Gamecast 01 - Aliens versus Predator
Posted on 15th Feb 2010 at 15:05 by Podcast with 64 comments
It's a bit-tech and Custom PC gaming podcast with a difference - video! Of a game! Making it a Gamecast!
In this first Gamecast, Harry and Joe take a look at the brand new, ultra-violent Aliens versus Predator game.
Rather than a conventional video review, we've opted simply to record some footage of the game - the first nine minutes of the Predator campaign - with Harry and Joe offering some commentary on the action. Be warned though, it's very violent stuff - this is an 18 certificate game.
Make sure you check out the full review, both for more coverage of the game, and the ability to download a HD version of the video.
As this is our first Gamecast, feedback on its content and the technical aspects would be much appreciated!
In this first Gamecast, Harry and Joe take a look at the brand new, ultra-violent Aliens versus Predator game.
Rather than a conventional video review, we've opted simply to record some footage of the game - the first nine minutes of the Predator campaign - with Harry and Joe offering some commentary on the action. Be warned though, it's very violent stuff - this is an 18 certificate game.
Make sure you check out the full review, both for more coverage of the game, and the ability to download a HD version of the video.
As this is our first Gamecast, feedback on its content and the technical aspects would be much appreciated!
64 Comments
Discuss in the forums Replycant wait
Ive done both Crysis and Warhead
Same thing happened with CoP. Have to say I'm a little disappointed.
As far as the game goes, all I am going to say is this; shock horror.
I doubt it - it just gives us headaches.
Our Review code was DX9 only.
What the? Why on Earth did they only give you DX9 code? Sorry for jumping to the conclusion you are all just lazy *******s, but maybe mentioning that in the review would help!
From what I understand DX11 was a later addition to the game - it's been great to have a game a decent amount of time before before launch though, and gave Joe plenty of opportunity to play it through.
I fail to see how some fancy lighting and texture optimisations would improve on what is a fairly derivative but not entirely without merit game though. In fact we actually praise the game's graphics as they are in DX9 - they look very nice indeed. DX11 isn't some magic "make everything look better" wand, as we saw with Colin McRae DIRT 2 where the difference was barely noticeable.
I fail to see either, and that is why I am reading the review. I want to know what you guys, the professional journalists, think. It's not like I feel ripped off that you didn't have a sentence of "DX11 IS AMAZING OMG", but the fact that it was not mentioned at all is what bugged me. If it's ****, I want it to be pointed out that it is ****. If you aren't impressed, say that. It's important people know what the deal actually is, rather than just the marketing.
Still, without DX11 code, my point seems a bit moot!
I have to agree though, the details and textures do look very crisp regardless of the fact it is DX9. Watching that video did impress me quite a bit. Shame the actual game looks boring and derogatory.
I like that the commentary went exactly in time with the footage. It wasn't just talking over stock footage.
strange, my wmp played it fine (on win7 and have ffds codecs installed).
I am a little dissapointed with how you felt the alien and predator campaigns play, i guess i'll have to see if i find it getting repetative and boring. Thanks for the unbiased review though bit-tech - it's good to see a review come from competent reviewers with open minds.
Next: please do a dx11 vs dx9 review when it's released.
LOL
hopefully there will be, if there arent its gonna seriously mar the game
They are supported, but there are none in the demo, was the last I heard.
I've got mixed feelings about the game, multiplayer looks like a bit of a dissapointment. I didn't like the melee in the demo, had a little "smash buttons and pray you kill" feeling about it.
I simply don't like playing the Alien. I have seen it done with frightening grace and lethality, but to me it gets confusing and disorienting way too fast.
As the Predator though...well, there is a huge satisfaction in chaining together kill after kill, Marine and Alien alike. I rarely go for the insta-kills as it leaves you open too long. The key to the Predator is obtaining any of his ranged weapons as quickly as possible. After that, realizing that you are not the equal of the Alien at hand to hand is vital.
As a Marine, the game is quite eerie. No enhanced vision - you must survive with just your pathetic (but nice looking!) flashlight and your motion sensor (which really works on motion, so if there is an Alien parked above you, just watching, its game over...man). You do have an awful lot of firepower available. Rifle fired grenades and shotguns rule - smart-guns should be alot more powerful, and I can't see sitting still long enough to bust out sniper shots - but its up to you ;)
All in all, I will get this game just for the multiplayer and might delve in single-player if I feel like it. I will also wait for a nice Steam sale to snag it ;)
Im not talking DVD case but the cardboard box with CD case inside, windows 95/98 CD-ROM
Only the Jaguar version used the title " Alien vs Predator " and since your comparing the new one against the PC one that doesnt count.
Original game for PC was called Aliens versus Predator. The only difference between the two titles is the abbreviation of versus.
Or did you mean the original Jaguar game?
Gamespots video review....
http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/aliensvspredatorworkingtitle/video/6250849/aliens-vs-predator-video-review?tag=summary;watch-review
I agree about the multiplayer, sure the instant kills are "easy" to pull off and somewhat gratifying, people (or at least the more experienced) will soon realise that it leaves you open for far too long and that the rock-paper-scissors melee combat is actually very rewarding when done right.
Although, how do you figure that the Alien is better at Hand to Hand? I've noticed that whilst the Alien is faster, the Predator does seem to pack more of a punch and has a stupid range on that Heavy Attack.
As for the marine, for all my complaints about how close up he's somewhat underpowered (especially when compared to the other two races) - no stun with his melee, nor do bullets etc. have interrupt.... it's how it should be and he's got a large advantage over distance. The problem i think is that the demo map has too many corridors for Aliens or Predators to run around once you start shooting.
+ As for the sniper, i just find it's rather useful no-scoped... packs a lot of punch and whilst isn't terribly accurate, you can treat it like a close-mid range automatic shotgun :D
btw what is wrong with the site? it has become slower and slower over the last couple of weeks.
I always find it interesting how lots of people are complaining about something in a game (the combat in this) and yet the developers either defend it or dont notice it's a problem. Why is that? Well I look forward to playing it, oh and my new issue of Custom PC came today :) will have a gander at that to tonight
I'm thinking the same :/ I got all excited about it a couple of weeks back when I saw it going fairly cheap on play.com, but this review has kind of nearly put me off. I don't like the idea of the recycled levels i.e. having the exact same ones for every species, it seems both lazy of the devs, and makes for a very boring repetitive game.
Personally, i think it's because, and no offence to the Bit-tech staff, that the "people" who do complain about something usually haven't played enough and/or don't understand that game.
I mean sure, there are times when things are genuinely broken, and there are times like now where two camps have differing opinions... it's situations like these where the side who complain, generally are the ones who don't understand.
For example, i remember CustomPC's review of Devil May Cry 4 and how it ended up as button mashing, also pointing out various "flaws" with the combat and exceed system which were completely unjustified since (and again, no offence) they didn't put enough time in.
Also, the review stated that lightsaber battles in Jedi Knight were likened to be "blisteringly fast action". Now i'll put myself out on a limb here, but i'm relatively confident that i've put in more time on Jedi Knight (3 - Jedi Academy) than the majority of forum members (maybe even combined) and the fights really aren't that fast... i mean they can be over in one hit, but there's usually quite a bit of jumping and manouvering in between said clashes.
Anyhow, i digress, my main point is that i've put quite a few hours into the AvP demo, be it on the PC or on the 360 and sure, there are people who run around doing the stealth kills and grabs, however those aren't the same people who top the leaderboard... because the good people realise how vulnerable it makes you and also know that continuing to hit you does the same job in the same amount (or ever-so slightly longer) of time but still means you can defend yourself from any other threat coming. The combat, as i stated before is very much a Rock-Paper-Scissors affair with Blocks (beat)> Light Attacks (interrupt)> Heavy Attacks which then circles back on itself.
And as for the complaints about the single (or two?) stealth kill animations. How many games have multiple and varied stealth kill animations? Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines doesn't, neither does Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (the only two i can think of right now...). I mean Arkham Asylum cycles between... 3 or 4? But other than that, there's not a "huge" amount of variation in many games so i don't see why it's a complaint?
/bleh, rant over.
- Cant comment on the story so far but TB i couldnt give a hoot, what rebellion have done is finally create a game where the player is allowed to play like they are in the movies Aliens/Predator, thats all any fan ever wanted IMO and so they dont need to bring anything new to the table in terms of plot
- Revisiting areas as each of the different species was something that actually appealed to me in the previous AVP2
- in the Demo the insta-kills still (even after hours playing the game) make me jump and dont seem tired or repetative, im still pleased when I manage one and hoping to god someones not sneaked up behind me! This may change in the Single player but TBH i didnt find the "rush and kill" gameplay as an alien in the original game as an issue so im not convinced itll be an issue now
- As the Developers mentioned, the marine being able to block attacks isnt completely cannon but it does help the gameplay a lot when you get jumped (and TBH I do have haze memories of people beating back Aliens in the movies with their gun butt ect, how about the scene where the alien is trying to get into the APC and the marines are holding the door colsed till the alien gets a shotgun to the face, they are strong not super-human!)
Anyway, still looking forward to the game myself, just hoping that Rebellion follow up the release with the promised DLC to keep the online gaming interested
Does it not plonk you down on the terrain right at the beginning with the bad guys directly in your sights?
Is it not a "press [button] to watch the animation" game?
Is it not a console game?
1) Not quite 3 inches, but there's plenty of repetition between the races
2)Yes
3)Yes
4)Yes, but with a keyboard!
I'm possibly the biggest Aliens fan you'll ever meet, and I won't be playing this. Oh for Colonial Marines, which at least had some squad play potential :(
In deathmatch they want to play as a team then in left 4 dead they don't !! But they were French !!!
Well, I do tell Joe he's rubbish, but that's not trash talking, that's true.
Had? Last I checked it was still coming out. Or at least that's what Gearbox say.
Disappointed with the game so far I must confess though. If the aim if the game in Pred/Alien mode is to sneak and kill then as has been mentioned it needs a LOT of death animations to not be boring. Bloodlines and Dark Messiah have been mentioned as examples of games that didn't have many stealth kills, but there again they were not stealth kill games. If you look at Tenchu, Velvet Assassin, Manhunt or Hitman: Blood Money as examples of games where the objective is to bump people off stealthily you'll see often dozens of animations.
If anything can save it, it's multiplayer. Survival mode sounds like a hoot but I miss the skirmish mode from the original game, that was brilliant, as was the way lighting was handled in that game. Feels like a step back in some ways.
Perhaps I just suck at melee combat with the Predator. I keep getting owned by the Alien tail attack. A vibra-disc to the attacker's face usually saves me ;) The Predator heavy attack takes a long time to charge, and the Predator gives off an audible warning that what he is about to do. A good Alien will just sneak around it and attack.
The Marines, if they band together, are a frightening proposition. A good marine will dodge the ranged Predator attacks and unless the Aliens swarm, picking them off one at a time is relatively easy.
There's a good set of videos on Youtube by a guy called tidomann which have a "guide" to the melee combat for each species (although the Predator one isn't up yet). It just walks you through each of the various types of attacks, like the Close Combat Featurette but just... better.
I found playing as the Predator so much more... "safe" in the multiplayer since i'm not instantly punished when i mess up and get countered (slight knockback + stun > knocked on the floor).
The Alien's tail attack is rather deadly (and i found out it has hardly any startup on any surface that's not the "floor" since it's designed to poke out lights... the tradeoff is that it's more disorientating to use). However, whilst the Alien doesn't emit the "growl" of the Predator for the heavy attack, it does have a "standup and slide" visual cue. I think the growl is to warn people when Pred's are cloaked which the Alien obv. can't do.
As for sneaking round the Heavy Attacks, i've personally found that rather hard to do since the lock on with the melee seems to be rather... sticky? As long as you can turn roughly in time with the Alien, you should still be able to connect... i've heard attaching to a wall can be a good counter though.
And as for the shuriken disc thing... if there was one thing that could be classed as game-breaking, i think that would be it. I absolutely hate it when i get caught by that thing since it just feels so cheap, but don't get me wrong. As a Pred it does feel rather satisfying... the problem is that it removes the need for the combi-stick with a faster startup but longer cooldown before you can use it again/comes back to you. However that last point is obviously moot when you can control the damn thing in the air :D. Many a time have i thrown out the Shuriken, have it miss the first time, get hit by an Alien, go to block and have the disc catch them on the way back merely because they were between me and the return path.... ever so funny but ever so frustrating when it happens to you (especially if you manage to take out that Predator in the time between).
And as for the marine's banding together... that indeed is a larger challenge. I remember one match we managed to set up an "honour" system whereby it was Species Deathmatch (albeit with Friendly Fire), it was actually really fun especially considering the lack of communication between us all. The marine's all went around together in a group and the Aliens skulked about in the shadows before using either another Alien or Predator as a distraction before leaping into the group. Ever so satisfying when you manage to successfully stalk and eliminate a group of 3 marines using distractions and hit and run tactics :D.
I challenge you to proving you're a bigger Aliens fan! :p (j/k)
I tried playing it, just because I love the Aliens franchise so much, and it's just.. unplayable.. the Alien was kind of fun for the first 2 levels and then I just got bored, Marine and Predator are just.. lame. Meh. I'm going back to AvP2 Multiplayer.
That and the game keeps freezing, it's really annoying.
Thankfully 5 new Alien books came in the mail today, so I at least have something good to read to keep me busy.
That does look rather swish... hopefully it'll look rougly similar if it runs in DX10.
hahahah at this - he is right but its nice that its pointed out!;)
There's also Machiko(? it's been a while since I read it), the (blooded) human that ran with a Preditor pack in the AvP book Hunter's Planet. She often held her own against the Preditor she nicknamed Shorty, so it's definitly not impossible.
Much as I liked AvP and AvP2 I do miss the days of pure Aliens games. Aliens was arguably one of the very first ever First Person Shooters back on the Spectrum and Amstrad, and there was a really rather cool Alien game based on the first movie as well. Alien 3 on the Megadrive was pretty cool too. Predator just had a sideways scrolling shooter as far as I recall that I played on the Atari ST but it wasn't up to much, there was a Predator 2 game but I think that was even worse. I'm very interested in seeing what Colonial Marine turns out like. Without the Predators the Alien series has real potential, as does the Predator series if somebody was to pick it up. There's a new Predator-only movie in the pipeline so maybe things will take off again.
Fear my Aliens nerd skillz.
Oh, DX11 graphics rock! Game looks amazing!
Corrected. I'm gonna popularize the concept of Vocabulary Nazism :D
I had the same problem but found if you select Dx9 from the launch options it works fine. I have a GTX260 so im annoyed you cant play on DX10 but i've had no problems since doing this. Played through Predator missions in under 2.5hrs but enjoyed it. Near the end of Marine missions now and its way better. Glad to see the aliens jump all over the place, was worried they would be more static due to consoles. Also wish id played on Hard because im finding it very easy
Supposedly Nvidia cards have issues when you enable VSync and Mouse... something.
ATi cards don't run when you use Catalyst 10.1 or 10.2 so you have to roll back the drivers.
There's an FAQ on the Steam forums which lists common problems and how to solve/get around them.
Marine was practicaly useless, for every 1 lucky kill you'd get the opporunity to watch yourself being grab killed 10 times.
VSync, Mouse Lag, and pre-rendered frames. All those options have to be turned off to supposedly "fix" the game, however mine still stutters/freezes every few minutes. Not that it really matters since I find the game crap either way, but still, very irritating.
My only gripe is making DLC out of MP maps that they gave away in a special offer last weekend - I'm assuming not even the people that overpaid by £13 on Steam will get those 4 extra maps for free, they'll probably be expected to pay a fiver. There's going to be a sequel now, so I'll move straight on to that and would only consider DLC when it was all bundled as an retail add-on like Fallout 3.