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RTTP: Alien: Isolation
- Thread starter Deleted member 17402
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With you, OP.
One of this gen's best survival horror games and arguably the best licensed Alien game ever made.
One of this gen's best survival horror games and arguably the best licensed Alien game ever made.
Maybe they aren't aware just how good the word of mouth is on the original. If they backed it, it could be a Demon's Souls => Dark Souls scenario.
You definitely have to take breaks. I played the whole thing with headsets on in the dark and there were times where I just had to shut it off, my hands would be shaking from the stress. I understand why it got bad reviews from IGN and other major outlets. This game would be pure torture to have to rush through for a review.
It's a great game that absolutely nails the look and atmosphere of the first Alien movie. The game has two really massive negatives against it though
1) The game drags on for too long
2) The Alien AI rubber-bands and basically "cheats" by having some general idea of where you are at all times
1) The game drags on for too long
2) The Alien AI rubber-bands and basically "cheats" by having some general idea of where you are at all times
I finished it for the first time this week and was genuinely blown away by it. The atmosphere is incredible and as has been stated, the faithfulness to the original movie is mind-blowing. It captured the aesthetic and mood of the first movie remarkably well. The sound design is frankly phenomenal too; it's one of the few games I can recall where the sheer quality of the sound design stood out as an impressive feature in its own right.
I played on hard and the gameplay was quite a tense stealth-experience but I found they were a little too generous in the amount of supplies they gave for most of the game. Outside of the first few missions there was rarely a time I didn't have max supplies and it diminished the tension a little knowing there was already multiple ways out of a situation. I thought the game was of a good pace but I wasn't really a fan of the middle half-to-'third quarter' of the game where the cyborg enemies take the focus, but it was a good change of pace. I thought the AI was pretty good and never felt it was unfair; it services the style of stealth the game encourages (keeping moving forward as soon as there's an opening, rather than staying stationary) and while yes there's a clear degree of rubber-banding in keeping the alien in the same section of the ship as you, there's always ample opportunity to keep moving forward (and if not you've no shortage of supplies to send it elsewhere).
My favourite areas of the game were probably the Medical Centre, the section when you go down to the Reactor Core, and Mission 17 (which is the one time when I felt supplies became constrained because you'd really no choice but to make use of everything you'd stockpiled).
I'm not sure if I'd replay it like the OP did, because I fear with it being such a well-crafted experience that replaying it might reveal a bit too much of the underlying mechanics (e.g. scripted moments, precisely how the Alien AI works, etc.) but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game.
EDIT: Oh and actually, one thing I really have to give credit for is the amazing usage of the features of the Playstation Controller. The sound of the motion detector triggering coming from the controller and changing the lightbar from blue to green, although only minor things, really added to making it very immersive. Writing it out, it sounds like it shouldn't add much, but honestly I felt that was a really good use of the features of the controller and the best use I've seen so far.
I also was very impressed by some of the visual details that were visible when you were in the space suit as the environment became slightly warped at the side of the screen (badly described there).
I played on hard and the gameplay was quite a tense stealth-experience but I found they were a little too generous in the amount of supplies they gave for most of the game. Outside of the first few missions there was rarely a time I didn't have max supplies and it diminished the tension a little knowing there was already multiple ways out of a situation. I thought the game was of a good pace but I wasn't really a fan of the middle half-to-'third quarter' of the game where the cyborg enemies take the focus, but it was a good change of pace. I thought the AI was pretty good and never felt it was unfair; it services the style of stealth the game encourages (keeping moving forward as soon as there's an opening, rather than staying stationary) and while yes there's a clear degree of rubber-banding in keeping the alien in the same section of the ship as you, there's always ample opportunity to keep moving forward (and if not you've no shortage of supplies to send it elsewhere).
My favourite areas of the game were probably the Medical Centre, the section when you go down to the Reactor Core, and Mission 17 (which is the one time when I felt supplies became constrained because you'd really no choice but to make use of everything you'd stockpiled).
I'm not sure if I'd replay it like the OP did, because I fear with it being such a well-crafted experience that replaying it might reveal a bit too much of the underlying mechanics (e.g. scripted moments, precisely how the Alien AI works, etc.) but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game.
EDIT: Oh and actually, one thing I really have to give credit for is the amazing usage of the features of the Playstation Controller. The sound of the motion detector triggering coming from the controller and changing the lightbar from blue to green, although only minor things, really added to making it very immersive. Writing it out, it sounds like it shouldn't add much, but honestly I felt that was a really good use of the features of the controller and the best use I've seen so far.
I also was very impressed by some of the visual details that were visible when you were in the space suit as the environment became slightly warped at the side of the screen (badly described there).
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#2 is not a problem as it gives the game pacing, the place is pretty damn big and with only the main AI without nudges to your direction from the ai director thing could even risk a playthrough where you never even met the thing since there's only one unlike other games' enemies! I mean is there any game in this style without such an encounter system in place, just fully realized AI? Maybe that neighbor indie thing that was released just recently only?
OP
OP
I replay it sometimes on hard or nightmare, but if I had to choose only one, I'd choose nightmare. The game feels so much better without a map and a visual guide when playing on nightmare. It adds to the tension quite a bit.
One of my favourite games. Definitely my favourite horror game ever. It captures the atmosphere of the original Alien movie so well, I might prefer it over the sequel Aliens. Such a same we haven't heard of Alien: Isolation 2.
Also the game that got me over my "horror game fear". I really feared dying, but the Xenomorph and the death animations were so cool that I let the alien catch me a few times. I faced my fear and it worked.
Also the game that got me over my "horror game fear". I really feared dying, but the Xenomorph and the death animations were so cool that I let the alien catch me a few times. I faced my fear and it worked.
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Nightmare makes the worker Joe's even more terrifying, as they don't go down anywhere near as easily. The part towards the end when you are trying to access the computer core is amazingly tense.
I mean to pick this up every time I see a used copy if just to put in maybe 6-8 hours of trying to not die by Alien. I remember a common complaint being that it was longer than it needed to be.
1. Disagree. It´s one hell of a ride and a good game can´t be too long .
2. If the Alien didn´t have an idea where you are you probably wouldn´t even encounter it considering how large the space station is.
OP
OP
You mean the area with the big reactor and a dozen or so Worker Joes roaming around? Hate that area.
Would have LOVED to play it, but the two issues highlighted here are deal breakers for me.
There's a mod that resolves number 2.
Once you realize how the Alien moves around, it can eliminate some the tension. You know it always gravitates around you and never, ever strays away. It's still fun, though.
I would generally agree with your points. It took me somewhere around 20 hours to beat it, I could have been very happy with 5 hours trimmed off of that. As far as the AI goes, this is very dependent on the difficulty level. I found normal just about right where the Alien would leave you alone enough of the time to feel like he was really wandering around. The only time it breaks this is when you go into lockers. If you spend enough time in a locker the Alien will ALWAYS come by and sniff around.
I was undecided on which to play through it for the first run, but some of the things in the description of it made me slightly hesitant to start with it (in particular, the more aggressive AI, the faster adaptations, and the 'broken' motion tracker; I don't think these are an issue on a second playthrough, but for a first they made me a bit wary) even if scarcer materials was tempting. When I remembered the early reviews (in particular the somewhat infamous IGN review) and saw that Nightmare was an added difficulty, I thought it probably would be bet to just go for Hard. I might replay the Nightmare difficulty in a few months after I've forgotten the finer details, but I don't know how well the game would hold up to two playthroughs within a condensed period of time.
OP
OP
Wait, so did you beat the game yet or not? lol I'm a bit confused
Actually no, it's the area before that where you are trying to access mother. The computer core is in the middle and there is a number of rooms arrayed in a circle around it. It's full of Worker Joe's.
I love the reactor area though. The lighting and atmosphere are fantastic.
Oh sorry, I can see how that is confusing. Yes, I beat the game. That was my rationale when starting the game the first time and trying to decide on which difficulty would be best. If I replay the game in a few months time, I will certainly take teh recommendation to do it on Nightmare, and the tension it adds, on board.
OP
OP
How long ago did you beat it? I'm not sure how long I'd advise waiting before playing it again, but definitely give nightmare a chance.
Great game. Not port begging but, I was actually hoping for a Switch version early in the systems life as I'm sure it would sell well and would have given the game a second life. I always thought if there was sequel it would be great if it concentrated on the fall of Hadley's Hope.
I always thought the potential sequel would feature Amanda again, I really liked her. Granted, there wasn't much of her in the game but what was there was good stuff. Particularly the scene with the audio log. Having Signourney Weaver voice that really made it land hard.
That area is the worst by far, the most frustrating too since it seems almost impossible to sneak around the joes there.
I actually liked that area since its one of the few times in the game where you can use guns without the Alien ripping your face off. Felt pretty cathartic to just mow those sons of bitches down.
You don't actually have guns in the area I'm describing. They are taken off you just beforehand. You have to rely on crafted materials, which is what makes it so tense, even more so on Nightmare.
Hmm Im thinking of the area where you overload the core. Are you talking about where the Joes are all in hazmat suits and its all hazy? I havent gone back through the game since the first playthrough
Game of the generation. This, Elite and Doom 3 are probably the only games that make me wish I had a vr headset. Also, if anything the game is too short, I wanted MOAR!
Yes, you are referring to the reactor core part, and I am referring to the computer core part. It's tough as nails on nightmare.
I thought that part was a pain in the ass on normal. Theres joes friggin everywhere
It will definitely be one of my games of the generation. Simply outstanding evolution of survival horror and the best treatment of the subject in the mediums history (and the best in general since Aliens). I'm also always confused why the game never gets any props for its strong female characters.
Phenomenal moment. I agree, this should be franchise canon.
Phenomenal moment. I agree, this should be franchise canon.
I really need to sit down and finish this game at some point. I'm at the halfway point, even though said point feels like the climax and not at all the mid point. The alien itself is more irritating than scary though. After a while it's nothing more than a walking reset button.
I platinumed this on Steam which meant playing both Nightmare Mode and No Death Mode. I think Hard is the sweet spot; the more aggressive modes move the game from skill based to pot luck.
OP
OP
This game is actually terrifying to play. I stopped after the first area you're in with the xenomorph roaming around looking for something to kill. I sat in a locker for a good five minutes hour and a half trying to find a gap in its routine only to give up.
Fantastically made game.
Fantastically made game.
Alien : Isolation is likely the best non-game IP to game translation I've ever experienced in capturing the atmosphere and mood of its source material. The artbook from the game is amazing and well worth the purchase. The research the team did and the level of detail they went to in order to capture the world of Alien is applause worthy.
Incredible game that was likely a few hours too long by the end of it all, but what a great ride. Amazing use of audio and incredible tension throughout. Average Joes still make me shudder.
Hearing all the negative comments about the alien never giving you a respite are amusing because I felt that way at first until
Incredible game that was likely a few hours too long by the end of it all, but what a great ride. Amazing use of audio and incredible tension throughout. Average Joes still make me shudder.
Hearing all the negative comments about the alien never giving you a respite are amusing because I felt that way at first until
you realize (later in the game) that it wasn't always the same alien hunting you
Very solid game and practically pornography for those who love the visual design and world of the original Alien movie, which this game nails to a T.
I do agree with the opinion that the game drags on a bit too long and the ending was very..."I went through so much and it ends like that?". Still, despite that the overall game is totally worthwhile and should be played by anyone who is a fan of Alien.
I'm still disappointed there was no official VR version made after it was teased forever ago. I'd love to experience it that way.
I do agree with the opinion that the game drags on a bit too long and the ending was very..."I went through so much and it ends like that?". Still, despite that the overall game is totally worthwhile and should be played by anyone who is a fan of Alien.
I'm still disappointed there was no official VR version made after it was teased forever ago. I'd love to experience it that way.
I love this game to death. For me, it is the best Alien game ever made only matched by AvP 2 by Monolith.
I still listen from time to time to that amazingly haunting ending credits theme:
I want proper sequel that would go even further into immersive sim territory so bad :(
I still listen from time to time to that amazingly haunting ending credits theme:
I want proper sequel that would go even further into immersive sim territory so bad :(
Im finishing up a playthrough right now, 4th run through and the last 3rd or so of the game is fucking dragging on like never before. Good game but it could really have been cut done a bit.
Probably in my top 5 horror games list. Just finished a second play through a week ago. The sound design is superb. When I went back to play on hard, I actually did much better. I was pretty much always maxed on my items. I'll probably do a third play through this summer using the Alien A.I. mod on PC.
OP
OP
Yes, that would be fantastic. The onset of it. You don't play as Newt, but someone entirely different. A helpless child. Would also help the "no real weapons" angle that was in the first game, because as a child you wouldn't be able to use much.
I bought the game over a year ago and I've yet to play. I need to be in a very specific mood to play something like this. Otherwise I'll just get frustrated and drop it within a couple of hours.
Isn't the game extremely long too? I feel like these Outlast-type games wear out their welcome extremely fast and eventually just get annoying.
Do you ever get weapons to fight back? Or is it just 100% hiding?
Isn't the game extremely long too? I feel like these Outlast-type games wear out their welcome extremely fast and eventually just get annoying.
Do you ever get weapons to fight back? Or is it just 100% hiding?