Alien: Isolation

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1445 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,198 out of 1445
  2. Mixed: 142 out of 1445
  3. Negative: 105 out of 1445
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  1. audreyvixen
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    Alien Isolation delivers one of the most harrowing and unnerving survival horror experiences in years. Capturing the vibe of the first film with absolute precision.

    the sound design and presentation is impeccable, the alien an unstoppable force whose unpredictable nature makes every second of the game feel nauseating. The voice acting is sublime and it is a universe to get lost in (no    Alien Isolation delivers one of the most harrowing and unnerving survival horror experiences in years. Capturing the vibe of the first film with absolute precision.

    the sound design and presentation is impeccable, the alien an unstoppable force whose unpredictable nature makes every second of the game feel nauseating. The voice acting is sublime and it is a universe to get lost in (no pun intended)

    Creative Assembly have not only created one of the best survival games in years, but one of the best alien franchise experiences since James Cameron's sequel in the 80's.

    it is claustrophobic, violent, heart stopping and you will die over and over again.

    the ride will be worth it.    … Expand
  2. FreeSnaks
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    -Atmosphere is fantastic
    -Packed with tense moments full of stressful delight
    -At times can be quite unforgiving (Pro and a Con)
    -Framerate is not very stable in cut scenes
    -Worth the buy for survival horror fans, even more for Alien fans
    -Needs to be played with headset for best experience
  3. tofusoup
    Nov 12, 2014
    8
    This game is fantastic. It has a few glitches. Sometimes the AI is wacky, but overall, possibly the best Alien game made so far. There's enough here for the player to try different things in the setups. Though the game does drag on near the later half of the game. I mean how many of these doors and levers do you need to open. Also the alien does become less of a threat once you getThis game is fantastic. It has a few glitches. Sometimes the AI is wacky, but overall, possibly the best Alien game made so far. There's enough here for the player to try different things in the setups. Though the game does drag on near the later half of the game. I mean how many of these doors and levers do you need to open. Also the alien does become less of a threat once you get the flame thrower. Still, despite these few minor annoyances, the game is very good, and amusing.… Expand
  4. Jimmytwotimes
    Oct 20, 2014
    9
    Alien isolation is a masterful experience . One that won't be forgotten if you play it properly .

    I am an older gamer . Now I don't mean to bore you with I walked 2 miles in snow type of stories . Video games were way harder in those days . Now most games take the player by the hand these days . Alien Isolation is a hard game . It's very clear from the start this is this is an homage to    Alien isolation is a masterful experience . One that won't be forgotten if you play it properly .

    I am an older gamer . Now I don't mean to bore you with I walked 2 miles in snow type of stories . Video games were way harder in those days . Now most games take the player by the hand these days . Alien Isolation is a hard game . It's very clear from the start this is this is an homage to Mr . Scott's films . As well as Mr. Cameron's . Albeit in a more covert manner . It is also a love letter . Not only to alien fans but also to those of survival horror as well .

    The story is pretty good . It's obvious where this game draws its inspiration . I personally love when a devoloper embraces the source material . Yet refuses to compromise its vision . The game has a very clean minimal interface . Allowing for a more cinematic presentation and feel . This game is an homage to the alien film and is essentially a companion piece . As such I would recommend watching the film before playing the game . If only to give you a better appreciation and understanding of the universe you are going to be playing in .

    This is a very old school game . It took years to develop the developers took their time. As such they want you to take your time with it . Play it on hard and in the correct manner and you are in for experience . Alien is very old school . Checkpoints ?. Nope extremely rare . Manual save points are spread throughout the game in the form of phones . Ratcheting up the anxiety you are not safe anywhere even while saving . Which brings me to the AI. Of the alien itself .

    Throw everything out the window and take the conventions learned from other games and forget them . They will not help you here . Think you can sit in a corner and figure out patrol routes nope the alien will find you . Think you can run away ?. Guess again the alien is an amazing athlete . Covering 40 yards quicker than megatron . Think you could hide in that locker ?. Well if you're in there too long the alien will find you . This is not the only danger on this station . There are several human bandits aboard the ship as well as working joe androids . This is a stealth game and combat is to be avoided . This is a stealth game after all . Making noise is almost always a bad idea . Do not run that's the best advice I can give .

    The art design and sound design of this game are stellar . The game is best played in the dark with a good set of cans . The alien is not the only threat aboard this ship . Usually you can tell where the alien is by sound . However all that goes out the window as some objectives sound alarms which will surely attract your new friend . It's in moments like these isolation shines brighter . As the alarms rage and smoke and fog fill your vision you will need to think quick to survive .

    Alien isolation is an uncompromising vision . This is the best alien game ever made and definitely one of the finest most unique survival horror titles ever . If played properly you are in for a real treat . Now obviously this game won't appeal to everyone but those aching for a truly different game pick this up . Play the game on hard and you are in for a compelling and rewarding experience you won't soon forget . It'll leave you frazzled and shaking in your little space boots .    … Expand
  5. Velsuan
    Oct 3, 2015
    7
    That's a decent game for sure. Not as good as SOMA (more recent this one). The production value is really nice. Graphics are superb. In the sound department, that's a joy! The Alien is a s.o.a.b, and sometimes he seems a little bit too persistent (like mentally ill "focused"!). I've found that if you don't hide inside a box or a locker, the beast tend to keep his distance a little more....That's a decent game for sure. Not as good as SOMA (more recent this one). The production value is really nice. Graphics are superb. In the sound department, that's a joy! The Alien is a s.o.a.b, and sometimes he seems a little bit too persistent (like mentally ill "focused"!). I've found that if you don't hide inside a box or a locker, the beast tend to keep his distance a little more.... and that walking is an option as long as there's shadows. I almost forgot about the story... err, maybe because the Hide & Seek game with Big Al is waayy to tedious and repetitive. I don't know. I'm not that impressed about that aspect of the game. Good game overall.… Expand
  6. FlyingSnotBogey
    Oct 12, 2014
    8
    As usual this review will contain some spoilers and contains un-biased opinions based upon an experience of playing and fully completing this game.

    **It is worth noting that for this review the PC version of this game was used on a high end system. Graphics settings Maximum and Difficulty on Normal (Not Easy or Hard).** Survival Horror Isolation: Take a sprinkling of alien a dash    As usual this review will contain some spoilers and contains un-biased opinions based upon an experience of playing and fully completing this game.

    **It is worth noting that for this review the PC version of this game was used on a high end system.
    Graphics settings Maximum and Difficulty on Normal (Not Easy or Hard).**

    Survival Horror Isolation:
    Take a sprinkling of alien a dash of human a bucket of machinery and just a pinch of "where the hell am I?" will leave most consumers with a pleasant taste in their mouths. Although not everyone likes their steak served "rare" this is one prime cut that really shouldn't be overcooked.

    Here's Looking at You Kid:
    In accordance to routine we start with visuals and to be honest, despite it's somewhat humble approach to environment design, Isolation has some really neat graphical wizadry under the hood. The character designs themselves "could" use some gloss and there are many features which seem to be lazy. Lighting and Shadows however are masterfully done and often places would be too dark to appreciate blinding beauty. A completely suitable design visually with credit where credit is due; the areas of exploration in the space suit, outside the station for example give you time to appreciate some of the finer visuals in Isolation.

    Why the Hell Are We Here Anyway:
    Moving on to first impression aspects the title "Isolation" doesn't really befit the game.... The station in its own right is generally populated and very rarely will you find yourself truly "Isolated". As would be expected in times of dire strife, survival instincts begin to kick in.... people are desperate to stay alive and would sooner kill and ask questions later. The autominous systems on board duely dubbed "Working Joe's" have also begun to go rougue (for reasons later explained in the game) and will happily request you "Remain Calm" while they stamp on your head and if that's not bad enough there is a highly intelligent alien assasin on board which EVERYONE is expecting YOU to get rid of..... Sounds like the perfect scenario for a honeymoon.......

    Get Under the Goddam Desk Will You:
    Despite a few small pretentions; Isolation is far from being an FPS. It has probably been said before and will be said again.... this "flavour" of survival beef won't tingle on everyones tastebuds. Playing like John Rambo is rarely going to cut it. Paitence, planning and timing are your biggest guns here and that is heavily reflected in the Alien stalking sections of the game.

    Isolations contents itself are genearlly quite long and should give you enough to get your money worth out of your time. That being said... I sure it would have felt shorter if the amount of time dying was a little leaner. And you will die......again and again.....

    Puzzles are mediocre but in contrast do not take away too much from actually having to hide most of the time, after all focus should be about staying alive. Some variety of tools seem a little pointless in difference when traversing different areas and the added frustration with some save-points being too far apart (good thing or bad thing? not sure here).

    Dying a Lot:
    While frustrating, it is also one of the key elements of the game.... this has to be said and because of this, it is easy to understand why some will absolutely hate this game. The game is MEANT to be tricky..... it is meant to keep you on your toes and keep sitting under desks for 5-10 minutes at a time to avoid getting another backstabbing. Be creative and use the crafting system to "Make" useful distractions at key points in order to progress, that is where this game will really shine for those with the survival instincts.

    Personal Taste:
    One of the greatest points for me on a "personal" note seems to one that is a "beef" for many others. The Alien non-predictive AI..... Not knowing exactly where and or if the Alien will show up during the Stalking sections of the games... this for me is one of the main elements I wanted to push forward. It makes you listen... makes you pay attention and be creative.... failure to do so will probably result on you trying to predict a pattern OR indeed a "Patrol Route". So after about the third time you know exactly who is going to be where etc etc and you progress...... Isolation just looks at your and declares "Computer says no"..... players should at least be willing to appreciate this is some nice coding..... you are not just following routine here...... you are "Actively" being stalked...... kudos...

    Overview:

    Graphics: 8/10 nicely done but could use a spit shine
    Sound: 9/10 pretty damn ambient in my opinion (think of the era)
    Gameplay: 7/10 nothing groundbreaking but done well enough for the purpose
    Story: 7/10 progressive and relatively well done, just not enough interaction generally

    Overall: 8/10 a well-rounded attempt that fills a somewhat massive gap in the Alien "Game" franchise with enough action to make your mum jump occasionally.....    … Expand
  7. HenriqueV
    Nov 3, 2014
    9
    Alien: Isolation is definitely one of the best games of the year. Perhaps the first truly "survival horror" ever. If you are a sci-fi lover, then you must play this game. The atmosphere is just amazing. It feels like you are inside a 60's/70's sci-fi movie. The graphics are the best produced for the next-gen at this point.

    This is not a game for everyone, tough. If you are used to games    Alien: Isolation is definitely one of the best games of the year. Perhaps the first truly "survival horror" ever. If you are a sci-fi lover, then you must play this game. The atmosphere is just amazing. It feels like you are inside a 60's/70's sci-fi movie. The graphics are the best produced for the next-gen at this point.

    This is not a game for everyone, tough. If you are used to games like "Assassin Creed" or "Call of Duty", perhaps you won't enjoy it. That's explain the criticism this game is getting from some press reviews. First of all, its a game where you barely needs to fire a gun. Your best way to survive in this game, is hiding. Sometimes you need to spend some minutes hiding while the Creature walks around looking for you. So, if you are expecting something similar James Cameron's "Aliens" you won't find it here.

    A:I is a perfect recreation of 1979 classic. Its a nerve wracking experience. The Alien (called the Creature in the game) feels like its is supposed to be: a perfect organism. As I said before, the atmosphere and the graphics are amazing. For sci-fi and Alien fans there are some magical moments (at some points you feel like you are inside 2001 Space Odyssey).

    The Creature is unpredictable and is not scripted. The save points are not friendly. The creature cannot be killed. The sound design creates a tense atmosphere (perhaps its one the best gaming sound design ever). Thats the perfect formula for creating a real horror experience in video-games. Its almost impossible to get scared playing a game when you can save your progress any time you want, when your enemies have predictable behavior and when you know if you fire some bullets you will kill then all at some point.

    Its not an easy game. My advise: in your first play-trough, choose the "easy" difficult, otherwise your experience can be more frustrating than scary. I also believe in "gamma settings" you should choose a configuration with more shadows. The game design gets more beautiful with its lights and contrasts, and the sci-fi horror atmosphere gets a little better.

    Its also a long game. But it never gets boring. Its not a movie. Its a game, a sci-fi one. There are other issues you have to deal with, the creature is not the only one. It means you need to explore Sevastopol and discover some of its secrets. Its a vey satisfying journey.

    Sega and the producers deserve credits for taking risks with this game. I think A:I will follow the same pattern as some sci-fi classics like Blade Runner, 2001, Alien and even Prometheus. Movies who received "mixed" reviews when they were released, but got "classical" status in the following years. This game will be a classic one day.

    I won't give this game a 10, because since its a PS4 game, the characters facial expressions and movements doesn't feel super natural, and sometimes some of them are speaking but their mouths are not moving. Last Of Us raised the bar in that aspect. I also believe that the fighting against the androids should be more dynamic. Other issue I found in the game, was the use of some video-game clichés, like "the path is blocked, find and alternative reach point x". Despite those minor flaws, its a solid great game. One of the best of this year so far.

    A game changer for sci-fi and survival horror gaming. Worth every penny.    … Expand
  8. wormwood14
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Difficult and strongly atmospheric, without becoming tedious and repetitive. Supplemented by nice story, evolving game-play and my favorite science fiction nightmarish terror with very good unpredictable (but logical!) AI. Definitely worth a try. Don't get put off by negative reviews. And don't expect FPS shooter - this isn't Alien vs Predator 3 or whatever.
  9. monks99
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    A great game...survival horror next gen is finally here. A must play in the dark with headphones. You must have patience to play this game. Everyone will have a different experience with how often they will be killed by the alien...but thats a good thing.
  10. gerardroxburgh
    Nov 5, 2014
    9
    Played it on hard. Took approximately 20 hours.

    I don't often review anything, but I want to help boost the score of this game. It deserves it. I can't believe the nonsense that IGN and Gamespot spewed. The developers deserve a lot of thanks. They gave a genuine experience to fans of the saga. GRAPHICS: 10: Solid lighting, the atmospheric elements only add to the look. Authentic    Played it on hard. Took approximately 20 hours.

    I don't often review anything, but I want to help boost the score of this game. It deserves it. I can't believe the nonsense that IGN and Gamespot spewed. The developers deserve a lot of thanks. They gave a genuine experience to fans of the saga.

    GRAPHICS: 10: Solid lighting, the atmospheric elements only add to the look. Authentic from top to bottom. Might be the best looking game on PS4. Minor details like rack-focusing on the motion tracker are great touches.

    SOUND: 10+: As good as it gets. Sound design / surround mix is incredible. Score is solid. Not much else I can say.

    GAMEPLAY: 8 The stealth mechanics is fun and the alien being invincible feels fresh. Reminds me of the survival horrors of yesteryear (Resident Evil Nemesis). I’d have liked the ability to climb over boxes and desks/barriers. It feels a little stiff when you have to walk around everything. My other gripe is Amanda’s throwing ability: it’s awful. I know she’s not some seasoned pitcher, but you can barely toss a noise emitter with any sort of accuracy.

    LEVEL DESIGN / SET PIECES: 10: Makes you feel like a part of the universe. Constantly ups the ante throughout. Good use of covering the same ground by shifting environmental hazards etc.

    STORY: 7 Typical lore, doesn’t expand on much. Feels authentic, but the dialogue from the lead is a little hokey at times. Without spoiling anything, a lot of people complained about the abruptness of the ending, but I thought it was unapologetic and I appreciated it.

    (Not a normal criteria for review, but IGN and GAMESPOT complained so much about it)
    VALUE: LENGTH / DIFFICULTY: 10: The difficulty made the alien feel dangerous to the very end. It didn’t hold your hand. It’s what a single player experience should be. At this point I haven’t touched upon the other game-modes, but I already got my money’s worth. It never felt repetitive. Once you learn the Alien’s behavioral patterns, it opens up the freedom to explore a bit more. Looking forward to trying the other modes and future DLC.

    9/10 - Superb. Creative Assembly made the xenomorph scary again. Hopefully they build upon this franchise with future titles.    … Expand
  11. jstanothergamr
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    9.5 - one of the first times I've cheered at the end of a game

    Because I felt like I had just been through a grand experience. The game achieves the nuance of the 1979 and then brings a scope and intensity that can't be achieved in film. I've noticed a lot of complaints about the second half of the game and I completely disagree. I can only explain it like this: the first half is    9.5 - one of the first times I've cheered at the end of a game

    Because I felt like I had just been through a grand experience. The game achieves the nuance of the 1979 and then brings a scope and intensity that can't be achieved in film. I've noticed a lot of complaints about the second half of the game and I completely disagree. I can only explain it like this: the first half is 1979 "Alien" and the second half is if Ridley Scott had returned to do a sequel. The gaming experience opens up and you go places and see things you didn't expect.. then sheer terror ensues.

    The graphics and sound design are of course top notch. Everything is perfectly recreated and the atmosphere is thick (something missing from a lot of games these days). If you've ever had a chance to play Penumbra, Amnesia, or Outlast then you'll understand.

    The campaign is relatively 20 hrs (definitely play it on Hard) and the Survivor mode is a great touch. If you want to have close up and fast encounters with the Alien then that extra mode definitely adds to your dollar value.

    The only reason I can't give this game a 10 is because the ps4 version has significant frame stutter issues with the cutscenes (hopefully this will be fixed in a patch) and there are a few audio glitches in corners of the map. Other than those two things, this is a game worth your money and time.

    Creative Assembly did amazing work on this one and crafted the best Alien experience to date. And yes, I'm saying it's better than the James Cameron inspired AVP2... way better.    … Expand
  12. HelderP
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    This game is da Bomb!! Seriously, what a gem.

    If you like horror, sneaking and the Alien movie this is for you! That's all i'm going to say, I'm honestly loving this way more than I thought I was going to.
  13. Wade_VC
    Apr 18, 2015
    10
    This is, without a doubt, one of the most intense, adrenaline-fueled horror survival games I have played in many, many years.

    The atmosphere and tension is truly awe-inspiring, the graphics are exceptional, and the overall game-play is just amazing. Coupled with some of the best sound ever to appear in a video game and an exceptional story to tie everything together, Alien Isolation is    This is, without a doubt, one of the most intense, adrenaline-fueled horror survival games I have played in many, many years.

    The atmosphere and tension is truly awe-inspiring, the graphics are exceptional, and the overall game-play is just amazing. Coupled with some of the best sound ever to appear in a video game and an exceptional story to tie everything together, Alien Isolation is a gem of a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat for many, many enjoyable hours.

    If you like horror survival games, this is a must-have on every level.    … Expand
  14. DATAcrusher
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Returning to the roots of Survival Horror, the games starts with an eerie cinematic setting, and turns from bad to worse in the best possible way. Limited and randomized resources means using devices and bullets are hard decisions, as you can quickly run dry.
    The alien runs around as it pleases, so loading a savegame after memorizing its pattern means piss in the wind.
    When playing on    Returning to the roots of Survival Horror, the games starts with an eerie cinematic setting, and turns from bad to worse in the best possible way. Limited and randomized resources means using devices and bullets are hard decisions, as you can quickly run dry.
    The alien runs around as it pleases, so loading a savegame after memorizing its pattern means piss in the wind.
    When playing on the hardest difficulty, as recommended by the developers, the Alien is truly terrifying: And like many horror games, it is the sound that makes the atmosphere, and this game 'gets' it.
    The story will take you in, albeit being slow at times, and feels like its a lost part of the "Alien" movie series.
    The game has minor bugs here and there, but none which hurt gameplay.
    The only negative part is the laggy cutscenes.    … Expand
  15. nezzko
    Oct 28, 2014
    9
    Brilliantly stress-inducing as a horror game and spot-on as a licensed game, Alien Isolation delivers a near-perfect take on the xenomorph and its frightening power.
  16. djwille88
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    When I play games I'm often looking for games that offer me an experience and bring forth that "wow, I can't playing this game", feeling. It doesn't happen often but games that did bring this out were game's like Killzone 2 mp, TLOU, Demon's Souls...ect.

    I'm going to cut to the chase here...Alien Isolation is hands down the best game I've played this year. I've never before had a    When I play games I'm often looking for games that offer me an experience and bring forth that "wow, I can't playing this game", feeling. It doesn't happen often but games that did bring this out were game's like Killzone 2 mp, TLOU, Demon's Souls...ect.

    I'm going to cut to the chase here...Alien Isolation is hands down the best game I've played this year. I've never before had a game bring out the terror and tension that Isolation has. It's a slow paced, methodical game, and it's not going to everyone's cup of tea though. Sound, lighting, graphics, and Alien is top notch. They only real negatives I have with the game are minor, the NPC lip syncing stinks and the framerate on a few of the cutscene's seriously chugs along.

    If you're any kind fan of the Alien franchise this game is a must buy!    … Expand
  17. Rarewarefan64
    Nov 23, 2014
    8
    A very solid title, marred by a little bit of technical and third act pacing issues. The graphics and atmosphere are both wonderful with the creepy, nearly abandoned Sevastapol with only usually hostile survivors and the creepy alien lurking most of the time. If the alien does not scare, the working joes are oddities that may freak you out when they spot you, but not the best ofA very solid title, marred by a little bit of technical and third act pacing issues. The graphics and atmosphere are both wonderful with the creepy, nearly abandoned Sevastapol with only usually hostile survivors and the creepy alien lurking most of the time. If the alien does not scare, the working joes are oddities that may freak you out when they spot you, but not the best of substitution for the alien and certainly more vulnerable. The game has atmosphere, but not much in the way of combat. It's somewhat clunky and really not meant for combat. The stealth is a bit better, but the alien latches onto Ripley's ass like a coked up chimpanzee. The clunkiness though cones somewhat from the frame rate which is not terrible, but with any serious action on screen, the frame rate does dip to 25 fps which is not that great. Though, the game's teases the end quite a few times and is the biggest issue and causes the pacing issues of the third act. Overall, with decent but not perfect gameplay and pacing issues, the game makes up that issue with strong atmosphere and sound.… Expand
  18. hydaway1
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    I'm so glad this game is not another Colonial Marines! This is what happens when a game is put into a competent developers hands! Alien Isolation is a Superb game, and you should play it!

    You play as engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley from the first and second Alien film. Amanda has been searching for Ellen, and is informed of a lead on the space station Sevastopol. As    I'm so glad this game is not another Colonial Marines! This is what happens when a game is put into a competent developers hands! Alien Isolation is a Superb game, and you should play it!

    You play as engineer Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley from the first and second Alien film. Amanda has been searching for Ellen, and is informed of a lead on the space station Sevastopol. As usual in a horror story things go horribly wrong. It's awesome. Alien Isolation plays like a stealth game, well a cat and mouse game, and you're the mouse. Your enemies are significantly stronger than you, especially the Alien. So it's usually in your best interest to crouch walk through the deserted and dead hallways to your next objective. That's not to say you can't fight back, the game gives you an arsenal, but if still makes you feel weak and vulnerable. You have that gun? Ok, it's gonna take a few shots to put that enemy down, oh, and the Alien will hear you! Oh, you have that flamethrower that scares the Alien away? Well, he will come back, and he will be pissed! Alien Isolation is terrifying because of this constant one-move-from-checkmate feeling, and it's excellent atmosphere further drives this feeling. Walking down a deserted hallway and hearing the Alien bump around in the vents is heart pounding! Your only source of comfort is your motion tracker, which alerts you to near by enemies. But you dread pulling out your only savior because you don't want the Alien to be near you, and you don't want to confirm that it's near you. Ignorance is bliss, unless you're standing in the fire (speaking from experience here.) This is all topped of with a manual save system, which also acts as your checkpoint system. I liked this, and thankfully the save stations are evenly spaced out. So you won't have to repeat too much if your die. Gameplay wise Alien Isolation exceeds with flying colors, it's terrifying, and it's a lot of fun.

    The graphics are impressive. The attention to detail is incredible! When the game first gave me control of Amanda I was running around looking at every nook and cranny. Some textures are pretty low res however; computer consoles, tools, desks, etc. Along with the cut scenes. Which went from stunning to ugly, it was annoyingly inconsistent, and they're littered with a horrible frame rate. Sometimes the facial animation would look alive and believable, but in the next scene all of the characters would look stoned and detached. Same with animations as well. The pre rendered cut scenes are few and far between when it comes to the narrative, so it makes me wonder why they even bothered. Why not just make it all first person with the in game engine? Not that interactions look better there, character animation is stiff and sometimes their lips don't move when they talk. It's obvious that The Creative Assembly focused on the environments more than anything else, which is great and annoying.

    Narrative is also where Isolation falls short. The story isn't bad, but it could have been more! It's so disappointing because there was so much potential with the premise. I hardly cared about the characters and forgot all of their names (except for Amanda for obvious reasons.) It's annoying, because the game clearly wants you to care. The only time I was anywhere near emotionally invested was when the plot focused on Amanda's search for her mom, which shockingly takes up a VERY small part of the story. Seriously it's sad how little it's focused on. All of this is coupled with a disappointing ending.

    Over all though Isolation is fantastic. Despite my issues with the narrative and it's inconsistent presentation I loved it. It's easily one of my favorite horror games.    … Expand
  19. PEdiPRANTA
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    This is is a game that is not for everyone.
    It's a really slow paced game with a old fashioned save system that may upset the most impatient persons.
    With that said, I have to say that I loved this game and I think it's a really masterpiece. The Alien is the most intelligent enemy I found in a game ever. It's tense and intense. I was decided not to buy this game after I saw the IGN    This is is a game that is not for everyone.
    It's a really slow paced game with a old fashioned save system that may upset the most impatient persons.
    With that said, I have to say that I loved this game and I think it's a really masterpiece.
    The Alien is the most intelligent enemy I found in a game ever. It's tense and intense.
    I was decided not to buy this game after I saw the IGN review, but after some days, I decided to see it for myself, and thanks god I did this. It's the most fun I had in a game this year, by far!
    Like I said in the beginning, I know this game is not for everyone and for sure this is not the king of game for the guy who made the IGN review. But I thought their review was too irresponsible. The fact that I didn't like one game shouldn't be the motive to give it a very low score. It may not be my kind of game, but this doesn't mean the game is bad, for god sake!
    The graphics are fantastic, the enemy AI is the best I ever experienced, the light is amazing! And the sound...oh my god!!!
    One piece of advice. Try this game for yourself. Borrow it from a friend or rent it. You may don't like it, but if this is your kind of game, I guarantee you will love it.
    One more thing. I'm just a gamer. I don't work and even don't know somebody who works in the game industry. I just loved this game and. I'm looking forward for a sequel. Please, just do it!    … Expand
  20. neilrieck
    Oct 15, 2014
    8
    This game is best played with the lights off but it will scare the crap out of you! (I used store credit after returning Destiny to make this purchase; what a welcome suprise). Warning: This is a survival game and you need to use your wits. For example, I wasted a bunch of time getting around a fire only to realize that you log into a nearby computer to kill the flow of gas to that section. 
  21. Ed_Kel
    Oct 27, 2014
    9
    Having played Alien: Isolation for awhile now, I can say with complete confidence that this the best Alien game to date and one of the best next-gen releases so far this year. The level design is pristine and makes you feel as if you're actually in the 1970's - 80's Alien films. The Xenomorph is equally well designed and truly terrifying. Since the majority of its movement is randomized,Having played Alien: Isolation for awhile now, I can say with complete confidence that this the best Alien game to date and one of the best next-gen releases so far this year. The level design is pristine and makes you feel as if you're actually in the 1970's - 80's Alien films. The Xenomorph is equally well designed and truly terrifying. Since the majority of its movement is randomized, you never know when he'll show up and how to deal with / track his movements. It's truly unnerving. Whats more, it can be a lot of fun to use it to your advantage as well. There's nothing like approaching a group of humans, popping one with the revolver, waiting for the Xenomorph to investigate, and allowing it to annihilate your enemies for you. That is of course, if it doesn't annihilate you as well. The Working Joes (androids) can be equally as horrifying as well. Without knowing what to look for, you never know if it will be friendly or hostile and if it decides to be hostile it can be just as frustrating, albeit rewarding, to get away from them as it is the alien. To the credit of the lower scoring reviewers out there, it can get frustrating having to replay certain levels time and time again until you get your movements just right. It can be even more frustrating to think you're hiding safely away in a locker only for the Xenomorph to find you, or that you're killed just before you reach the "holy grail" - save point but I think this works in favor of the game. It's extremely rewarding when you do reach those save points and it's intriguing enough to keep you pressing through. When you see people scoring this game low because it's "frustratingly difficult" rest assured that these people were not the individuals the developers were targeting -- it isn't for everybody. But if you're looking for a truly terrifying survival horror that will keep you on your toes and rewards patience over belligerence, then Alien: Isolation is definitely worth your time.… Expand
  22. Jellybean15
    Nov 3, 2014
    9
    After the huge disappointment that was Aliens: Colonial Marines, fans and critics were begging for an Alien game worthy of the license. SEGA and Creative Assembly responded with Alien: Isolation, a survival horror game meant to capture the magic of the original Alien film. Fortunately for the fans, Isolation succeeds where Colonial Marines failed.

    The game centers on Amanda Ripley,    After the huge disappointment that was Aliens: Colonial Marines, fans and critics were begging for an Alien game worthy of the license. SEGA and Creative Assembly responded with Alien: Isolation, a survival horror game meant to capture the magic of the original Alien film. Fortunately for the fans, Isolation succeeds where Colonial Marines failed.

    The game centers on Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, a Wayland-Yutani employee who is still currently searching for clues to her mother's whereabouts. She’s invited on an expedition to a space station, the Sevastopol, which has recently recovered information to Ellen Ripley’s whereabouts. Amanda and her colleagues arrive to find the station in ruins, all caused by a hostile Alien stalking the Sevastopol’s halls.

    The first thing you'll notice in Isolation is the amazing graphics and sound design. Everything in this game is perfectly detailed, from the character models, to the sharp textures, and some of the best lighting you'll ever seen in a video game. The voice acting is well done (even if the lip syncing sucks), and the sound design is perfect. The creepy music and sound affects combined with the creepy dark environments make the intense atmosphere truly live up to the name Isolation.

    As mentioned earlier, this is a survival horror game, so it was important for the Alien to be done in a terrifying fashion, which is what Isolation gets right. The Alien looks and sounds great. Everything from the way he stomps which causes your controller to vibrate, crawls through the vents, hisses, and drools spit are all done right. The Alien’s presentation is absolutely perfect for a terrifying experience, but the best thing about the Alien is his unique AI. The Alien’s AI is unpredictable and has no set pattern. Whereas other enemies usually move like they're on a set track or route, the Alien goes wherever he feels. This prevents you from knowing what the Alien will do next, so your stealth skills must be sharp. Sure, you can distract him with items you have, but the Alien will learn and adapt to your moves. Use an item too much, and the Alien will catch on, and find you. Pull out a flamethrower, and the Alien will hesitate, until he finds an opening. To top it all off, the Alien can't be killed, but every one of his attacks are instant kills against you. All of these factors combined make Isolation a paranoia inducing experience on every playthrough.

    The only real complaint is the Alien’s annoying habit in staying near your area for too long. Even when he as a whole wide open area to explore, the Alien will stay near you, despite not knowing where you are, which means you’ll often wait minutes at a time in certain areas before you can make a move, which can be frustrating.

    Despite being the main antagonist, the Alien is not the only hostile thing on the station. Scared survivors litter the station, and will likely shoot you rather than hear you out. They’ll have guns, and you must outmaneuver them or take them down to survive.

    The final enemy type are the Working Joes, mannequin like Androids that have become hostile to humans. Unarmed and slow, but durable and strong, they more than make up for their weaknesses and become terrifying in their own right, but they also center on the story’s biggest weak point.

    At one point in the story, the Alien takes a backseat and the Working Joes become the primary antagonist in the story. It’s an interesting concept, but it feels more like a misfire, especially since it takes too long for the Alien to take the spotlight again. Also, the suited Working Joes feel incredibly cheap.

    In all honesty, I do believe that this game has small problems. Clunky UI, slightly buggy, a dull story with a sequel bait ending, and an okay but underwhelming character (you can see the parallels they were trying to draw with her mother), but I do believe that the game’s problems have been exaggerated greatly.

    The backtracking is not nearly as bad as reviewers make you think. You do revisit areas, but there’s always new nooks and crannies to explore with new items and different enemy arrangements to get around. There may not be any auto save feature, but the manual save works fine, and there are only a couple of stations that may be too far from each other. Lastly, the difficulty is way overstated. In a 15 plus hour campaign on hard mode, I only died ten times. This game is not nearly as difficult as everyone says it is. I'm even going as far to say that they're just bad at stealth games in general.

    Overall, the game is fantastic. It more than makes up for SEGA’s previous Alien game, and if you’re a hardcore Alien fan, this is the game you've been hoping for. If you're not a fan of horror, are impatient, or don't like stealth focused games, you should probably avoid this title, as you'll either grow impatient or turn bitter after dying so much. Still, this game is absolutely amazing, and an experience I don't regret.    … Expand
  23. SpongyTwinkies
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    My initial expectations of this game being shaped by reviews on some of the bigger game review sites, this game is far better than I had expected.

    There is nothing new to this game that you haven't seen in other horror survival games. Alien Isolation borrows play mechanics from other titles such as the Last of Us, Dead Space, and Bioshock, and sets those playable elements in the    My initial expectations of this game being shaped by reviews on some of the bigger game review sites, this game is far better than I had expected.

    There is nothing new to this game that you haven't seen in other horror survival games. Alien Isolation borrows play mechanics from other titles such as the Last of Us, Dead Space, and Bioshock, and sets those playable elements in the Alien(s) story. That's fine, because it works in this game, too. Just don't go into this game expecting original gameplay; instead, just enjoy this game.

    But even though the gameplay isn't groundbreaking, the game is woven well enough into the character's plot and most things make sense. And while I've read some complaints about the Average Joe synthetics, I did not find them to be surprising or a disconnecting story issue. They are introduced appropriately and gameplay isn't jarred by them.

    What I really like is that the game doesn't try to hold your hand all the way through the experience. There are times when a character will provide guidance but you can usually explore the station somewhat freely and not follow any objectives in order. You can also quickly get yourself in trouble. Oh, and the developers presented the Aliens setting extremely well.

    I had also expected the Alien to constantly hound me through the game but that's not exactly true. (Maybe that was my incorrect impression of the game based on reviews.) While there are trigger events that bring the Alien into gameplay, the game plays out a story that involves other NPCs and threats, such as the Average Joes (synthetics). You are not left flat with just a cat and mouse game with the Alien.

    So despite the somewhat overdone gameplay, I am having fun playing Alien Isolation. I bought this title wanting to have an enjoyable Alien experience. I believe I've finally found a game that does this.    … Expand
  24. raypeterson2424
    Oct 28, 2014
    9
    Want to give the game an 8.5 but can't so rounded up to 9. Completed the game and spent some time with the time trial missions. Enjoyed the story and the atmosphere. Graphics and attention to detail were pretty good. There was some frame rate issues with some of the cut scenes and a a few action sequences but not enough to ruin the mood.
    The alien AI is good but not great. Sometimes    Want to give the game an 8.5 but can't so rounded up to 9. Completed the game and spent some time with the time trial missions. Enjoyed the story and the atmosphere. Graphics and attention to detail were pretty good. There was some frame rate issues with some of the cut scenes and a a few action sequences but not enough to ruin the mood.
    The alien AI is good but not great. Sometimes it can't see me as we circle a tool cart and other times it is quick to find you if you make your presence known. The tool building/weapon selection wheel is ok, but can be a pain if you need to switch to something else quickly while in battle. Voice work is well done and Sigourney Weaver sounds pretty similar to 1980's self.
    If you're an Alien fan that likes stealth and tactics games then there is a chance you'll enjoy this. This game is not for everyone, and could've been a couple hours shorter without a few extra missions thrown in for padding. For those who don't finish the game you're missing out on some of the better plot lines and levels. Its at least worth a rental for those who are curious.    … Expand
  25. Tom360
    Nov 23, 2014
    8
    Incredibly bold game. I'm not especially fond of the horror/survival genre but this game is an experience that can't be missed.

    It prefectly captures the atmosphere of the first Alien film. At times it can be a slog through sections that demand replay after replay but the presentation of the game more than makes up for it's shortcomings. It gives me hope for other licensed titles due    Incredibly bold game. I'm not especially fond of the horror/survival genre but this game is an experience that can't be missed.

    It prefectly captures the atmosphere of the first Alien film. At times it can be a slog through sections that demand replay after replay but the presentation of the game more than makes up for it's shortcomings. It gives me hope for other licensed titles due out in the near future.    … Expand
  26. VitaGamer12
    Oct 15, 2014
    8
    This game is great and truly gives the scares. The ai is so good and is done randomly. The game is pretty hard too. The voice acting is average at best and the cutscenes are just meh. The gameplay is great though. Creative Assembly have really done a great job.
  27. Percussius
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    True Survival Horror is back. I cannot stress enough how much of a breath of fresh air this game is. After being so disappointed with Resident Evil 6 I was very much looking forward to both Alien Isolation and The Evil Within. Both games have delivered on their promises in my opinion but Alien Isolation stands out as what I feel is the first true "next-gen" survival horror experience.True Survival Horror is back. I cannot stress enough how much of a breath of fresh air this game is. After being so disappointed with Resident Evil 6 I was very much looking forward to both Alien Isolation and The Evil Within. Both games have delivered on their promises in my opinion but Alien Isolation stands out as what I feel is the first true "next-gen" survival horror experience.

    Survival horror franchises have devolved in the last few years to being more akin to an action movie than their roots as slow-burn high tension horror experiences. Resident Evil in particular has changed from a game about surviving what seem like insurmountable odds to putting you in control of a player who is basically the unstoppable hero of a Hollywood sci-fi action blockbuster. Where Alien Isolation's brilliance shines through is in just how much emphasis the developers put on the "survival" aspect of survival horror. For the majority of the game, when you are seen by the titular Alien it equates to instant death. Even after acquiring the flamethrower later in the game you are only given a few seconds of respite before the Alien returns to hunt you. The gameplay consists of a cat-and-mouse scenario by which you are constantly avoiding confrontation with the Alien and human looters trapped on the Sevastopol space station. The sound design and lighting contribute to a feeling of tension and, well, isolation that are unlike anything I've ever experienced in a game before. The human and android enemies that are still populating the station are hostile but the game gives you plenty of creative ways to use them to your advantage to distract the Alien and progress to the next area. One of my favorite moments in gaming in recent years has been the joint sensation of maniacal joy and terror as I threw a noisemaker into a group of looters and watched from a locker as the Alien ripped open their chest cavities and chased the remaining looter down a hallway only to later hear his cries for help and screams of terror. It's macabre, but ultimately the game is about putting your survival before anyone else's.

    Speaking of the lighting and sound design, the A/V aspects of this game are beautiful. I've played it on PS4 and seen the footage of it running on a high-end PC and the current-gen consoles do the game a lot of justice. My one gripe with the performance of the game is that during the cinematic sequences there's a lot of frame rate dipping which causes the video to look staggered and the audio to not quite sync up with the lip movements.however that being said, this may be an issue with just the console version of the game. Other than that, the game pays a loving tribute to one of the greatest sci-fi/horror films of all time. Costumes, lighting, smoke/fog, environments, even the "future" MS-DOS looking computer terminals have all been created by an attentive reference to the source material.

    This game is built towards a very specific kind of gamer and if you respect and master the mechanics you will be rewarded with one of the greatest experiences of any console generation. Helpful tip: don't be afraid to use your motion tracker.    … Expand
  28. MaximumD
    Jul 8, 2015
    8
    Alien: Isolation is a game that is a must for a any fan of the Alien fiction. The production values and attention to detail in terms of the original film are fantastic. This could easily have been the sequel to the first movie. The Alien itself is terrifying yet fantastically detailed and creates tension throughout the whole experience. Honestly, technologically the game is brilliant,Alien: Isolation is a game that is a must for a any fan of the Alien fiction. The production values and attention to detail in terms of the original film are fantastic. This could easily have been the sequel to the first movie. The Alien itself is terrifying yet fantastically detailed and creates tension throughout the whole experience. Honestly, technologically the game is brilliant, especially the sound. However, I still can't get myself to give the game a straight 10 for a few design issues, namely the spacing of the save points and ultimately too much exposure to the Alien.

    At first I almost hung up the game completely out of frustration. I died a lot during the first main Alien encounter and had to restart countless times. There was a lot of trial and error and many things I didn't understand. I got killed hiding in lockers too petrified to move for fear of having to reload again. The Alien seemed to just be everywhere and I had no chance but get my brains pushed out the back of my head over and over and over again. I nearly quit the game at this point, but boy am I glad I stuck with it.

    I gradually came to see the genius of the save system. Without it I would not learn how to survive against the Alien, since I would have nothing to lose if I could just reload wherever. I realized that I started adapting and learning the nuances of how the Alien moved and sensed. I was learning how to survive against it and gradually started to make it further and further on every attempt. I really needed to be aware of how the level was laid out to understand where the Alien was lurking. The sound cues are amazingly well done and after a while everything becomes second nature. The game strikes a perfect balance between the tension of getting caught and the thrill of pulling off a risky move to get through a room and to (relative) safety. Mix in some human enemies and the game really took off as I watched the Alien rip some poor shmo to shreds while cowering under an operating table. Reloading was no longer such a pain since I was learning how to swiftly move through a level with carefully calculated risks and shrewd use of gadgets. Basically, if you stick with the game long enough, you will eventually "get" it and it becomes quite enjoyable.

    In the end though, there is just too much Alien and too much sneaking around. You end up seeing the Alien so much that it just kind of loses it's terrifying nature. When you eventually get your hands on a certain weapon later on the Alien becomes more of a nuisance than a real threat, although it will still surprise you every now and then. Simply put, the game is too long and It has too much backtracking and sneaking around non stop. Objectives are essentially the same as you need to trek through a long level to get some thing in order to power some other thing back at the start of it. The whole time the Alien is prowling around but at this point you'll have it completely fooled.They needed to change it up a bit further along in the game. It got to the point where I was just racing to the end to finish the story.

    The sum it all up, this certainly a great Alien game first and foremost, but also a really solid survival horror game, at least in the very early parts. The Alien starts out as an absolutely terrifying antagonist and then sort of loses it's luster form overuse by the developers. Still, a solid 8 out of 10 for the technical achievement and definitely the best Alien game ever!    … Expand
  29. elMorseman
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first thing that grabs you is the presentation and attention to detail, then the atmosphere and pants soiling intensity of the sound design really puts you into the game, the first few hours had me impressed and gleefully terrified, this only ramped up when Sevastopol's guest made an appearance. Overall, Alien:Isolation is a stellar survival sci-fi game with an excellent not over the top smattering of horror. Tension is the name of the game and its delivered in spades.
    There were a couple of sequences which degenerated into shooter territory that had me worried if not annoyed until I figured out how to use stealth to my advantage, the game gives you more than a few options in that regard.
    Many complain the game was too long but that's not strictly true unless you burn out on it by playing too long a session. The Xenomorph is a true delight, unpredictable, deadly and bloody clever at higher difficulties. The other foes you face range from creepy to occasionally annoying, but it depends on your approach. This is a game for patient, slow and careful play, you CANNOT blaze through this game unless you intend to die a hell of a lot.

    My only criticism was that in some instances I would have liked to spend a little more time with the supporting cast.Amanda is a great protagonist to play and I really connected with her felt for her plight, but I feel we could havhad some more development in other characters too, instead there is s tantalising glimpse of them but maybe that was by design.

    Bugs were mostly in the cutscenes initially but this has since been rectified and wasn't quite as intrusive as presented as the cutscenes generally didn't happen that often and the majority of the story is nicely told during gameplay, I only encountered one crash through 2 playthroughs.

    For fans of Survival horror, the Alien franchise, science fiction done right and great atmosphere, Alien: Isolation is my Game of the Year and an exceptional entry in the Alien Saga.    … Expand
  30. Jack300
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    This is a fantastic game that Alien fans have been waiting for. Creative Assembly have done a brilliant job in reviving Alien franchise and I really do hope they create a sequel in the future.

    Pros - . Scary atmosphere, the brilliantly crafted Sevastopol Station creates a tense experience throughout the lengthy story. . The sound design is also great, the soundtrack really makes you    This is a fantastic game that Alien fans have been waiting for. Creative Assembly have done a brilliant job in reviving Alien franchise and I really do hope they create a sequel in the future.

    Pros -

    . Scary atmosphere, the brilliantly crafted Sevastopol Station creates a tense experience throughout the lengthy story.
    . The sound design is also great, the soundtrack really makes you feel like this game was influenced by the 1979 Alien movie.
    . Alien AI is completely non scripted which makes for some extremely tense moments.

    Cons -
    . The cut-scenes seem to lag quite a lot and the lip syncing is very bad.
    . Using the map pauses the game and breaks immersion (minor con).
    . The survival mode, while great, is largely locked behind a pay wall.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best PS4 Game of 2014
14
#14 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
12
#12 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 50
  3. Negative: 1 out of 50
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 16, 2014
    80
    A beautiful game that captures the essence of Alien and even expands its fiction. There are some cracks under the polish, but it gets more right than it gets wrong. [Dec 2014, p.91]
  2. DarkStation
    Nov 8, 2014
    90
    Alien: Isolation represents a strong return to form for an ailing franchise.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    Nov 5, 2014
    80
    Unlike the creature at its centre, Isolation isn't structurally perfect, but it is brilliantly hostile in a way that's likely to shock many players. [Dec 2014, p.102]
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