2008: What could have been.
In early 2008, I
came across screenshots for a then upcoming game called Aliens: Colonial Marines. In development by Gearbox, creators of Opposing Force and Blue Shift expansion packs for the original Half-Life as well as the Borderlands
series, Colonial Marines was to be a squad-based tactical shooter that promised an
authentic recreation of the atmosphere and aesthetic of the sci fi action
classic Aliens. To say I was enthused
would have been the largest of understatements. In fact, it along with BioShock inspired my Xbox 360 purchase
later that year.
But then… things started happening. Delays are
common in the video game industry, especially among high budget, high profile
titles (Grand Theft Auto V, which was
to be released this spring, will not see the light of day until September). One
of the key factors contributing to Colonial
Marines’ belated release was the announcement of British developer
Rebellion’s long-awaited return to the Aliens
versus Predator series. So while I was irked by having to wait a little
longer for A:CM, I knew I would have another game of a slightly different
flavour, and by a developer familiar with the franchise, to tide me over for
the time being.
