Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction

"Acid Spitting Fun"

I have played quite a few of EA's games and I have noticed one common trait. They all seem to be short. This game suffers from the same problem; it does not have a long lifespan. It is fun for a while, but it is beat fast.

Gameplay 9/10
The units are fairly easy to control, and the game is real time action. It plays just like most strategy games. The best comparison that I have for this game is Age of Empires (except in this game you do not build buildings). You are constantly attacking or being attacked, and you must continually think on your feet.

Your troops have different commands that can be issued. They have four standard modes, aggressive, defensive, stand ground, and no attack. You can also make up to for groups that can be targeted at any time with the directional buttons.

Graphics 8/10
The graphics are about average for this type of strategy game. There is a lot of blood and gore whenever a unit is attacked. The environment looks good and has some detail.

Story 7/10
Not much of a story. Before each game you can read about the new mission, and next to the writing you will see a drawing of some sort that relates to the mission. When you finish the game, you do not receive an ending, but you do get cheats unlocked. You basically here what the problem is before the last battle, and then play out your own ending.

Sound 8/10
The sound was about average. You could here it, and the effects sounded pretty good.

Lifespan 6/10
The lifespan is not very long at all. Most missions have a target time of less than 30 minutes. Each battle is rather easy and can be beaten in the time limit. There is no multiplayer or free-mode, this also KILLS the lifespan of this game.

Buyability 4/10
It is not that expensive, but you would probably rather rent this game. If you are a fan of Alien or predator then you might want to buy it. I have been a fan for a while, but now I wished I had rented the game instead.

Overall 7/10
I give this game a seven out of ten. I would have rather seen this game made into a 1st person shooter or action adventure, but unfortunately the game that was a 1st person shooter has been canceled (Aliens: Colonial Marines).

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/29/04