Aliens: Dark Descent

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 66
  3. Negative: 2 out of 66
  1. GameSkinny
    Jun 22, 2023
    45
    My time with Aliens: Dark Descent was so fun at the start. When I realized I was having more problems with technical bugs than alien bugs, I started feeling iffy, and then the soft-lock was the sour cherry on top. I wouldn’t put this quite in the same vein as the infamous Aliens: Colonial Marines because there are still a lot of great ideas and mechanics here. But it’s disheartening to see something so fun ruined by glitches. My recommendation is to read how others feel and wait for updates. I don’t know whether my issues will be common or isolated, but I sincerely hope it’s the latter. If it’s the former — oof, game over, man.
  2. TheGamer
    Jun 19, 2023
    30
    Dark Descent is a generic XCOM clone with brief moments of engaging puzzle-piecing strategy. The horror is underused and feels wholly out of place as it pushes you further and further into action. Music is adrenaline-pumping and clearly designed to compliment firefights, troops yell ‘LET’S GO TEAM’ every time you move, and xenomorphs are easier to mow down than avoid. Nothing about Dark Descent wants you to be scared, but everything about Aliens does. Mix in the cocktail of performance issues and thin mechanics, and what you have is another disappointing entry in the catalogue of Alien games.
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  1. Polygon
    Jun 26, 2023
    Aliens: Dark Descent is at times ambitious, often to delight, but occasionally to indiscretion. While some may desire a more intimate and terrifying Alien Isolation sequel, this isometric tactical challenge is rich in consequence and reward. This may not be the most coherent or exceptional Alien video game we’ve seen, but it’s certainly noteworthy and imaginative.
  2. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Jun 19, 2023
    I absolutely can’t blame Tindalos for wanting a game with such a recognisable and beloved license to court appeal outside of genre fans, but I also think that if you’re going to make a strategy game, you should probably make it full-heartedly. 2012’s XCOM felt like a genuine revolution in turn-based tactics, but Aliens: Dark Descent too often feels like a compromise, or, more accurately, a console-mise. If you’re thinking, wow, what a snob, then, congratulations. You get to enjoy something more fully than I did, which is much better than griping about things. Dark Descent is beautiful, engaging, and absolutely drips with authentically atmospheric Aliens goo. But, again, like those face huggers, it’s also just a bit too restrictive, and I don’t think it needed to be.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 69
  3. Negative: 9 out of 69
  1. czmuchowski
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    This game is everything was promised and even more. It gives good alien vibes, it makes you think ahead and plan your mission. It forces youThis game is everything was promised and even more. It gives good alien vibes, it makes you think ahead and plan your mission. It forces you to manage your resources, and I love that the aliens are not easy to kill, and the best tactic is to avoid them rather than just go and farm then. Great game overall!… Full Review »
  2. plato1123
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Pretty interesting, I really like this one. Haven't really noticed major bugs yet. Level design is interesting. If you are a fan of thePretty interesting, I really like this one. Haven't really noticed major bugs yet. Level design is interesting. If you are a fan of the alien universe and/or xcom style games it's a must play. Engaging cut scenes especially.… Full Review »
  3. Wahya
    Jun 25, 2023
    8
    Don't know why this game is getting a bad wrap. It's probably the second game next to Alien Isolation that correctly adapts the AlienDon't know why this game is getting a bad wrap. It's probably the second game next to Alien Isolation that correctly adapts the Alien franchise to a video game. And of course IGN didn't like it again lol. Yeah there are a few bugs, but definitely not as money and none game breaking like other AAA releases seem to have nowadays. The game is incredibly challenging and it sucks to lose a marine you invest a lot of resources into due to permadeath. Dialogue is great, some people have labelled it cheesey but I didn't have an issue with it. There were moments in cutscenes that I was on the edge of my seat and jumping scared, just like the movies. The game is faithful to the canon while still taking its own creative liberties that won't upset die hard fans. Really hoping we get to continue the story of Deputy Administrator Maeko Hayes sooner rather than later. Highly recommend this game to any fan of the Alien franchise or fans of the XCOM games.… Full Review »
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