Aliens Vs. Predator 2

Author : Jason Date : 4th Dec.

Game	Aliens Vs. Predator 2
Manufacturer	Sierra
Supplier	N/A
Price	£29.99 - £35.99 UK

 

 

 

 

Part One: Introduction

Aliens V`s Predator, or AvP2 for short, is a game that I have been waiting for, for a while now. Fans of the first game should instantly remember the dark, claustrophobic corridors that were its specialty. A lot has changed for the latest outing, but thankfully a lot has stayed the same. When I first started reading about AvP2 I repeatedly heard that it just wouldn't be scary. Wrong! This game is at least as scary as AvP1 with the marine. Predator and alien stories have a different feel to them also. With the predator, you can sit back and happily snipe people's lives away as he chuckles mercilessly with every head shot. The alien is now even more deadly with an impressive pounce attack.

Part Two: Graphics

AvP2 uses the Lithtech engine from monolith. Graphically, the game is lovely. AvP2 sees some very large environments with an impressing amount of detail. It's a real surprise the first time you reach an open space and spin the mouse in confusion, struck down by a sudden case of agoraphobia! Inside the many complexes that you will encounter, the ambient light of the external environments is left outside. As you enter the corridors, lights strobe at you and that sense of closeness returns. The textures are detailed and you can't really see much repetition except in some large walls and the like. The polygon count has soared making things much more detailed than the original.
One of the things that initially disappointed me was that a lot of the areas in the game are very well lit. Believe me, the fear factor is still there!
During play, more and more graphical details keep popping up. The predator looses his mask if he becomes to damaged, trees sway gently in the wind and acid burns black splotches on the ground. All these touches add depth and believability to the game.

Part Three: Sound

Most gamers generally overlook sound. This is a game that utilizes sound incredibly well. Being the marine and hearing all manor of strange gratings and scratches really makes hair stand on end. Sound is of course very useful in this game. It is one of the only ways to predict where your enemy will strike.
Each of the races is easily recognized from the noises they make. From the booming of aliens smashing a pressure door, to the laser sight of the predator locking on.
The music also reacts to the current situation of the player. Eerie and sober when you are safe (not very often) to fast paced and lively rifts that jar you about as your panic rises.

Part Four: Screenshots Part One

Page Two
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