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Parents' Guide to

Aliens: Fireteam Elite

By David Chapman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Xenomorph shooter is heavy on action, light on content.

Game PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S 2021
Aliens: Fireteam Elite Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

JohnnJacksonn
JohnnJacksonn Adult
August 26, 2021
age 13+

Bought this for my 14 year old son

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person survival shooter that takes place in the shoes as marines fighting for their survival. The game isn't too over the top with the violence, but violence IS what the game revolves around. It does have some blood, from the players and the aliens. Usually when shooting the aliens some green acid blood squirts out, but its noting too much, and when you take damage some mild blood does cover the screen, but its nothing that you wont see in pretty much any other game involving fighting. It does have some occasional language such as f bombs but if your kid(s) is/are at least thirteen then by now they know what the f word is. I personally think that if your ever going to let your kids play or watch things with swear words then at least talk to them and tell them its not ok to swear. But besides the game doesn't feature much swearing but do remember to tell them that if they are going to play not to repeat what they here. I bought it for my 13 year old son and he had a lot of fun on it. I took a moment to play it my self and its not to bad. Not the worst game ever. I give it 3-4 stars.
DOGFART
DOGFART Parent of 18+-year-old
September 12, 2023
age 11+

Pretty good game, bought this for my 11 yr old son.

My 11 year old son loved this game and its not as violent as it seems. It really should not be rated M. The only blood in this game is alien blood and thats it. Im pretty sure the only reason its rated M is because the f bombs and that's it.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

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

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