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Aliens to spawn on next-gen systems

  • By Emma Boyes, Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot UK
  • Posted Dec 11, 2006 10:46 am PT

New title based on classic sci-fi horror franchise from Sega and 20th Century Fox enters incubation; final product expected to burst forth in 2009.

"They mostly come out on next-gen systems in 2009...mostly."

Hot on the heels of Scarface: The World Is Yours, The Godfather, and Reservoir Dogs, another old movie license has been dusted off to be turned into a game. The latest dormant property to see a gaming revival is the Alien series of sci-fi horror films. Sega and 20th Century Fox today announced that they would be bringing the acid-blooded extraterrestrials back to the world of console gaming.

Fans of the series can expect to see it adapted a number of ways, as the companies have confirmed that several Alien games--including a first-person shooter and a role-playing game--are currently in preproduction, with the first game scheduled to be released in 2009. The games will be for currently undisclosed "next-generation gaming systems."

The first Alien film came out in 1979, starring Sigourney Weaver as Lieutenant Ripley of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, which intercepts a distress call from a nearby planet. While investigating the planet, one of the crew becomes impregnated by an alien. Three sequels were made from the original, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection. The franchise has also yielded a crossover spin-off in Alien Vs. Predator.

This is not the first time either company has adapted the sci-fi series for gaming. In 1993, Sega released the arcade game Alien 3: The Gun, while the Fox Interactive brand scored a hit with the PC first-person shooting series Alien Versus Predator. Other publishers to tackle the franchise in interactive form include Electronic Arts (Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction for PlayStation 2), Konami (Aliens for the arcade), Capcom (Alien Vs. Predator for the arcade), and the former incarnation of Acclaim (Alien Trilogy and Alien 3 for multiple platforms).

This is the second announcement of a Sega-made movie adaptation in as many months. In November, the publisher confirmed it had signed a deal for next-gen games based on Marvel's upcoming Iron Man film. The company is also making a next-gen game based on another, still unannounced, Marvel superhero license.

277 Comments

  • ChiefFreeman

    Posted Dec 31, 2009 1:25 pm GMT

    Aliens vs. Predator is looking good (so far, fingers crossed) but I want to hear about Gearbox's Aliens Colonial Marines game. Now that Borderlands has been release and Alien vs. Predaotr is coming soon, they need to start showing some stuff.

  • -Demosthenes-

    Posted Apr 29, 2009 11:30 am GMT

    Rebellion is currently working on a NEW Aliens vs Predator that will be released in 2010. It is being developed for the PC, 360, and PS3. I found this news from OXM. Can you say excessive gory and may get a Adult rating, I HOPE SO. Developers said that they are going to make each character movie realistic Marines, Predator and the Aliens. So far the Predator seems sick as Trophy Kills are graphic, can you picture skinning some one and ripping off their head with spine still attached? Marines are all around powerfull with a heavy choice of arsenal, I dont expect them to play any different. And last but least the Aliens are being played around with. It seems they have slowed the aliens down some so player use more stealth. There is plenty of more things that Rebellion is working on like ways to fluently stalk someone as the Predator aka "Movie Style" There should be plenty more released soon.

  • MarcinCz

    Posted Jun 3, 2007 11:05 pm GMT

    They are making games for consoles cause it's harder to get illegal copy and if you get such a copy you can't benefit from brilliant Xbox Marketplace or any other online services. It is obvious that game companies are losing millions developing games on PC so thery are switching to consoles. Soon you will have only games like World of Warcraft an LOTR on PC.

  • Warghost2k

    Posted Jun 2, 2007 4:32 am GMT

    No PC version? That sucks. Why are all of these companies making games for consoles first, then porting the games to PC months (or sometimes even years) later? And the worst part is, when they finally do port them to PCs, the UIs are usually still set up for controllers and not a mouse.

  • denbot

    Posted Apr 18, 2007 1:14 pm GMT

    _Sam_ I've liked all of the Alien movies except Alien Vs. Predator. Hopefully they make a decent game

    Posted Dec 20, 2006 10:57 pm GMT



    lol cant belive u dont like AvP that game kicked so much ass it was awsome .

  • andalore

    Posted Mar 21, 2007 12:29 pm GMT

    Next Gen Alien Game?
    I Like

  • _Sam_

    Posted Dec 20, 2006 2:57 pm GMT

    I've liked all of the Alien movies except Alien Vs. Predator. Hopefully they make a decent game

  • Impostorzim

    Posted Dec 19, 2006 3:05 pm GMT

    Hello people reading this. Everyone who loves the movie Heat (like my father) should be outraged to hear that they're gonna try to make a game out of it. Are people so unoriginal that they must degredate classic and amazing movies with crappy and halfway finished games.

  • Atomic_Mutant

    Posted Dec 17, 2006 2:02 pm GMT

    Without HR Giger in the mix, Aliens have lost all meaning for me. The license has become a monster more fearsome than the creature of the namesake itself. It is further disrespect and humiliation for the once creative director of the franchise.

  • FiveFist

    Posted Dec 16, 2006 10:44 pm GMT

    LETS ROCKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • warrior1010

    Posted Dec 16, 2006 3:36 pm GMT

    Awsome, I've been really looking forward to a game like this. Truly one of my greatest childhood memories has been my father and I watching these movies when they were rereleased back in the 90s (and also when the first one came back out a few years ago with the Directors Cut). I sincerely hope that this game is good. There are many possibilities, but I'd say make it squad based, as previously mentioned, so not unlike the Brothers in Arms style Squad game, but add in a mission editor such as the simple one that Operation Flashpoint has. That way, you create a game which is not only addictingly fun, but also has an unlimited replay value, something I always judge a game for.

    I just wish it wasn't 2009.....I hate waiting!!!!! ;-)

  • MoogleDragoon

    Posted Dec 16, 2006 7:45 am GMT

    This just makes sense to me. Aliens just makes for a good videogame universe.

  • kindredmachine

    Posted Dec 14, 2006 8:30 am GMT

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • eddy_of_york

    Posted Dec 14, 2006 6:58 am GMT

    Alien vs. Predator two had great online...Especially in games where aliens had to fight humans...Anyone who played that is bound to know the potential that this game has/\.

  • StumpyTrash

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 10:18 pm GMT

    Please, Sega... do this justice. There is so much gameplay potential here!

  • Name_Taken

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 9:23 pm GMT

    hahahha just pray guys... pray for the next 2 years we get to see some pretty sick screen shots and you tube vids

  • Vamp_Punk

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 6:22 pm GMT

    I just want to have the whole "game over man, game over" conversation. Acutally that could make a cool gameplay quirk. Squadmates go insane.

  • Destroyeron13

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 4:36 pm GMT

    Everyone pray.

  • bigdrew172

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 2:56 pm GMT

    I remember loving Aliens 3 on my SNES. actually i think I'm going to play it now. Those are going to be big shoes to fill

  • JusticeCovert GameSpot staff member

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 2:20 pm GMT

    The C64 version of Aliens released in 1986 by Activision will take some beating. (Ahem)

  • CapinGreen

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 2:04 pm GMT

    Aliens vs Predator and Aliens vs Predator 2 were awesome, I am greatly anticipating this game. They'd better not ruin it just like Alien:Resurection ruined the series.

  • hpo3579

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 1:14 pm GMT

    Alien vs Predator: Extinction for the xbox was an awesome game... hope this one is something like that

  • GrlGmr

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 12:35 pm GMT

    I'm cautiously optimistic about this news. I've long wished for a sequel to AVP and AVP2. Both were kick ass games. As long as they don't suck and you can play an Alien, I'll be happy.

  • Jah_Glow

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 10:09 am GMT

    lol... I have to say, if you've ever watched Aliens, the first thing you should be seeing in it is Doom 3 (hello? Lab on a strange and desolate planet? Visuals ringing any bells?), so yes, the franchise CAN be made into great games. However, I am pessimistic, as Sega is WAY out of their prime now and I haven't seen a good movie franchise go well on a console. Ever. Well, the LOTR ones weren't too bad, but they were books first, so those few good ones don't count.

  • Rekunta

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 9:49 am GMT

    Yea,

    This is good news. Though somehow I have a gut feeling that these games are gonna end up sucking, just like mostly every other movie to game translation. If this was announced during Sega's prime I'd be a lot more optimistic. "Into the belly of the beast" level of GoW was amazingly atmospheric and would be what I'd be shooting for if I were the devs. Using that engine, moving through LV426 with the squad, getting to the nest where all goes to ****......man there's so much potential.

    Here's to hoping.

  • GKBeetle

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 8:33 am GMT

    Alien Vs. Predator for the arcade rocked. That was a fun game. I loved playing as the predators. They should just remake that.

  • WisdomLink

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 8:09 am GMT

    I hope that it will be good

  • Greatwasabi

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 6:44 am GMT

    i really hope this turns out to be an awesome game

  • Limonadi

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 4:51 am GMT

    I Love this news!!!! A L I E N - This time it`s a war

  • ZaMmAeL

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 12:28 am GMT

    Thats great!! This game may be awesome (or horrible). At least they are taking their time (till 09)
    I loved AvP2, it's a great FPS. Fighting Aliens is a unique experience.

    i agree --> Name_Taken: "squad based everything... "

  • anamnawshad

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 12:23 am GMT

    I loved the Alien movies but I haven't played Alien games yet.......

  • Name_Taken

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 12:17 am GMT

    hahhaha the newt comment is hillarious... i dont know... i dont get it ALIENS was the best action sci fi ever... i dont understand why they could never remake another good action packed Aliens movie... every single time a new Aliens would come out... it was either corny or completely just embarassed the Aliens franchize... if they could make a Gears of War Aliens type 3rd person shooter game IT WOULD ROCK!!! squad based everything... seriously AvP was cool and all but a 3rd person action pact co-op game would be perfect Aliens game to reedem for all the other games... it would put Aliens on top... but SEGA??? i dont know much about sega... have they ever relased a good action game? all i can think of is games for kids like... Sonic

  • OfficialBed

    Posted Dec 13, 2006 12:04 am GMT

    eww.....this will most likely fail

  • pathfinder15

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 11:24 pm GMT

    my favourite movie series! This better not be some rubbish like other movie franchises involved with gamming

  • JBDragon

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 10:53 pm GMT

    I think this can be turned into a great game. This isn't a rushed quick get made in time for the new Movie Release game that is the norm. Alien was released around 27 years ago. There's no rush to make a new game for a new Alien. It could turn out really good. One of few Movie games that are actually good. It's not going to be released for more then 2 years from now. I'll wait at hold judgment then.

  • d_haven

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 10:06 pm GMT

    adaptations usually suck. I hope this doesn't. AVP 2 (the game) was awesome and I think that was the last aliens (involved) game. I only hope that trend continues.

  • MrPretzel

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 7:52 pm GMT

    I love the Alien series to bits, but Remember, Sega is making this... Don't get your hopes up.

  • Built

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 7:49 pm GMT

    well... atleast my tax money isnt goin to dem...

  • thomasonfa

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 7:44 pm GMT

    BEWARE: It is still a game base off of the movies. Sega you must get with the developers of Chronicles of Riddick game. It would be distant for hall of fame.

  • Sandman80_basic

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 7:09 pm GMT

    I hope they do right by the franchise... the first two (Alien and Aliens) were fantastic.

    I recall enjoying the arcade version of Aliens quite a bit (it was similar in style to Contra from what I remember).

  • Inger1

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 6:35 pm GMT

    unfortunately I think this won't turn out so great... I'd love if it did and I'm holding out hope it will be great but I suspect it'll be crap...

  • jmrwacko

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 5:53 pm GMT

    WOOT! I Sincerely hope this is JUST Alien, not Alien vs. Predator. If I get to play as a space marine from Aliens and blast apart some alien skulls, I'm going to be ecstastic.

    and the only way they can make this game good is if they include squad combat, include dismemberment for both the aliens and your own allies, and put you in a situation in which you have to struggle for survival / rescue.

    But I'm sure they will ;-)

  • SoulSlayer_

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 5:12 pm GMT

    Well at least it's Sega doing it... They could turn it into a great game. The only problem with these licensed games is that you can easily get away with making crap so why even bother?

  • lrsp

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 5:09 pm GMT

    I think it will be worse than garbage. Let's see, what's worse than garbage? Poop? maybe.

  • Cheshie

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 3:45 pm GMT

    I guarantee this game will be garbage.

  • Maverick82102

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 3:40 pm GMT

    Excellent

  • XenoBrain

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 3:38 pm GMT

    One of these titles will be an RPG? And Obsidian Entertainment recently announced a deal with sega? Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.

  • PackersRock

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 3:35 pm GMT

    When my friend heard about this he just said, "Well at least it's not EA."

    lol. Anyway I have faith Sega won't f this franchise up.

  • acej2000

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 3:14 pm GMT

    Its about time, IS RIGHT, gawd I'm still playing alien v predator 2 here!

    and other games ofc

  • kretyn

    Posted Dec 12, 2006 2:54 pm GMT

    Awsome!!! It's about time.

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