Alien vs. Predator: The Last of His Clan

• Release Date: 1993 11
• Genre: Action
• Style: Side-Scrolling Platform
• Similar Games: Castelian (Game Boy), Fortress of Fear: Wizards & Warriors X (Game Boy), Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (Game Boy)

Game Description

After exhausting their home of resources and game, the sportsman-like Predators abandoned their planet to scour the universe for worthy adversaries. Initiating a hunting competition, the fierce creatures landed on Alpha Centauri 3 -- a baron rock crawling with Alien inhabitants. While the initial plan was to hunt and destroy these vile critters, the Predators soon realized their opposition was smarter and stronger than anticipated. Within a short period, the Alien race decimated the hunters; only one survived the onslaught.

Alien vs. Predator features side-scrolling action, advanced weaponry and a solitary mission objective: the destruction of the Alien race. As the remaining Predator, you'll trudge through ominous caverns, residential and utility corridors, and the Alien Queen's lair. There are seven levels in all, each progressively harder than the previous. Because of the intricate level designs, the radar maps out layouts and shows enemy creature locations.

Since enemies come from out of nowhere, you should pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Your lone Predator will come across various Alien creatures including the drone-like warriors, hatching eggs, knee-high Chest-bursters and the speedy, leech-like Face-huggers who leave trails of acid slime, so be careful where you walk! After decimating her cronies, only one foe remains: the Alien Queen.

Weapons include the default wrist blades, cutting disks, laser cannons, and bombs (also used for blasting rusted or decrepit walls). Additionally, you'll have access to a cloaking device for stealth and surprise attacks. Along the way, you'll come across locked doors and other interactive objects such as keys and energy pickups used for replenishing the Predator's health and radar. Alien vs. Predator is an all-out war where revenge is the ultimate prize.

Review: Overall

Alien vs. Predator fails to impress the moment you turn on the Game Boy; you can either sit through a long and uninteresting story background or dive right into the game. Problems come to fruition almost immediately. Because the corridors are confusing and small, it is hard to move around. Although a mini-map radar is on the screen at all times, navigation is a chore in tedium. While the small crawlways and ladders attempt to make the terrain more varied, it makes the gameplay longer and more pointless.

Backtracking is an unavoidable pitfall if you want to find all the power-ups and weapons. Alien baddies, all three or four of 'em, attack in a few minimal patterns -- all of which are predictable. While having multiple weapons such as the cutting disk and laser canon are nice features, it doesn't make up for the frustrating gameplay. The Predator moves slow and jumps even slower. Additionally, acid drips from the ceilings; because it isn't always visible, it can be somewhat annoying.

There are times when the interface is difficult to manage. Granted you've obtained a weapon, the weapon selection screen displays a picture of where the weapon is located on the Predator's body. Gee, it takes a genius to determine where that shoulder laser cannon is!

Because the combat is somewhat enjoyable at times, Alien vs. Predator isn't a total waste. On the other hand, it's not fun enough to play for an extended period of time. If you're looking for a good Alien vs. Predator title, check out the Super Nintendo version; heck, try finding the Arcade version where you'll have a choice between humans and Predator characters. Whichever you choose, you'd better avoid this slow, unresponsive monstrosity of a game.

Review: Enjoyment

Because of the sluggish controls and gameplay, there isn't much fun to be had with Alien vs. Predator.

Review: Graphics

While the graphics are decent for the Game Boy, the repeating textures are a bit distracting.

Review: Sound

With bland sound effects and music, the sound department is lacking.

Review: Replay Value

I doubt anyone will have the patience to complete this game. Heck, there isn't much reason to play it in the first place.

Review: Documentation

The instruction manual explains the backing storyline and gives enemy and weapon descriptions.

Production Credits