In a press release issued today, SEGA has announced details on their anticipated re-imagining of the Aliens franchise for the next generation. The game is due for a release on the Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 later in the year. Hopefully it will meet that projected date and keep 2008 from being a year as riddled with delays and false promises as 2007.

There aren’t any real surprises other then the inclusion of four player cooperative play, a feature which seems to be the name of the game for 2008.  Aliens: Colonial Marines will be a story driven title that plans on not only letting four players play together, but will give each of them a different and unique role in the campaign.

Other details include the obvious facts that players will face hordes of Aliens (as opposed to a couple of them, stranded and helpless) in dark corridors (as opposed to the vibrant and rich landscapes that have never been seen in an Alien film). While some gamers are quick to jump up in anger at the idea of SEGA touching any franchise until they are able to salvage their own, I feel the need to remind everyone that this is a Gearbox developed game.

Gearbox is responsible for what I consider to be the best WW2 FPS in recent years, Brothers in Arms. While I cannot speak for its many expansions and sequels, the original set a new bar for squad command and artificial intelligence – both important aspects of the upcoming Aliens game. I look forward to their new take on the series, as well as pumping lead into Alien’s skulls online. Here is the full press release, courtesy of SEGA:

SEGA Reveals Details Of Upcoming Aliens: Colonial MarinesTM Video Game

First-Person Shooter Based on Popular Motion Picture Franchise Coming to Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, and PC in Late 2008

LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO (February 21st, 2008) - SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today revealed details of the highly anticipated squad-based first-person shooter video game, Aliens: Colonial Marines™. Licensed through an exclusive agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising and developed by Gearbox Software, the game will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC in late 2008.

In Aliens: Colonial Marines, players are part of a United States Colonial Marine squad and must prepare to face an alien assault more intense and horrific than ever before. Driven by a compelling and original story penned by renowned writers Bradley Thompson and David Weddle Aliens: Colonial Marines will retain the atmospheric look and feel of the original films while leveraging next-generation technology to create an entirely new interactive Aliens experience.

Packing classic Aliens weaponry ranging from pulse rifles to flamethrowers as well as brand-new equipment and skills all within a squad-based combat system, players will become an elite United States Colonial Marine. Featuring claustrophobic environments, a brooding soundtrack, and a multitude of surprises and shocks, players will battle against menacing alien hordes in strikingly detailed levels that include the stark interiors of the abandoned Sulaco and unique environments created specifically for the game.

Aliens: Colonial Marines will feature a story driven single-player mode and an all-new four player co-op mode allowing players to share the chilling experience with three friends. In co-op mode, each player will assume the persona of a Colonial Marine and have a distinct role to play in the completion of every mission. Additionally, more multiplayer modes will be revealed later in the year that will complete the Aliens video game experience.

Since its 1979 debut, Alien and its three sequels have grossed more than $557 million worldwide, garnering numerous awards, including two Academy Awards®.

 

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