It’s hard to find a topic more common in video games than aliens. These interplanetary beings often appear in games and take on the role of both protagonist and antagonist. There’s no denying that a large number of crummy alien games have shamefully popped up on every console since the Atari ran wild. But plenty of games that got it right. Let’s give an honorary mention to titles such as Aliens versus Predator 2 and Destroy All Humans! because neither of those stood a chance against GameZone’s top 10 alien games.
10. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
It might not be the longest alien story ever told, but Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is a satisfying action game nonetheless. Players must arm themselves and prepare to take on giant alien bugs while traversing harsh environments. The game is fast and intense, and taking down massive creatures is a total blast. It’s a shame the sequel didn’t live up to the standard set by the first Lost Planet, but regardless of its legacy, Extreme Condition was one hell of a shooter.
9. Halo: Combat Evolved
While some may argue that Halo 3 and Halo: Reach are arguably the greatest entries in Bungie’s popular FPS franchise, Halo: Combat Evolved was the first game that really kicked off the phenomenon. It lived up to its name and offered one of the most satisfying FPS experiences of its console generation. Gamers were exposed to a vast alien world and were forced to search for clues as they discovered who Master Chief was. Halo would go on to tell a captivating tale with its subsequent entries, but it was Combat Evolved that introduced gamers to the lore of the series.
8. Contra
Contra has managed to transcend multiple top lists. It has been called one of the best shoot ’em ups of all time. It has been called one of the best old school games of all time. It is certainly considered one of the best NES games of all time. It is even a great candidate for best game of all time. As far as alien games go, Contra is right up there with the elite. Sure, players gunned down plenty of human soldiers along the way, but there were also various gross-looking alien bosses to waste. While the original Japanese version of the game dealt with themes of terrorism, North America got a censored plot about an alien attack on humanity. We’ll take a crazy alien invasion any day.
7. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime will go down in history as possibly the best game in Nintendo’s sci-fi series. The game took a completely new approach to the formula set forth by its predecessors, but it still felt like a true Metroid game. The storytelling was unique because gamers had to scan their surroundings using Samus’ visor, discovering clues and historical tidbits of information. While not every gamer dug this aspect of the game, shooting space pirates was a total blast. Exploring both beautiful and harsh alien worlds was also an amazing experience.
6. Crysis
The year is 2020. You are in the middle of a disastrous alien invasion. Your only option: shoot your way through hoards of enemies and humongous bosses in one of the best-looking FPS games ever created. With large environments to explore, interesting customization options for your character, and an astonishing sense of depth, Crysis managed to engage gamers with a compelling story and excellent gamplay. It garnered a big enough fan base to warrant an equally impressive sequel.
5. Half-Life
Half-Life didn’t exactly tell the best alien story ever written, but it definitely presented it in a highly enjoyable manner. The game featured a standard tale about foreign creatures, but its gameplay was more than standard. Half-Life is considered one of the best PC games of all time. It crafted a legacy that is still going strong. Gamers continue to talk about how creepy and surreal the game’s environment and enemies were. Even though the graphics are a bit dated, Half-Life is still one hell of a thrill ride.
4. Jet Force Gemini
Remember when Rare used to make good games? Hell, remember when they used to make games period? We all miss those days. While the UK developer’s biggest contributions came in the form of impressive platformers, one of Rare’s most unique titles combined exploratory action-adventure gameplay with sci-fi shooting mechanics. Jet Force Gemini let players visit colorful worlds as they attempted to save the Tribals, a race of bear-like critters enslaved by the evil Mizar. Aliens came in the form of big bugs, and there were plenty of planets to explore with treasures to find. Jet Force Gemini is a cult classic, and it’s definitely starting to show its age. Even so, this is one of the most enjoyable alien games ever crafted.
3. Mass Effect 2
The original Mass Effect laid the groundwork for what has been a fantastic series thus far. It wasn’t without a few noticeable flaws, though. Mass Effect 2 took everything that its successful predecessor offered and improved upon each aspect, from the combat to the story to the environments. Mass Effect 2 combined thrilling shooting mechanics with rewarding action RPG elements to create an adventure across a distant galaxy that was hard to put down. By inviting gamers into its world, Mass Effect became an exploratory quest with interesting beings, futuristic environments, and a touching story.
2. Dead Space
The original Dead Space managed to faithfully combine sci-fi themes with horror-based gameplay. The Necromorphs were so creepy because they were basically zombie aliens, making them twice as deadly. Together this species of crazed enemies and the isolated atmosphere of space managed to make this title both eerie and engaging. Since its premise was so unique, there’s no denying that Dead Space deserves a lot of credit as one of the best alien games ever developed.
1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
When StarCraft hit the PC back in 1998, it provided one of the most satisfying real-time strategy packages at the time. Years later, the formula still proved relevant. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty managed to change things further. It only featured a single campaign, but this tale of man versus alien improved vastly on the foundation set by the game’s predecessor. It reached new heights with the already impressive features of the first game and introduced several new elements. It’s a shame that the Protoss and Zerg didn’t have their own stories here, but as far as sci-fi games go, StarCraft II is impossible to top.
Aliens as source material for video games can breed multiple results, ranging from cheesy to horrific. Since the introduction of gaming as an entertainment form, there have been an abundance of alien games for video game enthusiasts to play and enjoy. None stand above any of the picks listed here.
