Introduction
Alienation, developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a fast-paced, top-down shooter that offers an intense and action-packed experience. Released exclusively for PlayStation 4 in 2016, the game quickly garnered attention for its vibrant visuals, fluid gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer mode. This detailed review will explore the core gameplay mechanics, story, graphics, sound design, and the overall reception of Alienation. We’ll also address frequently asked questions to provide comprehensive insights for both new and experienced players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Dynamic Co-Op Gameplay: Team Up to Survive
At the heart of Alienation is its cooperative multiplayer mode, where up to four players can join forces to take on waves of alien enemies. The game is designed to be played with friends, and teamwork is essential for survival. The combination of different character classes, weapons, and abilities creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
Character Classes and Abilities
Alienation offers three distinct character classes: the Bio-Specialist, the Tank, and the Saboteur. Each class comes with its own unique abilities and playstyle.
- Bio-Specialist: The healer of the group, capable of deploying healing stations and using poison attacks to weaken enemies.
- Tank: The heavy hitter, equipped with powerful shields and devastating area-of-effect attacks.
- Saboteur: The agile fighter, specializing in stealth, speed, and precision attacks.
The diversity of classes encourages players to experiment with different strategies and find the best combinations for their team.
Intense Combat and Weapon Variety
The combat in Alienation is fast-paced and chaotic, with a wide variety of weapons at your disposal. Players can equip their characters with rifles, shotguns, rocket launchers, and more. Each weapon can be upgraded with different mods, allowing for a high degree of customization. The game also features a loot system, where players can collect new weapons and gear as they progress.
Procedurally Generated Levels
Alienation keeps the gameplay fresh with procedurally generated levels. Each mission presents a new challenge, with enemies spawning in different locations and environments changing each time you play. This ensures that no two playthroughs are exactly the same, adding to the game’s replayability.
Dynamic Difficulty Scaling
The game’s difficulty scales dynamically based on the number of players and their levels. This means that whether you’re playing solo or with a full team, Alienation will adjust the challenge to keep things engaging. The difficulty increases as you progress, with tougher enemies and more complex objectives appearing in later missions.
Story and Setting
The Alien Invasion Narrative
The story of Alienation is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to an alien invasion. The narrative, while not the primary focus of the game, provides a backdrop for the relentless action. Players take on the role of UNX soldiers, elite operatives tasked with fighting back against the alien hordes and reclaiming Earth.
Progression Through Global Locations
The campaign takes players across various global locations, from the snowy mountains of Alaska to the jungles of Brazil. Each location is beautifully rendered and offers unique environmental challenges. The story unfolds through mission briefings and in-game dialogue, giving players just enough context to understand their objectives without interrupting the flow of gameplay.
The Role of the UNX Soldier
As a UNX soldier, the player is humanity’s last hope. The game emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy, as players must coordinate their efforts to survive the increasingly difficult missions. The narrative supports this by portraying the UNX soldiers as the best of the best, equipped with advanced technology and weapons to take on the alien threat.
Graphics and Visual Design
Stunning Visual Effects and Environments
Alienation is a visually stunning game, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the alien invasion to life. The top-down perspective allows for a wide view of the battlefield, and the game’s smooth animations make the combat feel fluid and responsive.
Particle Effects and Explosions
One of the standout features of Alienation is its use of particle effects. Explosions, weapon fire, and alien attacks all create dazzling visual displays that fill the screen with color and light. The game’s engine handles these effects without any noticeable slowdown, even during the most intense battles.
Character and Enemy Designs
The character models in Alienation are well-detailed, with each class having a distinct appearance that reflects their role on the battlefield. The alien enemies are varied in design, with different species and types presenting unique challenges. The visual design of both the characters and enemies adds to the game’s immersive atmosphere.
Sound Design and Music
Immersive Audio Experience
The sound design in Alienation plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is filled with tense, adrenaline-pumping music that matches the fast pace of the action. The audio cues for enemy attacks and abilities help players react quickly and make strategic decisions.
Weapon Sounds and Explosions
Each weapon in Alienation has a distinct sound, from the rapid fire of a rifle to the booming impact of a rocket launcher. The sound effects are crisp and impactful, adding to the satisfaction of taking down waves of enemies. Explosions are particularly well-done, with a deep, resonant sound that emphasizes the power of your attacks.
Voice Acting and Narrative Delivery
While Alienation doesn’t rely heavily on voice acting, the in-game dialogue and mission briefings are delivered effectively. The voice acting adds to the overall atmosphere, providing context for the player’s actions without distracting from the gameplay.
Reception and Player Reviews
Critical Reception of Alienation
Alienation received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced gameplay, cooperative multiplayer mode, and impressive visuals. The game was often compared to other top-down shooters like Dead Nation and Helldivers, with many reviewers noting that Alienation stood out for its polished mechanics and engaging combat.
Highlights of Positive Reviews
Critics and players who enjoyed Alienation frequently highlighted the game’s cooperative multiplayer as its strongest feature. The dynamic combat, variety of weapons, and procedural generation of levels were also praised. Many reviews emphasized the game’s replayability, noting that the combination of different character classes, weapons, and levels kept the experience fresh even after multiple playthroughs.
Common Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
Despite its positive reception, Alienation did receive some criticism. The game’s story was seen as somewhat underdeveloped, with many reviewers noting that it took a backseat to the gameplay. Additionally, some players found the game’s difficulty to be unforgiving, particularly for those attempting to play solo. The lack of a local co-op mode was also a common point of contention, as the game’s focus on online multiplayer left some players wanting more options for offline play.
Community Feedback and Longevity
Since its release, Alienation has maintained a dedicated fan base. The game’s challenging gameplay and cooperative elements have kept players coming back, and it continues to be a popular choice for fans of top-down shooters. However, the game’s niche appeal means that it hasn’t reached a wide audience, and its online community is relatively small compared to other multiplayer titles.
Conclusion
Alienation is a standout title in the top-down shooter genre, offering a thrilling cooperative experience with deep gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals. While the game’s story may not be its strongest point, the dynamic combat, procedural levels, and variety of character classes provide hours of replayable content. The game’s emphasis on teamwork and strategy makes it an ideal choice for those looking to play with friends, though solo players may find the challenge more daunting.
For fans of cooperative shooters and action-packed gameplay, Alienation is definitely worth playing. Its intense combat, vibrant graphics, and engaging multiplayer make it a memorable experience that stands out among its peers. Despite some criticisms, particularly regarding its story and difficulty, Alienation remains a highly regarded title that continues to attract a dedicated fan base.
Alienation FAQ: Common Questions Answered
What Platforms is Alienation Available On?
Alienation is available exclusively on PlayStation 4. The game was developed and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, making it a PlayStation exclusive. There are currently no plans for a release on other platforms.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Alienation?
The length of time it takes to complete Alienation varies depending on the player’s approach. The main campaign can be completed in approximately 8 to 10 hours, but this can be extended significantly if players choose to explore all the game’s content, including side missions and higher difficulty levels.
Is Alienation Suitable for Casual Gamers?
While Alienation can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels, it is primarily designed for those who enjoy a challenge. The game’s fast-paced combat and strategic elements may be overwhelming for casual gamers, particularly on higher difficulty levels. However, players who enjoy cooperative multiplayer games and are willing to invest time in learning the mechanics will find Alienation a rewarding experience.
Does Alienation Have a Single-Player Mode?
Yes, Alienation can be played solo, but the game is primarily designed for cooperative multiplayer. The single-player experience is still enjoyable, but some players may find it more challenging without the support of a team. The game’s dynamic difficulty scaling helps to balance the challenge, but playing with others is often the preferred way to experience Alienation.
Are There Any DLCs or Expansions for Alienation?
Alienation received a few post-launch updates and DLCs, including new weapons, armor sets, and difficulty levels. The DLCs are relatively minor in content but add additional customization options and challenges for players looking to extend their playtime. These updates were well-received by the community, as they provided more variety and replayability.
Does Alienation Support Local Co-Op?
Unfortunately, Alienation does not support local co-op play. The game is focused on online multiplayer, and while this offers a seamless and smooth experience, it has been a point of criticism for those who prefer local co-op. Players looking for a similar experience with local co-op might consider other titles from Housemarque, such as Dead Nation.
How Does the Loot System Work in Alienation?
The loot system in Alienation is a key aspect of
the game’s progression. Players can find and collect weapons, gear, and mods throughout the game. These items vary in rarity and power, with higher-level gear providing significant boosts to your character’s abilities. The loot system encourages exploration and replayability, as players can continuously improve their loadouts by revisiting missions and taking on higher difficulty levels.
