Play Aliens - The Computer Game | Commodore 64 Online Game (1986)

Aliens: The Computer Game is a 1986 action-adventure game developed by Steve Cartwright, Glyn Anderson, Peter Kaminski, and Gene Smith, and published by Activision for the Commodore 64. Based on the 1986 film Aliens, the game allows players to control either Ellen Ripley or a squad of Colonial Marines as they navigate through a series of missions to eradicate the Xenomorph threat. The gameplay is divided into distinct sections, including a top-down exploration mode, a first-person maze sequence, and a side-scrolling shooter segment, offering varied mechanics within a single experience.

The game begins with Ripley and the Marines landing on the planet LV-426, where players must explore the environment, collect items, and fight off Xenomorphs. The top-down exploration mode emphasizes resource management and strategic movement, while the first-person maze sequence requires players to navigate through dark, claustrophobic corridors to locate objectives. The side-scrolling shooter section involves intense combat against waves of aliens, requiring quick reflexes and precise aim.

Each section of the game is designed to reflect key moments from the film, such as the hive exploration and the final showdown with the Alien Queen. The game’s graphics and sound design were praised for their time, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the movie. The Commodore 64’s hardware was utilized to create detailed sprites and atmospheric sound effects, enhancing the tension and immersion.

The development team aimed to create a faithful adaptation of the film, incorporating its themes of survival and horror. The game’s structure and mechanics were innovative for its time, blending multiple genres to provide a comprehensive Aliens experience. Despite its ambitious design, the game faced criticism for its steep difficulty curve and occasional control issues, which could hinder progress for some players.