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Aliens Versus Predator (1999 video game)

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This article is about the 1999 video game. For other similarly titled games, see List of Alien and Predator games.

Aliens Versus Predator
Developer(s)Rebellion Developments
Logicware (Mac OS X)[6]
Publisher(s)Fox Interactive
MacPlay (Mac OS X)[6]
Rebellion Developments (Classic 2000)
Director(s)Chris Miller
Producer(s)Vivian Barad
Programmer(s)Kevin Floyer-Lea
Artist(s)Marco Bertoldo
Composer(s)Rich Ragsdale
SeriesAlien vs. Predator
Platform(s)
ReleaseWindows
  • NA: 13 May 1999[2][3]
  • EU: 25 June 1999[1]
  • NA: 28 March 2000 (Gold)
  • EU: 28 July 2000 (Gold)[4]
  • WW: 15 January 2010 (Classic 2000)
Mac OS, Mac OS X
October 19, 2001 (Gold)[5]
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Aliens Versus Predator is a 1999 science fiction first-person shooter video game developed by Rebellion Developments and published by Fox Interactive for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Mac OS X. It is a part of the Alien and Predator crossover franchise, Alien vs. Predator.[7] A sequel, Aliens Versus Predator 2, was developed by Monolith Productions and released by Sierra in 2001.

Gameplay

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Like the 1994 Alien vs Predator game for the Atari Jaguar, Aliens Versus Predator offers three separate campaigns, each playable as a separate species: Alien, Predator, or human Colonial Marine.[8] Each player character has different objectives, abilities, and weapons.[9] The single-player campaign presents the player with a conventional series of levels to progress through that are designed around the abilities of each character.

As the Colonial Marine the player uses a number of weapons to combat Aliens and Predators. The marine wears armor for protection and uses an image intensifier and flares to improve visibility in dark areas.

When playing as the Predator the player uses a variety of weapons from the Predator films such as wrist blades, a smart disc, and shoulder-mounted energy cannon. The Predator is the most durable of the three player characters and can survive falls from greater heights than the human. The player can use a cloaking device to become invisible and several different modes of vision to detect enemies, including an infrared vision mode and a mode sensitive to electrical systems.

As an Alien the player can explore most of the game's environments freely, even climbing across walls and ceilings. The Alien has no weapons, however, using its claws, tail, and jaws to attack enemies. The screen is distorted into a fisheye lens effect to reflect the Alien's field of view. The player can also use a form of echolocation in dark areas and can detect pheromones to discern human or Predator enemies. The Alien can drop from any height without injury and is the fastest of the three player characters.

Several bonus levels allow each player character access to portions of the missions of the other characters. To allow the marine and Predator characters to traverse through the areas of the Alien missions, the player is supplied with a jet pack for the marine and a grappling hook for the Predator.

Plot

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The storylines of the three player characters are independent of one another. As an Alien the player must defend the Alien hive from human marines, then stow away on an evacuating spacecraft and reach the marines' ship, the Ferarco. When the Ferarco's self-destruct system is activated, the player must reach the escape shuttle, which takes them to Gateway Station from Aliens (1986). Here the player explores the station and battles more marines, reaching a ship departing for Earth. Before boarding the ship the player battles two Predators, after which the Alien enters the Earth-bound shuttle.

When playing as the Colonial Marine, the player begins at a research station on LV-426 built to study the derelict spacecraft where the Nostromo crew first encountered the Alien eggs in the film Alien (1979). Aliens attack and the player must fight their way through the research facility, the derelict ship, and an adjoining colony. Next the player explores the atmosphere processing station and shuts down its cooling valves in order to cause an explosion which will wipe out the Aliens. The player character escapes in a drop ship and travels to Odobenus Station in orbit above the planetoid, where they battle more Aliens, Predators, facehuggers, and cybernetically-enhanced Aliens until reaching the spaceship Tyrargo. Aboard the ship the player battles more enemies including an Alien/Predator hybrid and "praetorian" Aliens. The player then battles an Alien queen, defeating it by expelling it through the airlock.

The Predator character's storyline visits three different planets, beginning with the player hunting marines in order to recover a captured Predator ship and its occupant from a human military base. Aliens are accidentally released in the base and the player discovers that the humans have created an Alien/Predator hybrid by implanting the captured Predator with an Alien embryo. The player defeats the hybrid, triggers the facility's self-destruct mechanism, and escapes in the Predator ship. The player next visits Fiorina "Fury" 161, the prison planet that is the setting of Alien 3 (1992), where more Aliens and marines are battled. Finally the player visits a marine-controlled Alien habitat, battling cybernetically-enhanced Aliens, "praetorian" Aliens, and finally the Alien queen.

Development and release

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Aliens Versus Predator was developed by Rebellion Developments and published by Fox Interactive. It was announced in 1995 for release during the 1997 Christmas season on the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Microsoft Windows.[10][11][12] However, the PC version was pushed back to 1999, while the Saturn and PlayStation versions were scrapped altogether, though the PlayStation was showcased in an early state during E3 1997.[13] The Saturn version was not displayed at the show, though Rebellion was still planning a release for the system at the time.[14] A version for the Dreamcast was also in development but never released.[15]

An expansion pack titled Millennium Expansion Pack was released in 2000. It adds nine levels for single- and multiplayer, the ability to save within levels and new weapons for the marine. A compilation package titled Aliens Versus Predator: Gold Edition was also released in 2000. It contains the main game and the expansion. An Apple Macintosh version, for OS X and classical Mac OS, based on the Gold Edition was released by MacPlay in 2001.[16] A version for Game Boy Advance was to be developed and published by Ubisoft, but eventually canceled.

The mission briefings in the original version of the game were acted by professional actors, however, the development team felt that their acting didn't provide the sense of urgency required. New versions of the briefings were made for the gold edition featuring members of the team.[17]

Source code release

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In 2001, on end-of-support and end-of-life of the game, Rebellion Developments released the game's source code and tools to public to allow the game community further support of the game.[18] Following the source code release, the game was unofficially ported to Linux and hosted at icculus.org in 2001,[19] Xbox in 2009 and for PlayStation Vita in 2020. Also an unofficial patch project for the PC version exists, based on the source code.[20]

Re-release

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On 15 January 2010, after several years of commercial unavailability, Aliens Versus Predator was commercially re-released under the title Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000. This version of the game has been updated to work on modern computers, as well as support for the Xbox 360 controllers. Moreover, this release includes all the levels from the Gold Edition and the extra content of the Millennium Expansion Pack. Supporting only single player initially, multiplayer functionality has since been added.[21] This release can be purchased either through Valve's Steam digital distribution service,[22][23][24] through Green Man Gaming, or through GOG.com[25] where it started as a free giveaway.[26] A patch released on 19 January 2010 added proper widescreen support, optional unlimited saves, a locked frame rate, mouse improvements, and other updates to the game.[27] At one point it was available through the now-defunct game streaming service OnLive.[28]

Reception

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Aliens Versus Predator received favorable reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[29] IGN praised the game for allowing the player to play three different characters, each with a unique game-play element, and for being "fun and terrifying at the same time".[8] GamePro cited the lack of a save feature as a major flaw, but praised the "splendid graphics, perfect sound effects, multiple vision modes, and ambiance" and citing it as "the most frightening game since Half-Life".[36] The Adrenaline Vault cited the lack of depth in the story as a major flaw but praised the immersive atmosphere describing a moment of being attacked by a facehugger in the game as being "in these moments...the greatest game I had ever played".[7] Edge gave it a score of eight out of ten, saying, "Equally, while AvP lacks the glossiness of its peers (Unreal, Half-Life, etc.) [...] the fabulously horrific, tense, and uniquely skewed action will doubtless be enough to make it a film favourite with those PC gamers who possess an insatiable appetite for firstperson [sic] thrills."[44] Next Generation called it "a totally absorbing, even terrifying, experience. It's a shame that the engine didn't have the graphical clout of, say, an Unreal, or some more inventive level design, but it's fine for creating an atmosphere, a commodity it oozes at every step, making it one of the most memorable gaming experiences you're likely to survive."[41]

Nathna Smith of Computer Games Strategy Plus gave the game four stars out of five, calling it "a revolutionary game, the kind that curmudgeonly critics dream of when criticizing the genre as stale."[45] However, he gave the Gold Edition three stars, saying, "Deciding whether or not to buy this game is really a no-brainer. If you enjoyed the single player game only to put it away, the gold edition is just a waste. If you only play multiplayer (or, possibly, Skirmish mode) then you can purchase the new bits for $9.99. While it can't compensate for the lack of a user/developer community, it more than doubles the number of levels available (from seven to 16)."[46]

For the 1999 awards given out by Level, Aliens Versus Predator ultimately won in the "First Person Shooter" category.[47] Aliens Versus Predator was nominated for PC PowerPlay's "Best Sound FX", "Best Enemy", and "Best Firstperson [sic] Shooter (Single Player)" awards, all of which went to Half-Life.[48] Aliens Versus Predator was also a runner-up in PC Format's "Best Shoot 'em Up Game" category, which was ultimately won by Quake III Arena.[49][50]

Sequel

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A sequel called Aliens Versus Predator 2 was developed by Monolith Productions and released by Sierra in 2001. It once again comprised distinct campaigns for each of the three playable species, but this time the plots of each were aligned within a common narrative, and the campaigns directly intersected at several points.

References

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  1. ^ "All out". The Guardian. 24 June 1999. p. 66. Retrieved 2 December 2023. Tomorrow may be the best day of the year for new games, with about 30 titles expected, if they all make it to the shops. The pick of the crop should include Driver, V-Rally 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Player Manager 99 for the Sony PlayStation, and Outcast, Total Annihilation: Kingdoms, Unreal: Return to Napoli, and Aliens Vs Predator for the PC.
  2. ^ Fudge, James (13 May 1999). "Aliens VS. Predator Released". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 April 2003. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Fox Interactive Unleashes a New Terror With the Release of ALIENS VS. PREDATOR". Business Wire. 13 May 1999. Archived from the original on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2021 – via The Free Dictionary.
  4. ^ "Today's UK releases". Eurogamer.net. 28 July 2000. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  5. ^ "Aliens Versus Predator TM Gold Edition for Mac OS X and OS 9 Has Shipped!". MacPlay. 19 October 2001. Archived from the original on 20 February 2003. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Buchanan, Jason. "Aliens Versus Predator: Gold Edition (Mac) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  7. ^ a b Laprad, David (9 June 1999). "Aliens vs. Predator Review". The Adrenaline Vault. Archived from the original on 25 October 2008. Retrieved 23 October 2008.
  8. ^ a b c Blevins, Tal (11 June 1999). "Aliens vs. Predator". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  9. ^ "NG Alphas: Aliens Vs. Predator". Next Generation. No. 34. Imagine Media. October 1997. p. 118. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  10. ^ Gillen, Marilyn A. (17 June 1995). "Ted Hoff Leaves Fox Interactive". Billboard. Billboard Music Group. p. 58.
  11. ^ Halverson, Dave (March 1997). "Rebellion Returns..." GameFan. Vol. 5, no. 3. Metropolis Media. p. 84. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  12. ^ Brown, Steve (August 1997). "Plug In: The Latest in Video Game News". Wizard. No. 72. Wizard Entertainment. p. 85.
  13. ^ "E3 Report: Aliens Vs Predator - Fox Interactive". PlayStation Plus. Vol. 2, no. 11. EMAP. August 1997. p. 25. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  14. ^ "Get the Fox Out of Here!". Sega Saturn Magazine. No. 22. EMAP. August 1997. p. 10. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  15. ^ "Dossier - L'union sacreé - Dreamcast - Alien Vs Predator [sic]". Consoles + (in French). No. 91. M.E.R.7. August 1999. p. 50. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  16. ^ Chaffin, Bryan (18 October 2001). "Aliens Vs. Predator Ships For Mac OS X and Classic Mac OS". The Mac Observer.
  17. ^ Jones, Tim (20 November 2018). "Aliens versus Predator: The 11th hour decision | War Stories". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  18. ^ [1] Archived 9 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine The source code to Aliens Vs Predator is copyright (c) 1999-2000 Rebellion and is provided as is with no warranty for its suitability for use. You may not use this source code in full or in part for commercial purposes. Any use must include a clearly visible credit to Rebellion as the creators and owners, and reiteration of this license.
  19. ^ "Aliens versus Predator Linux".
  20. ^ Aliens Vs Predator - Source code update
  21. ^ "Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000 Update Released". Steam. Valve Corporation. 28 January 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
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  23. ^ Burnes, Andrew (15 January 2010). "Rebellion's Original Aliens vs. Predator To Be Re-Released". Voodoo Extreme. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 19 January 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  24. ^ Burnes, Andrew (15 January 2010). "Aliens vs. Predator Classic 2000 Released On Steam". Voodoo Extreme. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 18 January 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  25. ^ "Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000". GOG.com. CD Projekt.
  26. ^ Prescott, Shaun (15 October 2014). "Alien[s] versus Predator Classic is free on GOG this week". PC Gamer. Future plc. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  27. ^ "Aliens vs. Predator Classic 2000 Update Released". Steam. Valve. 19 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 January 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  28. ^ "Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000 Game Details". OnLive. Lauder Partners. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011.
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  30. ^ Couper, Chris. "Aliens Versus Predator (PC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  31. ^ Conley, Eric (22 June 1999). "Aliens vs. Predator (PC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on 6 October 2000. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  32. ^ Bub, Andrew S. (4 May 2000). "Aliens vs. Predator Gold Edition (PC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on 16 August 2000. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  33. ^ Hiatt, Jesse (August 1999). "In Space, No One Will Let You Save (Aliens versus Predator Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 181. Ziff Davis. pp. 115–18. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
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  35. ^ Howarth, Robert (14 April 2000). "REVIEW for Aliens Versus Predator: Gold Edition". GameFan. Shinno Media. Archived from the original on 10 May 2000. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  36. ^ a b Strauch, Joel (14 June 1999). "Aliens Vs. Predator Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on 21 February 2005. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  37. ^ Johnny B. (June 1999). "Aliens Vs. Predator Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  38. ^ Wolpaw, Erik (7 June 1999). "Aliens versus Predator Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  39. ^ Roberts, Duster (7 May 2000). "Aliens versus Predator Gold Edition". GameSpy. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 4 April 2002. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  40. ^ Dickinson, Jon (28 June 1999). "Aliens versus Predator Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 14 January 2004. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  41. ^ a b "Aliens versus Predator (PC)". Next Generation. No. 54. Imagine Media. June 1999. p. 95. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  42. ^ D'Aprile, Jason (July 1999). "Aliens versus Predator". PC Accelerator. No. 11. Imagine Media. pp. 74–75. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  43. ^ "Aliens versus Predator". PC Gamer. Vol. 6, no. 8. Imagine Media. August 1999.
  44. ^ Edge staff (May 1999). "Aliens vs Predator". Edge. No. 71. Future Publishing. pp. 70–71. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  45. ^ Smith, Nathan (6 June 1999). "Aliens Versus Predator". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 April 2003. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  46. ^ Smith, Nathan (30 April 2000). "Aliens vs. Predator Gold Edition". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 April 2003. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  47. ^ "Best Games '99 Awards". Level. No. 29. Vogel. February 2000. p. 60. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  48. ^ "Game of the Year 1999 (Part 3)". PC PowerPlay. No. 47. Next Media Pty Ltd. April 2000. p. 30. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  49. ^ "Game of the Year 1999 (Part 3)". PC PowerPlay. No. 47. Next Media Pty Ltd. April 2000. p. 30. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  50. ^ "PCF Awards 2000". PC Format. No. 106. Future plc. March 2008. p. 42.
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