If the title of the game is inevitably reminiscent of a duel between terrifying creatures, it is actually a threesome that is offered to us since humans find themselves systematically taken to task in the clashes between aliens and predators. Let's quickly go over the scenario, which presents absolutely nothing exciting and just serves as a pretext to bring the three races together in one place. In this case, it is an extra-solar planet sheltering some mysterious temples. The single-player campaign is split into three distinct sections, one for humans, one for xenomorphs, and one for hunters. This arrangement has this good thing that it allows us to observe the same story from three different angles, since the events in which we participate take place in parallel to each other. On the other hand, we really don't have the impression of seeing the country because the same maps are reused constantly, including in the multiplayer mode. Pleasant by nature, the change of point of view does not all the same offer a feeling of sufficient renewal. It must also be said that the architecture of the levels and the graphics feel somewhat warmed up. Technically, we rarely have the feeling of being faced with a title from 2010. If the modeling and textures are much superior to those of the first parts, they are still far from reaching the level of today's hits. . The defects that we have listed so far leave no doubt: the game will especially convince fans of the film licenses mentioned. Indeed, it must be recognized that the SF universes of Alien and Predator are rather well respected and therefore it is necessarily pleasant to be at the controls of these creatures. The greatest strength of the game also lies in the multiplicity of gameplay, which varies significantly depending on the chosen race.
The Marine struggles
A fragile little being devoid of truly impressive natural growths, the Marine can only rely on his arsenal to survive. From the machine gun to the shotgun, the great classics of armament are there. We will particularly remember this huge gun capable of automatically detecting moving shapes and which therefore allows you to spray as you wish without really worrying about aiming. Alas, the ammo is not infinite and this techno-magic rifle takes up two weapon slots out of the three allowed. Knowing that the first of them is devoted to the simple pistol, the feeling of security generated remains quite relative. Devoid of special vision, the poor human must also most often keep his flashlight on to better identify enemies likely to hide in the dark. And when the urge comes to him to use a stimulant to bring his life back up, he must first make sure that no one will come and grab him. Because like Far Cry 2, Aliens VS Predators gratifies us with an animation detailing the sting operation, which is more realistic than an instant boost and therefore prevents healing in the middle of combat. Note in passing that the “body awareness” aspect is quite developed since we can see our legs if we look down and that the opening by hand of certain stuck doors once again gives rise to a detailed animation. Finally, the feeling of permanent insecurity is reinforced by the now classic motion detector, which gratifies us with increasingly close and strong sound signals when a creature comes towards us. Add to that a far too short sprint function, the need to avoid acid leaking from alien corpses, the fact that getting a headshot on the security androids does nothing to stop them, and you'll understand that playing the Marine is arguably the scariest of the three gaming experiences on offer. The only consolation prize: the possibility of recovering audio logs scattered throughout the levels, Bioshock style, in order to better understand the events in progress.
Alien, my name is Alien
Even less resistant than humans, xenomorphs tend to die at the slightest bullet received. Yet their specific powers exude a sense of power far beyond that of the Marines. First of all, their wide-angle vision not only makes it possible to effectively scan the scenery but also to observe human silhouettes through the walls and to spot predators more easily. In addition, they have an extremely fast movement speed which, at base, roughly corresponds to that of the Marine in full sprint. And when it engages its maximum movement mode, it only takes a moment for the alien to catch up with a fleeing creature for sure. This speed also allows him to approach enemies by surprise, in the back, and to operate unstoppable and extremely gory silent executions. Whether it's tearing off a head and a spine, piercing eyes, disemboweling or contaminating with a "face hugger", the xenomorph has a boundless imagination and offers us to many different "finish him". He also has a tactical vision mode, which allows him to more easily identify his objectives and the ventilation ducts to take. Indeed, as a good follower of climbing, the alien does not hesitate to climb the walls or the ceiling, to better surprise his opponents. Finally, he is advised to break the lights as soon as possible, in order to reduce the ambient light and thus maintain a clear tactical advantage. Very pleasant to play, the alien however has the shortest campaign. It must be said that it is not easy to credibly script the motivations of such a bestial creature and that its extreme velocity tends to drastically reduce the subjective size of the levels, which we go back and forth very quickly.
I'm Predator, don't look, you're wrong
Undoubtedly the most complete of the classes, the Predator requires some time to adapt before it can be mastered 100%. Its main asset is of course its camouflage function, which allows it to be almost invisible to ordinary mortals. He can also imitate the voice of a human in order to attract another where he wants, and better surprise him. Equipped with two alternative modes of vision, it can just as easily spot humans thanks to their heat signature as aliens hidden in the dark. All while benefiting from three levels of zoom! As good in ambush and stealth as in combat, the Predator also has an extremely powerful arsenal. Plasma fire allows him to ignite enemies from a distance, proximity mines to lay traps for them, and the combat dial to ignite several at once as long as he knows how to properly guide the utensil. But the most powerful weapon is undoubtedly the spear, capable of killing most enemies with a single blow. The single player campaign makes us gradually discover the different assets of the Predator, which ensures a very pleasant rise in power. However, do not believe that in multiplayer this character is unbeatable. While it will most certainly be the class favored by the majority of players, some of them may still be overwhelmed by the number of possibilities. A good hunter must always be on the move, know how to place his jump indicators quickly to jump from one place to another, manage his energy levels effectively in addition to his life, constantly alternate between camouflage, the different modes of vision and the many weapons... A task that is not necessarily easy and reminds us that without control, power is nothing!
