Area 51 (2005)

 PC
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2005
Area 51 (2005) Image
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 58 Ratings

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  • Summary: Featuring online play, Area 51 is set in the U.S. government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate. During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alienFeaturing online play, Area 51 is set in the U.S. government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate. During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alien creatures and becomes infected with a biological mutagen that eventually transforms him into something not quite human. To save the earth and himself, Lt. Cross must fight to solve the enigma of Area 51. Features extensive Single-Player Campaign: Battle through corridors of Area 51 and attempt to discover the secrets of the extraterrestrial menace before it is too late. Engage in an epic adventure through eight massive sections of a secretive complex. Equip yourself with more than 15 types of human and alien weapons and other equipment as you explore dark corridors. An infectious mutagen gives Lt. Nick Cross alien-enhanced physical abilities but is also slowly transforming him into an alien. Find the cure before it's too late and humanity is lost. Compete against your friends via a four-player split screen and system link through numerous multiplayer game modes including Death Match. Battle online where you can easily access the many systems allowing you to find your friends and set up your own matches. [Midway]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Game Chronicles
    83
    The production values, graphics, and especially the voice acting are extremely well done, and the game has non-stop action and never feels dull.
  2. G4 TV
    80
    While there are problems--too cutscene-heavy, some lame objectives, and the fact that there are infinitely more zombies than little green men--Area 51 is more than enough to make a believer out of you.
  3. GameZone
    75
    The name alone will bring many gamers to the shelves scooping this one up, but really it’s just another decent FPS. For the price it’s not a bad deal considering all the choices in this genre.
  4. Gaming Age
    67
    Area 51 is the antithesis of what first person shooter fans want. It is actually a better offline title than it is online.
  5. PC Format
    64
    Solid but wholly uninspiring. [Aug 2005, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Maxim Online
    60
    The multiplayer is engaging and the storyline suitably absurd, but in the world of PC games the first-person shooter bar is set high, and with Half-Life 2 out there, it's hard to imagine choosing this shorter, less clever game instead.
  7. Computer Games Magazine
    50
    The weapons are uninspired, as are the levels, and the enemies are just barely smart enough to move toward you and attack. [Sept 2005, p.49]
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See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 4 out of 16
  1. Dilusha117
    Nov 16, 2022
    10
    This was an incredible game. Rare gem of a Sci-Fi shooter. You can easily play it on a modern PC as well. Someone has restored it forThis was an incredible game. Rare gem of a Sci-Fi shooter. You can easily play it on a modern PC as well. Someone has restored it for Win10/11. Get it from his website for free!
    https://lucasc.me/post/area-51-2005-windows-10-11-patches-guide    … Expand
  2. JimB.
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    U get to shoot stuff a lot.
  4. Fikthenig
    Nov 25, 2017
    9
    Not bad!!! I have played a lot of fps games but this one really impressed me in terms of plot. You start to sympathize with the main characterNot bad!!! I have played a lot of fps games but this one really impressed me in terms of plot. You start to sympathize with the main character and learn to only trust yourself and your actions. The gameplay is not anything to special but contains some element that makes it bearable to play. Its sense of immersion almost reminds me of the half-life series because of the way they portrayed the facility and the environment in general. Graphics are pretty decent, especially for 2005. In all, the only reason one should buy this game is for the plot. Any experienced fps player might find the gameplay uninteresting. However, that shouldn't be the main barrier behind a story that mirrors our view on society and the conspiracies associated with the leading forces behind modern civilization. Good Luck and Happy Blasting!!!… Expand
  5. JoshuaK.
    Mar 23, 2005
    7
    It was a pretty good game.
  6. Marickk
    Jan 25, 2016
    6
    Yeah, this game is outdated. Graphics are so, so outdated. Gameplay is boring in and nothing is wow. One major issue is the game haven'tYeah, this game is outdated. Graphics are so, so outdated. Gameplay is boring in and nothing is wow. One major issue is the game haven't subtitles. So unoriginal.… Expand
  7. spartan-117
    Oct 2, 2010
    4
    The graphics of this game are totally outdated.The gameplay lacks intensiti the enemies are stupid and the weapons boring.The only thing thatThe graphics of this game are totally outdated.The gameplay lacks intensiti the enemies are stupid and the weapons boring.The only thing that seems a new and welcome addition to the game is the alien mode.I give it a 4 for my friend Remus.… Expand
  8. JaredJ
    Dec 3, 2009
    0
    I received a lot of positive comments on this game and later found out it is now a free download. I was more then shocked when the game I received a lot of positive comments on this game and later found out it is now a free download. I was more then shocked when the game started, the graphics took me off guard, they are that bad. There are games from the mid 90's with five times better graphics. The voice acting is at it's worst and gameplay is beyond boring. I didn't even finish it, in fact I don't think I even made it half way but I do know that by level six I was gone and this was off my computer. There is not one good thing about this at all.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
54
#54 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

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