Alien Syndrome is disappointing on the Wii and PSPSega don't often do 3D shooters, and with the PSP version of Alien Syndrome, their latest release, you can see why. Even turning a blind eye to its soulless plot and stereotype riddled themes, you're still left with a very bland adventure.
You assume the role of Aileen Harding, a hardened warrior sent to discover why a deep space human outpost has ceased communication with earth. On arrival you stumble upon the predictable empty shell of a space station scattered with human bodies and hostile alien creatures, as well as a mysterious organic slime that has welded to the concrete walls. If it were a little more original, such a dreary storyline might hold some intrigue, but sadly it is so familiar it is hard to even pay any attention to.
AdvertisementThe game's developers have tried to combine a mixture of action and RPG elements, but the end result feels like the two genres are kept rather separate. In-game the emphasis is on real time combat, but this mostly deteriorates into jabbing at buttons and fleeing from conflict. Melee weapons are controlled by a severely limited system using two facia buttons, though it must be said that the PSP version suffers from none of the camera problems caused by the close quarters fighting in the Wii release.
Enemies are numerous in quantity but lacking in variety, and quickly fighting becomes very repetitive and eventually quite boring, tempting you to charge through each level to avoid the constantly respawning alien hordes. In the Wii version the use of projectile weapons is occasionally thrilling thanks to some nifty control, but on Sony's handheld there is neither the accuracy or reliability to make firing the selection of lasers and flame throwers as much fun as they could be, spinning round to face foes approaching you from behind takes far too long, and all too often you can become consumed.
Unusually for an action-orientated title the RPG elements, which of course involve levelling up and specialising character abilities, are rather complicated, though sadly this comes across as feeling fiddly, thanks to some claustrophobic menu design and confusing choice of symbols. Still, for those who persist, there is something of merit to be extracted here that is deceptively simple, though most will likely switch on the auto-manage, which handles the levelling up for you.
The visuals are bland in the extremeThe biggest disappointment though is not the gameplay, as it must be emphasised it has some potential, and reinvented as a frantic shooter with an extensive multiplayer mode it could have been superb. Where Alien Syndrome really disappoints is in the visual department. While the PSP version betters the vile appearance of the Wii release, the utter lack of pleasing visuals is consistent throughout the game. The colour palette is horrendous, and the overall presentation uncharacteristically ugly for a Sega game.
The top down perspective works well enough, but everything you take in from that perspective, from crates to alien enemies, has a terribly dated feel about it, without one iota of retro cool.
Overall Alien Syndrome is a disappointment and, aside from odd glimmers of potential, it is looking like a game headed straight for bargain basements. The two-player cooperative mode may keep a duo of youngsters quiet for a handful of weekends, but otherwise this mismatched game has very little to offer.
daz wrote at 20:33 on 03 October 2007
have you played this game
have we played the same game because i think it would take alot to impress you. I just bought the game and i agree with what you say about the visuals but i wouldn't say they are too far from what wii owners expect just now but every man, woman or child may have a difference in opinion i think you need to take this consideration when you write your reviews.