Friday, September 2, 2011

"Aliens": Facehuggers, Warriors and Scouts

Sneak Peek more new screenshots, supporting the upcoming video game "Aliens: Colonial Marines", currently in development with Gearbox Software, for games publisher Sega.

The first-person 'shooter' for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, is based on the characters/creatures of the "Alien" movie franchise, established by director Ridley Scott.

Specific inspiration for the new game is from director James Cameron's 1986 feature "Aliens" that introduced a group of gung-ho interplanetary US Marines.

"'Aliens' is one of the most influential science fiction properties of all time,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software.

"Designed as an interactive successor to the landmark films from Twentieth Century Fox, this is a dream project about which our studio is deeply committed and passionate."

The squad-based "Aliens: Colonial Marines" has the player control four 'Colonial Marines', each with a different personality and primary weapon, with additional weapons including a flamethrower, 'pulse rifle', 'smartgun', pistol, and various types of grenades.

The player controls one marine at a time, issuing orders to others using 'context-sensitive' commands, able to switch between characters at any time.

The player will also occasionally be required to control a particular location, using tactical positioning and turrets to fend off attacks.

Primary enemies in the game are 'Aliens' which will attempt to outflank the player, forcing the use of tactical combat. Several different types of Aliens will appear and attack differently, with 'Facehuggers' attempting to attach themselves to the player character's face.

'Warrior Aliens' are the primary enemies, based on the designs of artist HR Giger, established in the "Alien" feature films.

'Scouts' are faster and will spy on the player characters' activities. 'Drones' will primarily carry and position eggs and work into the heart of the 'Hive' serving the 'Queen'.

The story of "Aliens: Colonial Marines" is being scripted by "Battlestar Galactica" writers Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, with events of the game, set after the feature "Alien 3".

"...A 'Colonial Marine' search and rescue team has been sent to investigate the 'USS Sulaco' in search of 'Ellen Ripley', 'Corporal Dwayne Hicks' and the rest of the missing marines who were dispatched to 'LV-426'..."

The development team also recreated the vehicles of the original films.

Concept artist Syd Mead, who worked on "Aliens", was hired to design areas of the Sulaco ship that did not appear in the film but will play in the game.

In development since 2006, "Aliens: Colonial Marines" will be released Spring 2012.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Aliens: Colonial Marines"...