There was a time when we thought we'd see Aliens: Colonial Marines in the Spring...of 2010.  There was also a time when we thought we'd see the game coming this Fall.  Sadly I've run out of movie quotes to use for the latest delay.  Today, Gearbox and SEGA have announced the "official" release date for the four player co-op game - and that date is - February 12th, 2013.

New screenshots and several previews have hit the web for Aliens: Colonial Marines.  The screens all look incredibly good, with the details on both characters and envioronments standing out.  Obviously with this being an Aliens game, atmosphere is key, and it looks like Gearbox nailed it.

Did you hear?  Aliens: Colonial Marines got some brand-spanking new box art!  Game packaging is usually not that big of a deal, but, you know, it's Aliens: Colonial Marines. Some of us have been waiting for this game for a long time.  Heck, the staff at Amazon still has their hopes up for a March release, despite the official delay until this Fall. At least we have some sweet, sweet box art to gaze upon:

"Oh dear Lord Jesus, this ain't happening, man... This can't be happening, man! This isn't happening!"

Aliens: Colonial Marines is sure to be an awesome take on the Aliens franchise, with its authentic design and 4-player online co-op. But you know what would make it even better? A Collector's Edition, that's what. Thanks to French gaming site GamesKyo, we now have a detailed picture of the Collector's Edition contents. Hope you like big boxes!

Next year, Aliens Colonial: Marines will finally see the light of day on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.  The Gearbox developed co-op game set in the famous universe created by the Alien franchise has been on our radar since - well since Co-Optimus was in it's infancy back in 2008.  The game has had a long ride to where it is today, so hopefully it'll be worth it.

SEGA has officially released more than 11 minutes of footage of Aliens: Colonial Marines in action.  The footage is actually the same demo that was on display at both E3 and PAX 2011 this year.  You can read our impressions of that right here.

Well this certainly doesn't suck. The new Aliens: Colonial Marines trailer actually looks quite stupendous. The atmosphere and sound are perfect. We even get a glimpse of a Power Loader and an Alien Queen. Looks like Gearbox wants to remind everyone that all their efforts aren't just going to Borderlands 2.

Five new screenshots of the four player co-op shooter Aliens: Colonial Marines have emerged on the game's official Facebook page to celebrate Gamescom 2011.  The Gearbox developed game has seen its share of delays and disappearances but it looks like we'll finally be praying for face hugger proof glass in the spring of 2012 on 360, PS3, PC and...Wii U.

Randy Pitchford immediately quipped that he'd been stealing from Alien(s) for years, so it's a "dream come true" to actually be working on a true Aliens licensed title.  The passion that Randy shows for his titles at Gearbox becomes immediately apparent if you've ever met him or watched him demo a game.  At E3 2011 Randy and a two other Gearbox devs showed us a live demo of Aliens: Colonial Marines, the four player co-op shooter for the 360, PS3, Wii U and PC - and by all accounts - its an Aliens fan's dream come true as well.

Aliens: Colonial Marines has been in our database and on our news radar for quite some time.  In fact, our first article about the game came more than three years ago in February.  Delayed and pushed aside a few times, it seems the Gearbox developed title is finally going to see the light of day in the Spring of 2012.  Today Sega, the game's publisher, has put out an official press release stating such a date and an announcement the game would be on display at E3 2011.

Are you coming or going?

By my math, Aliens: Colonial Marines was announced almost a full three years ago.  Co-Optimus was only a month old at the time but it was something we immediately knew would be special.  What we didn't realize is it would be special not because its an incredible looking four player co-op title based in the Aliens universe, but because of the ups and downs of its path to existence.

I think I see Aliens

Randy Pitchford talked with MCV about Aliens: Colonial Marines, and much to our excitement confirmed that it was still a priority project for the studio. Even after being put on a backburner by SEGA - and even after Borderlands craze "took over" Gearbox - Colonial Marines is alive and kicking...and Randy Pitchford wants to take the leash off.