Exploring the Intensity of Aliens: Fireteam Elite – A Comprehensive Review

The Aliens franchise has long been a cultural touchstone, delivering some of the most iconic moments in sci-fi horror. With Aliens: Fireteam Elite, Cold Iron Studios steps into the fray to give fans a co-op third-person shooter that plunges them into the chaotic, xenomorph-infested universe. But does it live up to the weight of its lineage? Let’s dive into this intense experience and see what it has to offer.

Overview of Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Released in August 2021, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is set 23 years after the events of the original Alien trilogy. The game places you in the boots of a Colonial Marine aboard the UAS Endeavor, answering distress calls and battling waves of deadly xenomorphs across various missions. Designed as a team-based shooter, the game leans heavily into its cooperative mechanics, offering an experience best enjoyed with friends or AI-controlled teammates.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, Fireteam Elite is a survival shooter with a focus on tactical teamwork. The gameplay is split into four distinct campaigns, each featuring three missions. With five unique classes—Gunner, Technician, Demolisher, Doc, and Recon—players can customize their loadouts and abilities to complement their team’s strategy.

The gunplay is satisfyingly weighty, with a variety of iconic weapons like pulse rifles, flamethrowers, and smart guns. Each weapon can be upgraded, and perks can be unlocked to further enhance your marine’s abilities. The game’s difficulty levels significantly impact the intensity, with higher settings introducing friendly fire and limited resources, creating a truly nerve-wracking experience.

However, the AI for both teammates and enemies can sometimes feel predictable, which detracts slightly from the immersion. That said, the relentless swarms of xenomorphs and the occasional appearance of deadly synthetics ensure that players remain on their toes.

Graphics and Atmosphere

Cold Iron Studios has done a commendable job in capturing the gritty, industrial aesthetic of the Aliens universe. The environments are richly detailed, from dimly lit corridors to sprawling alien hives. The lighting and sound design deserve special mention, as they effectively build tension. The screeches of approaching xenomorphs and the ominous hum of your motion tracker create a palpable sense of dread.

While the visuals are atmospheric, they are not without flaws. Texture pop-ins and occasional frame rate drops can detract from the experience, particularly on older hardware. Despite these issues, the game’s overall presentation is faithful to the franchise’s tone and lore.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Fireteam Elite shines brightest when played with friends. The co-op gameplay encourages communication and strategy, making every encounter feel dynamic. The inclusion of Challenge Cards adds an element of unpredictability, altering mission parameters for added variety.

With multiple difficulty levels, unlockable cosmetics, and class-specific progression, the game offers a fair amount of replayability. However, the lack of variety in enemy types and mission objectives can make extended play sessions feel repetitive.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Authentic Aliens atmosphere and sound design
• Satisfying gunplay and class-based mechanics
• Cooperative gameplay fosters teamwork and strategy
• Challenge Cards and progression systems enhance replay value

Weaknesses:

• Repetitive mission design and enemy encounters
• AI lacks sophistication, impacting immersion

Verdict

Aliens: Fireteam Elite successfully captures the tension and chaos of the Aliens universe while offering a fun and engaging co-op experience. Despite its shortcomings, such as repetitive mission structures and technical hiccups, the game is a solid addition to the franchise and a treat for fans of cooperative shooters. If you’re looking for a game that combines relentless action with nostalgic charm, Fireteam Elite is worth a try.

Score: 8.7/10

While it may not redefine the genre, Aliens: Fireteam Elite delivers an entertaining and faithful romp through one of sci-fi’s most beloved franchises. Grab your pulse rifle, gather your squad, and prepare to face the swarm.

See our Aliens: Fireteam Elite playthrough below: