Aliens vs. Predator: Choose your Side on February 16th
By Lies | Published: February 8, 2010 7:28pm EST
Fight as an Alien, Marine, or Predator in this sci-fi shooterIf you attended MLG Anaheim or Orlando, you probably already had the chance to play the demo of SEGA’s newest game, Aliens vs. Predator™. In case you couldn’t attend either event, or you just want more inside information on the game, we’ve got a full preview of this highly-anticipated first person shooter. Developed by Rebellion, the same team responsible for the original 1999 PC classic, Aliens vs. Predator™ is slated to launch February 16th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC. Check out the video below for MLG's in-depth preview of the multiplayer side of the game. One of the most unique features of Aliens vs. Predator™ is the ability to play as three different races. In nearly every game mode you can elect to play as a Marine, Alien, or Predator. Each species has their own campaign story, as well as their own unique assortment of melee attacks, abilities, and weaponry. While limited in his overall physical abilities, the Marine has the largest arsenal of weapons among all of the species. Available weapons include: a pistol, sniper, pulse rifle, and shotgun, each with a secondary fire The Marine can carry up to three of these weapons at any given time. Aside from the Motion Tracker, Marines must pick up items on the map for additional ammunition and to recharge health. Like the Alien and Predator species, the Marine can melee opponents when engaged in short-range combat. As an Alien, you’ll be able to maneuver on virtually any surface. The Alien, who is the fastest by far of any species, can crawl and transition on surfaces largely unreachable by Marines and Predators. Run on walls and ceilings to get the jump on your opponent. While the Alien lacks the ability to use weapons, it excels in short-range melee combat. With its deadly combination of melee attacks and the ability to track enemies through walls and other objects, the Alien can position itself to make lethal attacks on unsuspecting enemies. You can also use the focus mode with an Alien to make a longer, targeted lunge at an opponent. Furthermore, the Alien is the only species with regenerative health. Of all the playable species, the Predator has arguably the most impressive repertoire of abilities. It can make long, calculated jumps to positions on the map both high and low. The ability to cloak on command and use multiple visual tracking systems also makes the Predator difficult for enemies to target. The Predator also has a unique arsenal of available weaponry, one that differs significantly from that of the Marine. The Predator can carry up to four weapons at a time and like other species, can deliver a combination of quick and heavy melee attacks.               
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There are three primary game modes to choose from in Aliens vs. Predator™: Campaign, Survivor, and Multiplayer. In addition to four difficulty modes found in Campaign, your single player experience will differ greatly depending on the species you choose. In Survivor, you’ll fend off repeated waves of swarming Aliens as a single Marine with up to four total players in online play. Within Multiplayer mode, there are six deathmatch and objective variant gametypes to choose from. Along with the classic FFA gametype, Aliens vs. Predator™ includes several interesting twists on team play. There are three different deathmatch gametypes, each differing in race requirements for teams. In addition, there are several different objective gametypes with varying goals. In Predator Hunt, your primary objective as a Marine will be to track down and kill the sole Predator player to become the new Predator. Domination is an objective, team-based gametype where you will battle to secure different territories on a map. Finally, Infestation will have you and other Marines fending off the ever-growing number of Aliens until there are no Marines remaining. Aliens vs. Predator™ features six multiplayer maps: Jungle, Refinery, Ruins, Gateway, Pyramid, and Temple. Jungle is an arena style map with two levels and a network of tunnels that connect several different sections of the map. With a smaller but open design, Jungle should better suit the Marine and Predator species. One of the largest maps in the game, Gateway supports up to 18 players in a single multiplayer match. Several enclosed pathways connect the two largest areas of the map, serving as a major choke point for players. Pyramid is a dim, narrowly walled map with a series of moving platforms and doors which grant players access from room to room. Aliens should have no problem locating dark corners and hallways in which to wait for unsuspecting enemies on this map. In Temple, players will battle for control of the dominant top middle position on the map. From there, Predators will be able to use their visual tracking abilities to locate players on nearly any point on the map. Look for more exclusive content on Sega.com leading up to and following the launch of Aliens vs. Predator™ on February 16th. |
