Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition: A Xenomorph’s Guide to Home Renovation

When your biggest enemy is the backtracking, not the aliens

Launch Day Larry

Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition is like that friend who insists on showing you their vacation photos—there’s a lot to see, but you might find yourself nodding off halfway through. This game, originally designed for VR, has been adapted for non-VR platforms, and it shows. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this interstellar adventure.

Gameplay: A Metroidvania with a Side of Repetition

Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition offers a gameplay experience that feels like a mixed bag of Halloween candy—some treats, some tricks. The game introduces new mechanics at a reasonable pace, keeping players engaged with a Metroidvania-style progression. You’ll find yourself revisiting areas with new tools, which is as satisfying as finding a hidden stash of chocolate in your pantry.

However, the gameplay loop can feel as stale as last year’s candy corn. The combat, while tense, lacks the fear factor of other alien-themed games, and the gunplay feels sluggish and arcade-like. The Alien AI, though realistic at times, can be as unpredictable as a cat on catnip, occasionally blocking itself or reacting slowly.

The lack of an autosave system adds a layer of challenge, requiring players to manage resources carefully. It’s a bit like playing chess with a Xenomorph—strategic, but with a constant threat of being eaten. The game also suffers from unnecessary backtracking, especially in the latter half, which can make you feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of “been there, done that.”

Graphics: A Beautiful Mess

Graphically, Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition is a bit like a Picasso painting—beautiful from a distance, but a little confusing up close. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game has the potential for stunning visuals, but technical and optimization issues hold it back. Increasing graphics settings can paradoxically result in visuals that resemble “potato settings,” leaving players scratching their heads.

Despite these challenges, the game excels in creating an atmospheric experience, with lighting and sound design that would make Ridley Scott proud. The environments are immersive and detailed, capturing the essence of the Alien franchise. However, performance issues, such as framerate drops and rendering problems, can break immersion faster than a Xenomorph through a bulkhead.

Story: Familiar Territory with a Cliffhanger

The story of Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition is like a rerun of your favorite TV show—comforting but predictable. Set within the Alien universe, the narrative follows Zula Hendricks, an AWOL Marine with a backstory tied to the Alien comics. The inclusion of characters like Zula and Davis 01 adds depth for fans of the expanded universe, but the plot itself feels like a well-trodden path.

The story unfolds with a series of events that culminate in a cliffhanger ending, leaving players with mixed feelings. Some are intrigued by the potential for a sequel, while others are frustrated by the lack of closure. Character development, particularly of Zula, is a strong point, but the narrative structure can feel monotonous, with repetitive tasks and predictable plot twists.

Final Verdict

Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition is a solid addition to the Alien series, offering an immersive experience with atmospheric tension and exploration elements. However, it requires further development to address repetitive gameplay, enhance combat mechanics, and improve narrative delivery. While the game is recommended for its immersive experience, some players might want to wait for a sale unless they’re dedicated Alien fans.

Score: 6.5/10