooter feel.
Melee combat in both games is critical for close encounters. In AVP, melee combat is emphasized, where you can block and knock enemies to the ground, but you can’t kill them with melee alone. Colonial Marines, on the other hand, allows players to kill Xenomorphs with finishing melee attacks, making it more versatile for combat.
Both Aliens vs Predator and Aliens: Colonial Marines offer exciting experiences for fans of the Aliens franchise, and you can get them on Steam and use one of the VR Mods to play them in VR.
They do cater to different gameplay preferences. AVP shines with its tactical combat, where every encounter feels measured and deliberate, while Colonial Marines focuses on fast-paced, chaotic action, where players are constantly swarmed by enemies. Ultimately, both games have their merits, and your enjoyment will depend on whether you prefer the slow, suspenseful build-up of AVP or the adrenaline-pumping action of Colonial Marines. Either way, these games offer a thrilling dive into the terrifying world of Aliens, making them must-play titles for fans of the genre.
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