Alien vs. Predator (SNES) Playthrough
6Playthrough of Activision's 1993 beat 'em up for the Super NES, Alien vs. Predator.
Alien vs. Predator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game released in 1993. It was developed by the now-defunct company, Advantage, and was based on the popular Alien and Predator film franchises. Players have the option to choose between three playable characters: the Predator, the Alien, or a human Colonial Marine, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game is set in a dystopian future where a group of humans have found themselves caught in the middle of a deadly conflict between the two extraterrestrial species.
The game features a linear progression through various levels, which are filled with hordes of enemies, including face-huggers, aliens, and hostile humans. Each character has a variety of moves, from basic attacks to special abilities that become essential for surviving the game's increasingly difficult waves of enemies. The Predator can use ranged weapons like the Plasma Caster and has an energy shield, while the Alien can wall-climb and use its tail to strike enemies. The Marine, on the other hand, is equipped with firearms and grenades, making it the most straightforward but less mobile character.
The visuals are typical of 16-bit platformers, with detailed sprites and backgrounds that capture the gritty, industrial look of the Alien and Predator films. The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, with levels set in space stations, laboratories, and other alien-infested environments. The game also has an eerie, tension-filled soundtrack that complements its sci-fi horror theme.
Despite its simplicity, the gameplay of Alien vs. Predator is well-balanced and offers a solid challenge, especially when played on higher difficulty levels. The cooperation between the two alien species, the Predator and Alien, is hinted at in the narrative, and the battles between them add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement. However, while it’s a fun beat 'em up, it remains a game mostly for fans of the Alien and Predator franchises, as those unfamiliar with the lore may find the game's appeal a bit niche. Still, Alien vs. Predator stands as a cult classic for SNES fans who enjoy old-school action and extraterrestrial combat.