Aliens Versus Predator Extinction Review

Overview

Released in 2003 by EA Games and developed by Zono Incorporated, Aliens Versus Predator Extinction represents an ambitious attempt to bring the RTS genre to consoles while leveraging two of science fiction's most iconic franchises. As one of the few RTS games on the original Xbox, it carved out a unique niche by offering players control over three distinct species: Colonial Marines, Predators, and Aliens. The game follows in the footsteps of PC AvP titles but takes a bold new direction by focusing on tactical unit management rather than first person combat. While it doesn't reach the heights of contemporary PC strategy games, it demonstrates remarkable creativity in adapting both the genre and the license to console hardware.

Graphics and Presentation

The Xbox hardware struggles to deliver the scale of warfare AvP Extinction attempts to create. Texture quality varies wildly, with environment assets looking particularly dated even by 2003 standards. Character models fare better, with the iconic designs of aliens and predators translated adequately to the console's capabilities. The game runs at 480p resolution, which was standard for the era but results in a somewhat blurry presentation on modern displays.

Art direction helps compensate for technical limitations. Each species has a distinct visual identity that draws effectively from the films. Marine environments echo the industrial corridors of James Cameron's Aliens, while Predator missions embrace exotic jungle and temple settings. Atmospheric lighting and particle effects, while basic, contribute to the moody atmosphere.

The frame rate proves inconsistent, targeting 30fps but frequently dropping during larger battles. This impacts both visual quality and gameplay responsiveness. Cut scenes are minimal, using in engine assets that don't particularly impress. The UI makes efficient use of screen space but lacks polish in its implementation.

Sound and Music

Audio design stands as one of AvP Extinction's stronger elements. The iconic sounds from both franchises are present and accounted for: the pulse rifle's distinctive report, the predator's clicking growl, and the alien's bone chilling shrieks all sound authentic. Voice acting is serviceable if unremarkable, with marine units delivering appropriately tense battlefield chatter. The mixing occasionally struggles during hectic moments, with important audio cues sometimes getting lost in the chaos.

The original score effectively blends themes reminiscent of both franchises while establishing its own identity. Dynamic music shifts add tension to encounters, though the transitions aren't always smooth. Environmental audio helps establish atmosphere, particularly in predator missions where jungle ambiance creates a strong sense of place. Sound effects for weapons and abilities pack appropriate punch, even if they lack the fidelity of modern games.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, AvP Extinction offers a streamlined RTS experience built around the strengths and weaknesses of each species. Marines excel at ranged combat and defensive positioning, Predators emphasize stealth and powerful individual units, while Aliens focus on overwhelming numbers and close quarters combat. The control scheme makes admirable attempts to work within console limitations, mapping unit selection and commands to an intuitive radial menu system.

Combat emphasizes tactical positioning and proper use of special abilities. Marines must maintain firing lines and manage resources carefully. Predators require careful micromanagement of cloaked hunters and their array of exotic weapons. The Alien faction provides the most unique gameplay, focusing on capturing hosts and expanding the hive. Each species features distinct upgrade paths that allow for different strategic approaches.

Level design varies in quality but generally provides adequate space for tactical manoeuvring. Mission objectives attempt to capitalize on each species' strengths, though they often default to standard RTS templates. The progression system rewards successful mission completion with new units and abilities, providing meaningful advancement throughout the campaign.

Story and Setting

The narrative weaves together three separate campaigns that occasionally intersect. Marines defend colonial interests from both alien and predator threats. Predators pursue their ritualistic hunts while dealing with both human and xenomorph prey. The Alien campaign perhaps offers the most interesting perspective, following a hive's expansion across various environments. While the plotting remains basic, it effectively captures the essence of both franchises.

Character development is minimal, with most storytelling occurring through mission briefings and in game events rather than cutscenes or dialogue. The writing adequately serves its purpose but rarely surprises. World building elements draw heavily from established lore, which will please fans but offers little new insight into either universe.

Content and Value

Each campaign offers approximately 4-5 hours of gameplay, with total completion time ranging from 12-15 hours. Replay value comes primarily from trying different tactical approaches or attempting higher difficulty levels. The lack of multiplayer beyond basic skirmish modes against AI opponents limits long term engagement. While the game includes unlockable units and abilities, there are few secrets or hidden content to discover.

At its current pre owned price point of around £15-20, AvP Extinction represents reasonable value for fans of the franchises or console RTS enthusiasts. However, the limited feature set and dated presentation may deter more casual players. The absence of online functionality, which was relatively common for Xbox games of the era, further impacts the value proposition.

Technical Performance

Loading times are surprisingly brief for an Xbox title, rarely exceeding 30 seconds between missions. The game generally maintains stability, though occasional crashes can occur during particularly intense battles. The autosave system provides adequate protection against progress loss, with manual saves available between missions.

Bug frequency varies, with pathfinding issues being the most common problem. Units sometimes struggle to navigate complex terrain, and group movement can become erratic. While these issues rarely break the game, they add frustration to an already challenging experience. The game performs best with smaller unit groups, as larger armies tend to stress both the AI and frame rate.

The Verdict

Aliens Versus Predator Extinction represents an ambitious but flawed attempt to bring both the RTS genre and the AvP license to consoles. While technical limitations and control issues hold it back from greatness, the game succeeds in capturing the essence of both franchises through unique faction design and atmospheric presentation. The three distinct campaigns offer engaging tactical challenges that reward patient players willing to master their intricacies. Despite its age and shortcomings, the game remains an interesting experiment in console strategy gaming that fans of either franchise might find worth revisiting.

Pros

• Unique gameplay mechanics for each species
• Strong atmospheric audio design
• Creative adaptation of RTS controls to console
• Faithful representation of both franchises

Cons

• Dated graphics and inconsistent performance
• Awkward camera control in battle
• Limited multiplayer options
• Repetitive mission structure

Final Score: 7/10

A fascinating experiment in console RTS design that succeeds more often than it fails. Despite technical limitations, it offers an engaging strategic experience for fans of both franchises.

By OGXbox Archive