Moviegoing audiences are treated to a spectacular selection of sci-fi attractions. The Alien series of films began in 1979 with the iconic Alien film and a paltry budget of $11 million. It went on to gross $184.7 million worldwide, and it spurred a multigenerational sensation with fans. Aliens was rebooted in 1986, with a budget of $18.5 million. It raked in $183.3 million in worldwide box office takings. By 1992, Alien 3 hit the scene with a boosted budget of $60 million and global box office takings of $159.8 million.
The next Alien film was released in 1997 – Alien Resurrection. With a budget of $70 million, and worldwide box office takings of $161.4 million, the franchise was teetering. But Prometheus (2012) was the reboot needed to catapult the Alien series back into the mainstream. This film pulled in $403.3 million worldwide. Then, in 2017, Alien: Covenant was released with a budget of $100 million. It managed to pull in $240.9 million in global box office takings. And now, we have Alien: Romulus, fresh out of the studios with a budget of $80 million.
So where did the concept of Alien emanate? The creative talent behind the Alien films was the express domain of Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett. The original film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and garnered several Saturn Awards. Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, Alien was a commercial success, despite a lukewarm reception from critics. Ostensibly, the American Library of Congress deemed the form culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant in 2002 and it was preserved accordingly. The latest Alien: Romulus film is a two-part prequel written and directed by Fede Alvarez.
Where Do the Ideas Spawn from?
The enduring success of the Alien films is a testament to a clear strategic vision. The franchise drills into our deep-seated fascination with the unknown. These riveting films tap into primal fears. But they also pique our curiosity. By presenting a cinematic exploration of what may exist beyond the confines of our world, they reel us into the great unknown. And given our voracious appetite for such things, alien-themed elements now pervade our cultural zeitgeist. We see evidence of this well beyond the confines of the silver screen. There are all sorts of unbelievable theories, stories, and alleged alien encounters. Are these stories fictional? Or do they reflect a reality we have yet to accept?
As our fascination with extraterrestrial life balloons, this theme has expanded beyond films and into other entertainment realms. Alien elements now permeate a multitude of mediums, including alien-themed social games. These games pique our curiosity about the unknown, blending whimsical alien characters with interactive gameplay to create a captivating experience that resonates with fans of sci-fi. Sometimes the games are merely entertaining. But at other times they can be downright nerve-wracking.
Imagination knows no bounds. Alien-themed entertainment is often hatched from the deepest and darkest recesses of the mind. The wild musings of storytellers often find a safe haven in creative license. Anything goes. And in the realm of alien-themed entertainment, there is a rich variety to choose from. Whether it's animatronics, video games, or alien games, the world is awash with sci-fi fantasy. Take the Alien Fruits franchise as a case in point – these social games showcase zany-looking alien critters with a decidedly comical appearance.
Designed to elicit a strong reaction from players, this social casino game features many of the alien-themed elements of the similar movie series. The creators behind these games intentionally include many movie and video game elements to enhance the dramatic effects. Flying saucers, antigravity elements and alien multipliers pepper the entertainment arena. As with all sci-fi attractions, it's the audio-visual synergy that drives participation. The alien-themed music, with ethereal instruments and otherworldly effects makes for gripping entertainment.
The Aliens Are Out There
One wonders whether these ideas have any factual basis in them. Indeed, the sages tell us that there is nothing new under the sun. If correct, there are aliens are among us, or have been at some point. There are many wild theories about alien encounters, body-snatchers, and strange human testing aboard spaceships. Many folks dismiss these wild ramblings as gobbledygook, and overactive imaginations, but we know that there is no fiction stranger than life.
