In late December, Alien Rogue Incursion was released for PlayStation VR and PC VR platforms. It was one of the last ‘big’ video game releases of the year. While not completely flawless, it does act as a reminder of how far video games have come. Virtual reality gaming is still arguably waiting for its ‘iPhone moment,’ i.e., the tipping point where the product becomes a must-have. Rogue Incursion feels like a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction.
Still, there is a lot to be said about the simple games of the past. And alien-themed games play their part in retro gaming culture, which is having something of a renaissance thanks to gaming emulators and a general lurch toward nostalgia. Below, we have picked out ten alien-themed classics from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that are still worth checking out. And yes, there will be an appearance or two from the Xenomorph franchise itself.
- Galaxy Game (1971)
Before Space Invaders, there was Galaxy Game. Released in 1971, it is considered the first coin-operated arcade game. Despite its place in history, it is actually an expanded version of a much earlier game – 1962 Space War! It’s a bit basic, yes, but the game mechanics are sound, and it can be played for free on emulator platforms.
- Space Invaders (1978)
The most influential alien game in history? Space Invaders is still a hit in retro arcades, on emulators, and has branded games like Slingo Space Invaders. The graphics are dated but iconic, yet the playability remains. Alien-themed games have changed markedly since Space Invaders’ heyday, but it remains a classic.
- Defender (1981)
An underrated title, both at the time and now in the retro gaming wave. With Defender, you were charged with defending astronauts from abduction by alien ships. It was quietly influential as a side-scrolling shooter game.
- Alien (1982)
The first of many games linked to the Alien movie franchise. Let’s be frank: this maze-based game doesn’t really hold up, nor was it universally praised at the time of its release. Yet, the Atari 2600 title is part of the history of the franchise. Worth checking out, even if it is just out of curiosity.
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- Metroid (1986)
Released in Japan in 1986 (US players had to wait until 1987, and Europeans a full two years), Metroid is certainly one of the most influential games of the 1980s. Bold and ambitious for the nascent NES, it was seen as ground-breaking for its concept of non-linear exploration, i.e., doing stuff in the game not necessarily tied to the overall quest.
- Another World (1991)
The game tells the story of Lester, a scientist who somehow finds himself fighting for survival on an alien world. Another World has been described as the best video game of all time. While not everyone will agree, it’s a beloved title approaching masterpiece status. There have been several reissues, ports, and even a mobile version, but revisiting the original is worth it.
- Alien 3 (1992)
The game looks great and was broadly praised for its graphics, atmosphere, and attention to detail. You play as Ripley, rescuing prisoners and fighting off Xenomorphs on a prison facility. Again, it’s a good example of a milestone in Alien gaming history, but it does get a little repetitive.
- UFO: Enemy Unknown (1994)
One of the most influential games of the 1990s and arguably one of the best strategy games ever made. Defend Earth from a host of alien ships by managing resources, coming up with battle plans, and other strategic tactics.
- Earthbound (1994)
Earthbound is one of those games that did not hit the mark, certainly in terms of sales, yet retrospective reviews have signaled that it’s something of a cult classic. The thing is, it’s totally unique, as you join a misfit crew to collect melodies in order to save the universe. Great stuff.
- Alien Versus Predator (1999)
Why not finish with the 3rd entry on this list linked to the Alien franchise? AVP, the video game, received positive reviews across the board from critics. Like the movie series, it does not take itself too seriously, and that makes it a lot of fun.
