Be afraid....be very afraid.... (Aliens Versus Predator 2 (PC))

Member Name: Chorltonred

Product:	Aliens Versus Predator 2 (PC)
Date:	03/04/02 (148 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: atmosphere, excitement, gameplay

Disadvantages: a bit easy

I knew that this game was something special when my wife came to check why I kept screaming whilst using the computer. For best effect, play this game alone in a darkened room, and prepare to jump out of your skin.

Some games are beautiful, some games are exciting, some games are atmospheric. This game however is simply the scariest, and for that reason, the most exciting I have ever played.

It is not particularly difficult (I eventually completed the seven marine missions in just under a week), but when you get physically afraid every time a bady comes after you, it seems a lot harder than it is.

The graphics, although impressive, are not what makes it so good either. After all, much of the action is set in dark tunnels and spaceship much beloved of fans of the Alien films.

What makes this game stand out are plot, atmosphere, suspense and the use of sound. The latter is particularly impressive, with music, distant screams and the howls of predators all used to good effect. The game also uses in game set pieces (similar to those which made Half Life so good) to good effect. For example, as you enter a room it will be just in time to see one of your hapless colleagues being dragged to their death by an Alien. Also, the motion tracker adds real tension because you know something is there even when you can't see it. Worrying!

As with the first AvP game, you can play as the Marine, Alien or Predator, and all are great fun, but not overly difficult. As an extra twist, the three plotlines are linked so you learn more each time you play.

Having played Half Life, Deus Ex and Wolfenstein, this game is not as deep and challenging as those titles, but is possibly even more fun to play.

A MUST HAVE for any serious gamer, especially if you're a big girls blouse like me!

Summary: