From the NES to the PC to the arcades, many games have been based on the storied Aliens franchise.  Desperate marines gunning down hordes of slimy xenomorphs in confined spaces make for compelling gameplay.  The graphical firepower and online capabilities of next-gen systems look to continue this trend in "Aliens: Colonial Marines".  GamesRadar reports a few new details about the game, which is being developed for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.  These tidbits look quite promising, especially for those who prefer to duke it out against the Aliens with a friend (or three) at their back.

Set after the third Alien film, the game features a squad of Marines (naturally) waging war against the Aliens in order to locate Ripley and other characters featured in the films.  Locations throughout the quest will be varied, including wide open outdoor areas and cityscapes as well as the expected confined spaces.  Players will be able to reenact the tension of memorable scenes from the movies during Make A Stand scenarios.  In these events, Marines will be given time to seal doors, set up traps, and dig in before a near limitless horde of Aliens arrives and the bloodletting begins.

The trademark acid blood of the Aliens has not yet been implemented, but Gearbox promises that even in death, the Aliens will be deadly, their blood effecting the environment in various ways.  Quick time events (like those in God of War) will be featured, but rather than destroying the mood with garish colored symbols, the edges of the screen will tint to indicate button presses.  It seems that Gearbox is dedicated to keeping the atmosphere of the game consistent with that of the films.

But what about the co-op?  Up to four players will be able to slug it out against the xenomorphs at once, whether by split screen, system link, or online.  Drop in, drop out play will allow players to call in reinforcements at any time.  After all, the more friends you invite along, the better your odds are of avoiding a grisly and untimely end.  Setting up your defenses before a swarm of Aliens arrives and then blowing them to bits alongside three friends promises to be a fantastic experience.  The release date has not yet been determined, but keep your eyes on this one as more details emerge in the future.

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