| Title | Aliens: Fireteam Elite |
| Released | August 24, 2021 (Game) August 30, 2022 (Pathogen DLC) |
| Developer | Cold Iron Studios, LLC |
| Publisher(s) | Focus Home Interactive SAS (PC) Cold Iron Studios, LLC |
| Platform(s) |         |
| Genre | Shooter, Horror, Action |
| Rating | M |
Completed on PC on Normal
HowLongToBeat Time: 8.5hrs Base + 1.5hrs DLC | My Clear Time:10hrs
Background
Aliens: Fireteam Elite brings players into the gripping world of the Alien franchise. Developed by Cold Iron Studios, this cooperative third-person shooter launched on August 24, 2021, across various platforms, including a later Cloud version for Nintendo Switch on April 2, 2023. The game seeks to immerse fans in the atmosphere of the classic Alien films while offering modern gameplay mechanics.
Collaborating closely with FoxNext and Disney, the developers crafted an experience that feels true to the franchise’s essence, drawing inspiration from its rich lore and past adaptations. The Pathogen DLC expands the story, introducing new enemies, locations, and missions for players seeking more excitement.
The development team for Aliens: Fireteam Elite includes:
- Christopher L’Etoile (Writer) – Known for Mass Effect, Dragon Age: Origins, Mass Effect 2
- Matt Highison (Director) – Known for Neverwinter, Star Trek Online
- Nicholas Stohlman (Senior Concept Artist) – Known for Evolve, Iron Man
- Austin Wintory (Composer) – Known for Journey, Abzû, The Banner Saga
- Tyler Sparks (Producer) – Known for Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: World at War, Marvel Spider-Man
Experience
Before playing Aliens: Fireteam Elite on PC, I completed the game on Xbox Series X at launch, where I faced various issues like screen flickering and crashes. Thankfully, the PC version as of August 3, 2024, shows significant improvements.
I’m a fan of the Alien franchise, having watched Alien, Prometheus, Covenant, Alien: Romulus, and the Special Edition of Aliens. My experience also includes squad-based shooters like Star Wars: Republic Commando and Rainbow Six: Vegas. Although Alien vs Predator 2010 holds a special place in my heart, Fireteam Elite provides an enjoyable cooperative experience with far fewer issues now.
Impressions
Introduction
Aliens: Fireteam Elite begins with your role as a Colonial Marine aboard the UAS Endeavor. The first mission quickly draws you into the action when a distress call leads your team to investigate the Katanga refinery. The game establishes a tense atmosphere filled with dread, setting the stage for the thrilling cooperative missions that follow.
Lore deepens with mention of Shaw and Holloway.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, players face a variety of enemies that each present unique challenges. Here are some key enemy types you’ll encounter:
- Xenomorph Runners: Fast and agile, these are the primary antagonists players will battle. Their speed and swarming tactics can overwhelm unprepared teams, requiring players to use cover effectively and coordinate their attacks.
- Xenomorph Warriors: Heavily armored and more resilient than Runners, these foes excel in close-quarters combat. Their strength and durability make them formidable opponents, requiring quick, focused fire to take them down.
- Xenomorph Praetorians: Acting as some of the toughest Xenomorphs in the game, Praetorians function as tanks in enemy waves. With thick exoskeletons and powerful attacks, they demand strategic teamwork to defeat.
- Prowlers: Stealthy and cunning, Prowlers can ambush players from the shadows, picking off unsuspecting team members. Players must remain vigilant and communicate effectively to avoid being caught off guard.
- Synthetics: As human adversaries, Synthetics possess advanced AI and firepower. They can flank players and coordinate attacks, making them a real threat, especially in groups.
- Sentry Guns: While not traditional enemies, these automated turrets can be found in various missions. They are programmed to fire at players, adding an extra layer of challenge in strategically placed areas.
At its core, Aliens: Fireteam Elite thrives on cooperation, with up to three players (or AI-controlled bots) forming a fireteam. Each player chooses from five distinct classes, each bringing unique skills to the table:
Classes:
- Gunner – Versatile in offense with damage-boosting abilities.
- Demolisher – Heavy firepower specialist for dealing with large groups.
- Technician – Utilizes turrets and shock grenades for area control.
- Doc – Provides healing support.
- Recon – Offers tactical advantages like ammo replenishment.
Combat is fast-paced, demanding effective use of cover and positioning. You’ll face a range of foes, from swarming Xenomorph Runners to heavily armed Synthetics, each requiring different tactics. As the difficulty ramps up, relying on class abilities—like the Technician’s turret or the Doc’s healing station—becomes crucial.
Game Modes
In addition to the campaign, Aliens: Fireteam Elite offers several engaging game modes that enhance replayability:
- Horde Mode: Team up to survive waves of increasingly difficult enemies on maps like Likasi Tower, Ruptured Cistern, and Terminal Containment.
- Point Defense: Defend a specified location against enemy attacks on the map Quake.
- Restock Turrets: A tactical mode set in Tower where players must manage resources and defend their position.
A full breakdown of Aliens: Fireteam Elite’s mission and horde mode maps.
The weapon customization system allows you to tweak firearms and attachments to match your playstyle, while the perk system helps tailor your abilities for offense, defense, or support roles. This flexibility keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging as you progress through missions.
Struggling to free a teammate from a vicious Prowler ambush.
Character and Art Design
Aliens: Fireteam Elite draws heavily on the dark, industrial aesthetics of H.R. Giger, creating a haunting atmosphere that echoes the eerie environments of the films. The character designs reflect the grittiness of the franchise, showcasing detailed models that capture the essence of Colonial Marines. The environments range from tight, claustrophobic spaces to expansive alien landscapes, each brimming with unsettling details that enhance the sense of dread.
The face of an Engineer looms large, echoing Prometheus’ ancient mysteries.
Unique Features and Mechanics
One interesting feature is the card system, which adds a roguelike element to the game. Before selecting a mission, players choose a card that influences the gameplay. The game randomly selects one of these cards to apply to the mission, creating unique challenges each time you play. With hundreds of cards available, modifiers can change everything from the level’s color palette to weapon behavior. As of the June 2024 update, players can acquire as many cards as desired for free from a special shop.
Challenge Cards shake up the odds.
Pathogen DLC Expansion
The Pathogen DLC has arrived, continuing the Aliens: Fireteam Elite story with new environments, maps, cosmetics, and a campaign that puts the crew of the Endeavor into their most perilous mission yet. A mysterious pathogen has evolved on the planet LV-895, threatening not just the local wildlife but even Xenomorphs.
Battling the fearsome Pathogen Brute in the DLC.
Players who were left wanting more after the base campaign will appreciate the Pathogen DLC, which features a real boss battle against a Pathogen Queen. This battle evokes the same level of frantic intensity as the final sequence in Aliens. The expansion includes:
- 8 New Weapons: Two for each weapon type.
- 3 New Missions: Continue the story in new environments.
- 1 New Perk for Each Class Kit: Enhance your playstyle with fresh abilities.
- 13 New Weapon Attachments: Customize your arsenal further.
- Cosmetics and Gear: 2 new outfits for all 7 Class Kits, 6 head accessories, 21 weapon colors, 10 decals, and 10 new emotes.
The Pathogen DLC provides a satisfying continuation, delivering a variety of new content and challenges to reinvigorate the Fireteam Elite experience.
Verdict
Aliens: Fireteam Elite – Into The Hive Edition succeeds in offering a faithful adaptation of the Alien universe, with cooperative gameplay that’s both challenging and rewarding. While this isn’t a contender for the best Aliens game, it serves as a solid stepping stone, especially with a sequel confirmed to be in development. The base campaign can feel repetitive, but the Pathogen expansion injects new life with its additional story content, varied enemies, and thrilling boss encounters. Technical improvements since launch make this edition the definitive version, providing a stable and immersive shooter that fans of the franchise will appreciate.
TLDR
Rating: 6.5/10
In Summary: Aliens: Fireteam Elite – Into The Hive Edition offers an engaging cooperative shooter experience set in the beloved Alien universe. While it has its flaws, notably repetitive gameplay and linear levels, the Pathogen DLC adds depth with new missions and challenges. The aesthetics capture the haunting essence of the franchise, making it worthwhile for fans.
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