AVP2

Aliens vs. Predator 2: http://www.sierrastudios.com/games/aliensvspredator2/

Marines, we are leaving!

Aliens vs Predator was one of the more unique first person shooters to come out in the last several years. While it did not quite push boundaries in the fashion of Thief or System Shock 2, it provided a unique gameplay experience nonetheless. Featuring three vastly different playable characters - the Predator, the Marine and the Alien, AvP played somewhat like singleplayer StarCraft where each character had its own campaign.

Man, I thought those leaky pipes were alien drool!

You'll need more than extra security

Oh man, a big hole in the ground :(

Aliens vs Predator 2 is built on the LithTech 2.5 engine, looking much improved over earlier versions though still retaining the distinct LithTech feel. Everything from textures through models to lighting has been improved and it shows - that's if you see it through the ever-present darkness in the game.

Sound effects and style remain true to the original and the movies, with a heavy emphasis on the Alien setting. The Predator is stuck into this scenario, but being such a versatile character he fits right into the world. Given the popularity of the setting in comics and games (going all the way back to the arcade and the Atari Jaguar), the franchise has its share of followers who would not take kindly to being disappointed.

l33t h4x0r liek JeffK!!1!

Lights on is good news, right? right?!

Only if you want to see your death coming

The demo

At 53MB, the AvP 2 demo is quite light by today's standards and unfortunately so is the content. The demo is labeled the Marine Demo for good reason - you play the Marine, and only the Marine. The level itself is quite short and can be beaten by a skilled player in ten to fifteen minutes on the first try, especially if the ridiculously easy 'Easy' difficulty level is used. The gap between difficulty levels is considerable but not insurmountable.

As a Marine you find yourself presented with a set of clear goals which need to be accomplished. You know that the base has been attacked and by Aliens, but they've stayed quiet since your landing so far. Your task is to infiltrate the lower levels of the base and bring power back online.