Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Aliens: The Computer Game delivers a varied gameplay experience built around six distinct mini-games, each capturing a different aspect of the 1986 movie. From the tense ship landing sequence to the nerve-wracking air duct maze, the title keeps players on their toes by shifting genres and objectives. The action sequences, where you command four marines and can switch between them instantly, offer a blend of strategy and reflex-based combat as you clear corridors full of Xenomorphs.

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Each mini-game feels like a self-contained mission, yet they flow together to recreate the escalating stakes of the film. The landing module tests precision and timing, while the maze segment demands exploration and memory as you navigate cramped vents. Fending off alien hordes calls for quick target acquisition and resource management—ammo and health packs are scarce, so every shot counts.

Perhaps the most memorable section is the showdown with the Alien Queen, a significant spike in difficulty that requires you to master the controls and leverage each marine’s position. Though some may find the difficulty curve uneven—early segments are forgiving compared to the punishing later levels—the variety ensures that no two gameplay sessions feel the same. Veteran action-adventure fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to chew on, provided they’re ready for a challenging, old-school design.

Graphics

For a mid-1980s release, Aliens: The Computer Game impresses with detailed sprites and atmospheric backgrounds. The marines are rendered in recognizable silhouettes, and the Xenomorphs feature the iconic slithering frames that fans expect. While color palettes are limited by hardware constraints, the developers leverage dark tones and flickering lights to simulate the claustrophobic corridors of the LV-426 complex.

Each mini-game has its own visual style, from the clean metallic panels of the ship’s bridge during the landing to the grimy, industrial look of the air duct maze. The transition between modules is seamless, and loading screens feature stills that evoke key moments from the film. Though pixelation is evident up close, the overall art direction succeeds in preserving the gritty sci-fi atmosphere.

On platforms like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, you’ll notice fewer details and simpler animations compared to the Amiga or Atari ST versions. However, all ports maintain smooth scrolling and responsive controls, ensuring that visual limitations don’t hamper playability. Sound effects—gunfire blasts, alien screeches, and the ship’s engine hum—complement the on-screen action and heighten immersion.

Story

Aliens: The Computer Game faithfully follows the narrative arc of the 1986 film, picking up after communication is lost with the colony on LV-426. You step into Ripley’s shoes (and those of her escorting marines) as they land on the desolate moon, only to uncover the horrifying truth of an alien infestation. While the game doesn’t offer lengthy cutscenes or dialogue, mission briefs and on-screen prompts convey enough context to keep the story moving.

Each mini-game serves as a narrative beat: securing the landing zone, conducting a reconnaissance through vents, defending against waves of hostiles, and the climactic fight with the Alien Queen. This structure mirrors the film’s pacing—rising tension, a brief respite, and an all-out battle for survival. Players who know the movie will appreciate the faithful recreations, while newcomers get a distilled, action-driven rendition of the plot.

Though the script is minimal, the game’s mission design and environmental storytelling fill in the gaps. Vent shafts unwind with drips and shadows, corridors bear scorch marks and blood stains, and each success or failure feels tied to the characters’ fate. These elements combine to craft a compelling, if streamlined, adaptation that captures the essence of Aliens without extensive exposition.

Overall Experience

Aliens: The Computer Game stands out as a bold adaptation of a blockbuster film, showcasing varied gameplay across six unique mini-games. Its difficulty can be punishing, especially in later stages, but the satisfaction of overcoming each challenge keeps the adrenaline pumping. The ability to switch between marines adds a layer of tactical choice uncommon in contemporaneous action titles.

Visually and sonically, the game punches above its weight for 8- and 16-bit systems, using atmospheric lighting and moody sound cues to evoke the film’s oppressive ambiance. While some ports look and sound better than others, the core experience remains consistent across platforms. Fans of retro gaming and sci-fi shooters will find much to admire, even if modern players may bristle at the steep learning curve.

Ultimately, Aliens: The Computer Game is a challenging, engaging throwback that honors its source material while delivering varied and memorable gameplay. Its mix of action, exploration, and high-stakes encounters ensures that the horror and excitement of the original movie translate effectively to your home computer. For anyone seeking a taste of classic sci-fi gaming, this title is a must-try—but be prepared for a tough, old-school ride.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10