Aliens: Fireteam Elite
Xenomorph shooter is heavy on action, light on content.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a sci-fi themed third-person shooter game available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Windows based computers. The game's based on the popular Aliens film and media franchise, putting players in the role of a Colonial Marine sent on a rescue mission to defend against an infestation of deadly xenomorph creatures. Violence is a core component of the game, with players using a range of military style weapons to fight the alien enemies. There's a lot of blood shown onscreen, though most of it is the acidic green blood of the xenomorphs. Parents should also be aware that, aside from the profanity that appears in the game's dialogue, players could also be exposed to offensive language through party chat options when teaming with other players in online matches.
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Bought this for my 14 year old son
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What’s It About?
Taking place 23 years after the original Aliens film trilogy, ALIENS: FIRETEAM ELITE takes players to the far reaches of deep space for a new tale of survival against a species of apex predators. After receiving a distress call from Pala Station on planet LV-895 in the outer colonies, the USS Endeavor is redirected to the area to investigate the situation and rescue any survivors. But exactly how did xenomorphs find their way to this remote location? And what connection could there be to the infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation and the secret lab it's been running? You are part of an elite three-person squad of Colonial Marines and the front line of defense against the xenomorph infestation. You'll team with up to two friends or go solo with two combat synthoids and complete missions that will take you from a freighter in high orbit above LV-895 to deep below the planet's surface, a place where relics from a long-lost species could hold the key to humanity's survival … or its total annihilation.
Is It Any Good?
It was the first Alien movie that claimed "In space, no one can hear you scream," but since then, the sleek onyx murder machines have been nightmare fuel for generations of sci-fi fans. Aliens: Fireteam Elite gives players a chance to team up and take the fight straight to the xenomorphs in a squad-based shooting gallery, with swarms of the bloodthirsty creatures pouring out from every vent, cave, and other shadowy corner. The game lacks a lot of the suspenseful horror elements that the franchise has been known for, but it doesn't feel like the license has just been tacked on. The story, along with the extra bits of intel that players find along the way, weaves an interesting side chapter to the Aliens universe for fans of the films, books, and other franchise lore. Meanwhile, the action in the gameplay is strong enough to draw in gamers looking for a fun and familiar shooter.
It's hard not to compare Aliens: Fireteam Elite to games like Left 4 Dead. Both games have players make a mad dash from Point A to B, fending off waves of creatures before making a stand against one last big push against the ravenous horde. Still, as formulaic as it seems, it still works for the most part. Each class feels distinct from the others and can serve a strong role in team play, whether it's the Demolisher laying down covering fire or the Doc giving a quick stim boost to power through a fight. One frustrating thing, though, is that the game mentions five playable classes, but leaves out the fact that only four are available at the start. To use the Recon class, players must first complete all twelve chapters in the Campaign mode. The Horde mode is also locked until players complete the campaign. While it's understandable to want to reward players' efforts, this feels less like a reward and more like players are being forced into an incomplete experience. Despite this, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is still a good game to enjoy with friends looking to scratch that sci-fi shooting itch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Aliens: Fireteam Elite affected by the fact that you're killing aliens instead of people? Would the impact be intensified if you were shooting humans instead of creatures?
How can licensed games help to expand the story of certain movies, books, etc.? Do you prefer games based on and inspired by familiar properties or something completely new and original?
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
- Release date: August 24, 2021
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
- Topics: Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: M for Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Last updated: August 23, 2021
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