Composer(s) Russell Lieblich Mode(s) Single-player Series Alien | Release date(s) 1986-1988 Initial release date 1986 Producer Brad Fregger | |
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Distributor(s) Electric Dreams Software Platforms Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Apple II Developers Activision, Electric Dreams Software, Software Studios, Activision Blizzard Publishers Activision, Electric Dreams Software, Activision Blizzard, Ricochet Similar Electric Dreams Software games, Shooter games | ||
Aliens: The Computer Game is a video game developed and published by Activision in 1986-1987 for the Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum computer systems. It is based on the film of the same title and is also known as Aliens US in Europe, where it was initially planned to be released as Aliens: The Second Part.
Contents
Gameplay
Aliens is a series of six minigames strung together via graphical interactive sequences, akin to an adventure game, though the only interaction possible is advancing the dialog, displayed in speech balloons. The minigames are mostly action sequences that involve piloting a ship from Sulaco to the planet's surface, recognizing equipment, and fighting aliens.
Contemporary
At the time of its release, the game received mixed reviews, including the scores of 85% from Commodore Format, 8/10 (averaged) from Computer and Video Games, 4/10 from Crash, 5/10 from Sinclair User, 9/10 from Your Sinclair, and 60% from Zzap!64.
Retrospective
VentureBeat's Stephen Kleckner commented in a 2014 feature that "as with a lot of compilation-designed titles, Aliens falls into that trap of being a collection of mediocre experiences instead of a game with a singular focus. (...) Hardcore fans who own a Commodore 64 should load this one up. Everyone else isn’t missing much that a Let's Play video won’t provide." On the other hand, Chris Cummins from Topless Robot wrote in 2010 that "the now-crude graphics aside, it's still arguably the best game based on any of the films in the Alien saga."
