Dark Descent’ Is The ‘Aliens’ RTS Game I Never Knew I Wanted

I’m calling it a birthday present, so it better be good. Aliens: Dark Descent launches on my birthday, June 20th, this year. It’s a top-down, tactical RTS horror-adventure squad-based single-player game set in the Aliens universe from Tindalos Interactive and Focus Entertainment.

The game looks pretty rad, actually, with clever twists to the RTS (real-time strategy) format that make controlling a squad of Colonial Marines a little more streamlined. Some will tell you that the RTS genre is dead. I’m here to suggest that we can shape the world in whatever image we want, including one in which real-time strategy games set in the Aliens universe actually thrive.

Gameplay looks snappy and responsive in the trailer (below) as you delve into the belly of the alien world, Lethe.

The really cool-sounding innovation on the RTS format is one I’m surprised I haven’t seen before. Basically, when you issue a command you don’t have to micro-manage which unit you issue it to. Rather, whichever unit is best suited for that task will obey the order, making combat a little more fluid. I’m generally more of a turn-based tactical combat guy, but this sounds like a refreshing way to play.

Oh, and there’s perma-death, which should help make the horror elements that much more frightening.

From the press release:

Aliens: Dark Descent slings fans into the cold embrace of space, where they’ll have to employ a range of tactical abilities to unravel an authentic Alien narrative full of sinister secrets, iconic Xenomorphs and brand-new threats. Dive in and explore the horrors and wonders found within Aliens: Dark Descent’s cinematic narrative campaign.

Outsmart the Xenomorph threat and unearth Lethe’s secrets

Recruit, level up and command your squad of Colonial

Marines in real time as one unit with intuitive controls on both keyboard and mouse or controller. Watch how commands issued over comms are swiftly obeyed by the marine best-equipped for the situation according to their abilities and equipment. Players will need to use their wits to navigate expansive, persistent and reactive levels and complete objectives. But be cautious and monitor each marine’s vitals – death is permanent for any who fall in combat.

The Alien games—like the movies—are pretty hit and miss. Sometimes you get a real gem like Alien: Isolation. Other times, you’re stuck with a dud like Aliens: Colonial Marines or Aliens: Extermination. This looks like a winner to me. I hope I’m right.

Here’s the trailer:

Aliens: Dark Descent releases on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC on June 20, 2023.