Aliens-vs-Predator
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Aliens vs. Predator Hunter Edition to violently hug your face
It's official -- the new trend for video game special editions is the inclusion of things to put right on your face. For Modern Warfare 2, it was the ever-practical night-vision goggles. For Halo 3, it was a Spartan helmet, which offered cranial protection to the small-of-head. The Aliens vs. Predator Hunter Edition, which was announced for Europe earlier this month but confirmed for a U.S. release earlier today, includes one of the franchise's "facehugger" aliens, which ... well, we bet it serves some utility as well. For instance, say you've had a really large, luxurious beard for most of your life, then for circumstances beyond your control, you have to shave it. Your face will be so cold and lonely -- but not once it knows the fleshy embrace of the facehugger's unrelenting grasp. Oh, there's other stuff in the special edition too, such as a graphic novel, four extra multiplayer maps and a Weyland Yutani sleeve badge -- but can these bonuses comfort your recently shorn visage? No, they cannot. Check past the jump for the full image of the bundle.
New Aliens vs. Predator trailer says it's about story, actually about gutting
This is one of those situations where we wish we could just call up Mr. Sega (that's who runs Sega, right?) and ask him what he was thinking. How could he have possibly claimed this latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer has something to do with "story?" Here's the entire plot: There are humans, there are also Aliens, as well as a Predator. That's it! What else do you need, folks? Much like the snake and the mongoose (or 50 Cent and helicopters), these factions are natural enemies of each other. No story is required for them to make with the murdalizing -- they just do. Check out the trailer above for further confirmation of our position on the subject. %Gallery-63762%
Sega: Aliens vs. Predator reclassified in Australia without edits
Sega has announced its victory in the fight over whether or not Australians will get to (legally) play Aliens vs. Predator. According to a statement given to Kotaku, Sega has successfully appealed the OFLC's decision to refuse classification to the FPS and has secured the game a rating of MA-15+, which has yet to be reflected in the OFLC database. "We are particularly proud that the game will be released in its original entirety, with no content altered or removed whatsoever," Sega Australia general manager Darren Macbeth told Kotaku. "This is a big win for Australian gamers. We applaud the Classification Review Board on making a decision that clearly considers the context of the game, and is in line with the modern expectations of reasonable Australians". We now urge our Australian friends not to do anything that might appear even the least bit inspired by this game. If you see a ravenous, monstrous alien, let it go unblasted.
Aliens vs. Predator attempts Aussie classification on appeal
Sega and Rebellion won't release a "sanitized" Aliens vs. Predator for the Australian market, but it appears the companies are at least going to try and appeal the government's decision to "ban" the game. Refused Classification noted over the weekend that the classification board will hold a review of AvP's status this Friday, December 18. The most recent high-profile game to attempt an appeal with the Aussie ratings board was Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 -- it failed. However, an edited version of the zombie apocalypse survival trainer was released in the region. We've contacted Sega for comment on the matter. [Via GamePolitics]
Australian Attorney General offers insight into Aliens vs. Predator classification refusal
We've heard from Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson in the past on why he thinks certain games shouldn't be available to Australian consumers. And when he was asked recently by ABC why the upcoming Aliens vs. Predator was refused classification in his country (read: banned), he echoed previous sentiments on the interactivity of games having a stronger affect on people than other mediums. "I accept that 98 percent, 99 percent of gamers will tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but the 1 to 2 percent could go on to be motivated by these games to commit horrible acts of violence," Atkinson said. When the subject of AvP comes up, though, Atkinson put on his game reviewer cap and offered, "You don't need to be playing a game in which you impale, decapitate and dismember people." So, what're you thinking, Mr. Atkinson -- 5.0/10 maybe? 4.7/10? We're all ears. [Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Three different Aliens vs. Predator bundles dated in Europe
Sega, Rebellion, some Aliens, Predators, and even Space Marines are all teaming up in February to get your money. Sega announced that Aliens vs. Predator will be released in Europe on February 19 of next year. The game will arrive in three versions, each for three different levels of enthusiasm about the FPS. The Standard Edition is for the average gamer looking for a new game. The Survivor Edition comes in the requisite steel case and includes codes for extra multiplayer maps, to be released after the launch date. The Hunter Edition is for the collector who may not even be opening the game, as it includes a facehugger model, a lenticular postcard, and a "Weyland-Yutani sleeve badge." How do we sign up for the bundle Lance Henriksen's getting -- the one with your own likeness in the game? That one's probably really expensive. %Gallery-79584%
Lance Henriksen reprises 'Bishop' role in Aliens vs. Predator
Lance Henriksen, who was most memorably cleaved asunder as android (ahem, "artificial lifeform") Bishop, will see another continuation of his Aliens film role in Rebellion's Alien vs. Predator game. Henriksen plays Karl Bishop Weyland, the descendant of Weyland-Yutani corporation founder Charles Bishop Weyland. The 69-year-old actor is happy with his virtual likeness (seen above) and is quoted as saying, "I might score from this game!" Joystiq is quoted as saying, "Maybe if it's from a facehugger, Lance." Considering Henriksen's appearance in one of the most gore-riffic scenes in film (at the time), we should reiterate that Aliens vs. Predator will release in February 2010 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC -- in countries that don't require toned-down violence. Rebellion has stated that it will not be "releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices." Sorry, Australia and Germany.
Rebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia
In a statement released this morning by Rebellion's Jason Kingsley, concerning the Australian Classification Board's so-called "ban" of Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator game, the CEO expressed his studio's disappointment with the board's ruling, but added, "as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults." The subtle swipe at the Australian ratings system, which tops out at an MA15+ classification, turned into a full-on blow as Kingsley concluded, "We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices." Ouch! You feel that too, Germany? "It is for adults," Kingsley insisted of AvP, "and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent." Clearly, that's why PEGI assigned an 18-rating. Check out the box art for PAL territories that will release the game -- for adults -- come February 2010 worldwide: %Gallery-79584%
Australian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update]
It may not have acid blood or infrared vision, but the Australian Classification Board has won its battle against Rebellion's upcoming Aliens vs. Predator game. "The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, mouth, throat, or eyes," the board reports. Apparently, the game's excessive gore and violence exceeds the requirements for a MA15+ rating. Without an option for an R18+ rating, Aliens vs. Predator becomes the latest title to join the ever-growing list of essentially "banned" games in the territory. Sega is left with two options should it want to pursue an Australian release: Attempt an appeal with the board, or censor the game's content to meet Australian standards. Should AvP follow in the footsteps of the edited Left 4 Dead 2, Australian gamers should get ready to be disappointed yet again. Update: Rebellion responds. Oh snap!
Aliens vs. Predator multiplayer trailer watches your back, stabs it
Something's always struck us as kind of ... off about the title Aliens vs. Predator. For one, there are "colonial marines" up in there, mixing it up. More confusing, though, is the fact that both "Aliens" and "Predators" are, in fact, aliens. [And aren't all of them predators? - Ed.] At least Sega is keeping our minds diverted from these recondite questions with the latest multiplayer footage (found after the break). Aside from trotting out a handful of European game writers who all tell the same "This game is SO awesome" story, we're treated to a smattering of gameplay snippets from all three sides of the equation. We're only left wondering one thing after watching them – if you can play as a predator against eight colonial marines, who would ever choose the marines side? %Gallery-63762% [Thanks, Ikarop]
Unlock skins with Aliens vs. Predator pre-order at GameStop
Click image for full-size action pose Aliens vs. Predator is kind of a misleading title. Aside from the titular extra-terrestrials, mankind's future badasses, the Colonial Marines, will also be able to get some in Rebellion's upcoming FPS romp. And for some of your pre-sale cash at GameStop, you'll be able to use one of the more badasserer (we're still working on that one) humans around: Sgt. Kaneko. This dude "wrote the book on small-scale Xeno containment," which is great because we hear there's a lot of Xeno in the game that needs, uh, containing. Joining Kaneko are Number Six -- the blue thing on the left that looks like it's from The Darkness -- and Alien Head Predator, the "most successful Xenomorph Hunter of all time." That's how he she it got that neat Cylon mask! Both are very adept at being super scary-looking and can be yours if you pre-order at GameStop. Unless you live in Germany, in which case you get nothing.
Sega: Aliens vs. Predator not releasing in Germany
Sega has confirmed that it will not release Aliens vs. Predator in Germany. Following a report that suggested the publisher would avoid the German market altogether, we contacted Sega, which explained that the game wouldn't make it to retail in Germany "without significant cuts that would harm the gameplay experience." The publisher maintained that AvP was "developed to be consistent with the existing content in the Aliens and Predator universes," and added that the "gameplay and graphical and narrative style befit the mature themes" of the franchises.AvP is expected to receive an "18 rating" (or the equivalent) in territories outside of Germany and an M rating in the US. When asked about the status of the title in Australia, Sega told us that there was no word yet from the region. It would certainly be interesting if the German market was ruled out due to the game's violence (and the threat of not receiving a rating by USK, the German ratings board), but Australia and its similarly stringent board prove more accepting of the content. We'll continue to follow up with the publisher.
Latest Aliens vs. Predator trailer shows strengths of the former
Alright, look. We've tried to remain as impartial as possible in the undying debate of Aliens vs. Predator, but we think the winner of this struggle is clear. Sure, Predators have cloaking devices and wrist-mounted swords, and humans have ... well, inimitable pluck, we guess. However, Aliens possess fanged proboscises. Sorry, other guys, but acid-coated tongue-jaws are an impossible act to follow. You can see the Aliens' strengths in action in the latest trailer for the Sega's AvP, posted above. For reasons which will become clear to you upon viewing, we've affectionately titled the video "Aliens vs. Predator: Sorry About Your Face." [Thanks, Ikarop.] %Gallery-70493%
Aliens vs. Predator vs. your eyeballs
The Sega blog recently uploaded some fresh images from Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator and they contain all of the items necessary for a good Aliens vs. Predator screenshot post: humans killing aliens; aliens killing humans; and billiards in a smokey bar? Okay, that last one isn't part of the game (it's a promotional thing for the movies in New Zealand, actually), but there's no way we're letting something as awesome as that escape a mention on Joystiq. Head into the gallery below for the new screens.%Gallery-70493%
Impressions: Aliens Vs Predator
"It has no relationship to the movies," we were told at a recent Sega event. Thank goodness: gamers would be outraged if the Aliens Vs Predator franchise were to be tainted by the recent films. Another good sign: Rebellion, developers of the fan-loved 1999 PC game, are at the helm of this current-gen reboot.Like its predecessors, AvP will offer three unique game experiences based on each of the warring species: Aliens, Predators and puny, delicious humans. We were able to see two of the game modes: one scenario with the gun-toting marines and another as the stealthy Predators.In spite wielding powerful automatic rifles, playing as a marine is a terrifying experience. Light is hard to come by in this universe, meaning players will have to rely upon sound and the HUD's radar. Aliens are able to crawl out of any vent and traverse across walls and ceilings, making them rather difficult to spot. Players will have a few tools at their disposal: turrets that can be thrown and deployed anywhere, and an infinite number of flares to throw (although only two can be active at once).%Gallery-63762%
Sega sticks with 'early 2010' AvP release, despite own website announcing February launch
Like a magnifying glass over a Xenomorphic ant (scariest image today!), Sega has quietly focused its release ray on February for Aliens vs. Predator's spawning at retailer. As noticed by Destructoid, the company's game page now gives the title a sub-orbital drop window of February, where the game previously had a vague early 2010 release.We followed up with Sega and a company spokesperson stated, "Early 2010 is all we can confirm at the moment." Better talk to the website guys, huh?%Gallery-63762%
Aliens vs. Predator 'Marines' trailer highlights the plight of puny humans
Sega's Aliens vs. Predator recently received a new trailer, titled "Marines" -- seriously, are they trying to make us confuse this game with Aliens: Colonial Marines? It's bad enough that there's like, seven Aliens games being developed right now. You don't need to make this any harder on us, guy-in-charge-of-naming-trailers.However, the moniker does fit -- the video above tells the terrifying story of the unsung third party in the AvP conflict: Humans. Traditionally, most shooters let their human protagonists mow down waves of extraterrestrials with little trouble -- however, said extraterrestrials usually don't have acid spit. Nor can they turn invisible. Nor do they have giant arm swords. Nor do they make alien babies in our chests. Hey, we had a good run, humanity. Looks like it's time to pack it in.
Rebellion games hit GOG.com, we give them to you (just like that) [update]
Before teaming up with Sega recently for a new iteration of Aliens vs Predator, UK development house Rebellion made a handful of classic PC titles (yes, we know, including the original Aliens vs Predator). Starting today and continuing over the course of the next few weeks, GOG.com will be offering the company's titles through its site (DRM-free, XP and Vista compatible game, priced to move), starting with Ground Control (Dark Conspiracy expansion included) and Evil Genius. Lords of Magic, Empire Earth, "and more" are in the pipeline for the next few weeks.To celebrate the release, the fine folks at Good Old Games were nice enough to hand us a few codes -- seven in all, just to keep you on your toes -- for not just the games released today but, well, anything on the site you'd like. That's right, folks, you can use the codes on anything from Elixir's Evil Genius to Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil to Epic's Unreal Tournament (and everything in between, in case you were wondering). All you have to do is keep your eye on the Joystiq Twitter page over the course of the day to try and win one of them. Hit the break for an exhilarating explanation of how to redeem a code.Update: All codes have been redeemed! Thanks to everyone who participated and to GOG.com for providing us with the codes.
Sega: game not over for Aliens: Colonial Marines, Aliens RPG
The big, green gooey eggs containing Sega's long in development Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens RPG are going to hatch -- just not soon. When we asked why the games were absent from this year's E3, Sega replied, "Aliens vs. Predator will be the first to ship out of our triplet of Aliens titles; hence it was shown at this year's E3. We'll have more news to share about the other two games in the near future so stay tuned." Rumors of both titles being jettisoned out an airlock have been swirling since earlier this year.In addition, Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford has confirmed to Kotaku that Colonial Marines lives on in now-gen console and handheld form on DS. Pitchford told the site that Gearbox is not developing the portable title, lending more credence to purported footage of a WayForward-developed Colonial Marines that leapt out of the darkness last month. We've put word into Obsidian, developers of Aliens RPG, for confirmation of that title's status.
Get a grisly first taste of Aliens vs Predator gameplay footage
Last night's E3ified GameTrailers TV gave us our first glimpse at the gameplay featured in Aliens vs Predator, one of three (four?) Sega-published Aliens-based games currently in development. While the cuts between the show's world exclusive-filled host and the game only serve to frustrate our urge for more Alien murderin', Predator pouncin' gameplay, we get what we get and we don't get upset.As the clip of gameplay is sneakily embedded within an interview during the show, we've got no standalone clip to offer after the jump, but instead a suggestion to click right here to check out the thing for yourself. Be sure to rush right back and check out the full gallery of stills from gameplay just below in all their unmoving glory!%Gallery-64472%
