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Alien vs. Predator 2
Words by Trey Yancy
April 2004

They're bad, they're back, and they're right on track as the scariest game characters around. The original Aliens vs. Predator (based on the feature films of similar names) had me literally jumping out of my chair and, while engaged in a networked bout with relatives, instilled in me a genuine heart-pounding fear of my claw- and fang-bedecked 6-year-old daughter. Version 2 is bigger and badder, with more weapons and controls, and with more than its fair share of thrills.

With its expanded controls, weapons, and abilities, its improved graphics and advanced game engine, Aliens vs. Predator 2 (VP2) is more than a rehash of the previous version. It comes on two disks rather than one; and it includes differences, both subtle and extreme, in new weapons and abilities, new environments, and expanded characterization. An example of the latter is the alien persona, who begins game play skittering about as a face-hugger. The alien bursts out of the chest of its victim, evades destruction, and forages for large beetles and cats before finally transforming into an adult. Network play is also expanded, with a large number of options, such as specifying how many kills are required before an alien can morph into a queen. AVP2 also includes four difficulty levels (one more than AVP1) plus downloadable custom levels. As one might expect, the fourth difficulty level verges on the insane, with armloads of opponents and no saves between levels.

As with Version 1, there are two basic modes of play. The first is a multilevel conflict situation in which you assume the guise of an Alien, a Predator, or a Colonial Marine traversing various environments within three intertwined story lines fighting a one-against-all battle through a total of 21 levels.

The second mode of play is a multiplayer mode in which you can play as any of sixteen characters (four types each: predator, alien, colonial marine, and corporate mercenary). The action takes place across twelve multiplayer levels, including team play and one-versus-all, with game types including hunt, survivor, overrun, evac, deathmatch, and team deathmatch.

The multiplayer games in AVP2 are more interesting than in AVP1 and, when playing with skilled opponents, provides a perfect mix of suspense, thrills, and run-for-your-lives excitement.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Each of the three characters has its strengths and weaknesses. The adult alien has the advantage of stealth, speed, agility, vision, and wall crawling; yet, it is vulnerable to various weapons and hazards, particularly during its face-hugger and chest-burster stages. Its capabilities also vary depending on the type of adult it is.

Alien vs. Predator 2

The Predator has the advantage of advanced technology, physical strength, and sheer toughness. His gear has been beefed up with such goodies as a remote bomb, a spear, a net gun, and a charge emitter for shorting out electronic locks. Also new is energy sift, a last ditch option that restores energy at the expense of drawing attention, disabling his cloak, and slowing movement to a walking pace.

 

 

Alien vs. Predator 2

The Colonial Marine is arguably the weakest of the three but is fairly well armored and is very well equipped. But, he or she must struggle with the limitations of human technology and physical frailty. In addition to the weapons in AVP1, the marine's arsenal now includes a three-round rocket launcher (replacement for the SADAR), a grenade launcher, an updated pistol with choice of armor-piercing or antipersonnel rounds, a shotgun, a smartgun, a minigun, and a sniper rifle.

Observations

As one would expect, AVP2 is more challenging to play than its predecessor. You don't just hit a button to open a door, but you may need to hack the lock electronically. You may also run into an occasional carnivorous plant or other unexpected dangers. Due to the many key commands, weapons, and actions, some players will find themselves wanting a quick reference card. The keys to enjoying this game are to memorize the keystrokes and save often.

Speaking of saves, AVP2 has two kinds of saves (quicksave and a traditional choose-a-slot save) and three kinds of loads (slot-saved game, quicksave archive, or the most recent quicksave). Frankly, I prefer to load from or save to a preselected slot via a simple keystroke.

As for bugs, the only one I found was the occasional inability to engage the alien's night vision, necessitating a relaunch. As for the interface, I find it to be less intuitive than that of its predecessor, leaving the user to choose between keystroke customization and managing left- and right-handed key commands in addition to a mouse. In addition, most of the menus are keyboard driven where a mouse would be much easier. I am not fond of arrow-keying around the screen when a mouse click on a desired item would suffice. Other than these negligible concerns (and maybe the lack of a $15 coupon to cover the copay for heart medication), I have little else but praise for AVP2.

Conclusions

Aliens vs. Predator 2 is exciting, fun, and occasionally jump-out-of-your-seat scare. Survival requires dexterity, speed, patience, a studied familiarity with the command interface, and a willingness to make more than a few dozen visits to the morgue, trophy room, or lunch box, as the case may be. If you are under thirty, knock yourself out; but if you are older than this, visit your cardiologist first.

Oh, and don't forget to warn your family, friends, or dorm mates that if they happen to hear a bloodcurdling scream and the crash of an overturned chair, they needn't call 911. It is just you, having a Kodak moment with your friendly neighborhood Alien.

Alien vs. Predator 2 From: Fox Interactive
MacPlay > Price: $49.95 > Pros: Great blend of action and suspense, varied game play Cons: Minor interface quibbles

4 Stars