Aliens: The Computer Game (Activision)

For the Software Studios game, see Aliens: The Computer Game (Software Studios).

Aliens: The Computer Game
Developer(s)	Activision Mr. Micro Ltd.
Publisher(s)	Activision
Distributor(s)	Electric Dreams Software
Producer(s)	Brad Fregger
Composer(s)	Russell Lieblich
Series	Alien
Platform(s)	Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
Release date(s)	1986-1988
Mode(s)	Single-player

Aliens: The Computer Game is a video game was developed and published by Activision in 1986-1988 for the Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum computer systems. It is based on the film of the same title and is also known as Aliens US in Europe, where it was initially planned to be released as Aliens: The Second Part.^[1]

Gameplay

Aliens is a series of six minigames strung together via graphical interactive sequences, akin to an adventure game, though the only interaction possible is advancing the dialog, displayed in speech balloons. The minigames are mostly action sequences that involve piloting a ship from Sulaco to the planet's surface, recognizing equipment, and fighting aliens.

Reception

Contemporary

At the time of its release, the game received mixed reviews, including the scores of 85% from Commodore Format,^[2] 8/10 (averaged) from Computer and Video Games,^[3] 4/10 from Crash,^[4] 5/10 from Sinclair User,^[5] 9/10 from Your Sinclair,^[5] and 60% from Zzap!64.^[6]

Retrospective

VentureBeat's Stephen Kleckner commented in a 2014 feature that "as with a lot of compilation-designed titles, Aliens falls into that trap of being a collection of mediocre experiences instead of a game with a singular focus. (...) Hardcore fans who own a Commodore 64 should load this one up. Everyone else isn’t missing much that a Let's Play video won’t provide."^[7] On the other hand, Chris Cummins from Topless Robot wrote in 2010 that "the now-crude graphics aside, it's still arguably the best game based on any of the films in the Alien saga."^[8]