Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

From the moment you load up Alien, the tension is palpable. This strategy adaptation picks up immediately after that infamous chestburster scene, thrusting you into a battle of wits against one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures. You take direct control of each surviving crew member, issuing orders to move through decks, pick up weapons, enter ductwork or attempt to corral the alien into an airlock. Every decision carries weight—one wrong move and that slick, deadly organism could cut off your escape.

The game’s map consists of three interconnected decks and 35 unique rooms linked by ventilation ducts. These ducts allow the alien to move unseen, stalking your team and emerging without warning. To help you keep tabs on the creature’s position, you can deploy trackers and sensors that ping when movement is detected in other areas of the ship. Skillful use of these tools is crucial to shepherding the monster away from your crew and into the ship’s airlock.

Each crew member responds differently to your commands based on personality traits and current stress levels. Some may hesitate when armed with a pulse rifle, while others might panic in tight corridors. The addition of Jones the cat complicates matters further—you must locate and box him before fleeing in the shuttle. Special commands, like initiating the ship’s self-destruct sequence from the command center, appear only under specific conditions, ensuring that every playthrough feels dynamic and fraught with risk.

Graphics

Alien opts for a clean, top-down schematic of each deck, which highlights corridors, rooms and ventilation shafts with crisp, functional lines. While it isn’t a showcase for high-resolution textures or flashy particle effects, the minimalist art style actually aids immersion by keeping your focus on strategy rather than scenery. Subtle flickers, damaged panels and bloodstains in critical zones effectively convey that the Nostromo has become a hostile environment.

The interface divides the screen between the deck plan and a status panel showing the selected crew member’s health, morale and current orders. Icons for open duct grills and room damage pop up instantly, helping you assess threats at a glance. Sound cues—metallic clangs, distant hisses and the eerie blip of a motion tracker—further animate the otherwise static visuals, putting you on edge whenever you step into a new compartment.

Special effects such as the flash of a weld torch or the burst of steam from a ripped pipe are sparingly used but highly effective in building atmosphere. When the alien slithers through vents, you’ll see the grill marks open before you actually hear the creature’s movements, creating a chilling blend of sight and sound. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay superbly, reinforcing a sense of dread and claustrophobia on every deck.

Story

Alien’s narrative follows the events of Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic with surprising fidelity. The tagline “In space no-one can hear you scream” sets the tone perfectly, and you’ll experience the same mounting dread as the Nostromo’s crew. With the chestburster incident already behind you, the game wastes no time in pitting your dwindling team against an implacable, parasitic threat.

Though there are no full-motion video cutscenes, in-game text logs and occasional voice lines from the ship’s computer, Mother, fill in the dramatic beats. You’ll hear updates when crew members fall or when critical systems fail, reinforcing the narrative stakes without halting gameplay. Jones the cat’s brief meows also serve as a bittersweet reminder of the small comforts lost in this grim scenario.

The addition of the android character, who may covertly work to protect the alien, adds a layer of betrayal to the survival horror formula. You’ll never be entirely sure which orders are your own or driven by hidden directives. Combined with the looming self-destruct option, this internal tension elevates the story beyond a simple “kill the monster” premise to a suspenseful saga of mistrust, sacrifice and last-ditch heroism.

Overall Experience

Alien delivers a tense, cerebral spin on the familiar horror template, blending strategic planning with genuine fear. It’s not for those seeking fast-paced action or photorealistic visuals, but if you love methodical, high-stakes gameplay, it’s a perfect fit. The constant threat of unseen movement keeps you perpetually on guard, and the need to manage multiple crew members gives the game impressive depth for its straightforward presentation.

Replaying missions to try alternative escape routes, save more crew or discover hidden ducts adds replay value. Even if you’ve seen the movie a dozen times, the uncertainties introduced by crew personalities and the unpredictable behavior of the alien make every session feel fresh. And yes, hunting for Jones the cat becomes a delightful side quest you’ll quietly look forward to—especially when the ship is about to blow.

In the end, Alien stands out as an immersive strategy experience that honors its cinematic roots. The minimalist graphics, thoughtful interface and bone-chilling sound design create an atmosphere of relentless tension. Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the franchise or a strategy enthusiast eager for something different, this adaptation offers a gripping journey through one of sci-fi’s most iconic nightmares.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10