Alienation

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 230 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 230
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 230
  3. Negative: 23 out of 230

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  1. Kaprawiec
    May 19, 2016
    10
    Absolutely gorgeous game. Its mix between twin stick shooters and diablo like action rpgs. It is wonderfully mixed, with excellent graphics and fantastic gameplay. If You like either of the genres just try it. I cant put it down, and I think its the first time on this gen that I hope there will be expansions for a game - Ill definitely buy them!
  2. sityoazzdown
    May 3, 2016
    8
    Solid twin stick shooter, fun and satisfying. This game really shines during challenge mode and when a horde decides to launch a suprise attack, so many chaotic, fun, tactical times were had for me. Gameplay-wise, anyone one who plays dead nation, or any twin stick shooter will know what to expect, this time they decided to add in rpg elements and random loot; and both were good; but theySolid twin stick shooter, fun and satisfying. This game really shines during challenge mode and when a horde decides to launch a suprise attack, so many chaotic, fun, tactical times were had for me. Gameplay-wise, anyone one who plays dead nation, or any twin stick shooter will know what to expect, this time they decided to add in rpg elements and random loot; and both were good; but they left me wanting more. Too litte weapon variations, and the random loot were just stronger stats for each weapons. With the occasional random special effects of each weapons (which wasn't even limited to legendary), made grinding not as satisfying. I didn't mind the lack of story..or interesting story (see dead nation), but it still felt lazy. Bottomline, this is a fun twin-stick shooter, while grinding is still fun (especially with co-op), it could've been better( unique weapons for legendaries), gameplay is challenging, fun, and ultra satisfying especially when there are tons of enemies on screen.… Expand
  3. moviefan2
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    if you are looking for a great game, with beautiful graphics, and the option for online help, and you love cool weapons with upgrades, this game is it. 20 dollars and i've got 50 plus hours and still playing. it's a game, not intended to replace life, it's a game, a it's what was needed for me after 700 plus hours playing bloodborne. a game that's fun and simple.
  4. endisni
    May 4, 2016
    9
    Controls really well, my favourite suit is the bio. The graphics are really quite spectacular and the flow of the game feels just right. It is an excellent twin stick shooter, with rpg elements that make it have a good amount of longevity. It's a real challenge if you play on your own, or together with others, it's good to work a part of a team. The music and sound effects are bothControls really well, my favourite suit is the bio. The graphics are really quite spectacular and the flow of the game feels just right. It is an excellent twin stick shooter, with rpg elements that make it have a good amount of longevity. It's a real challenge if you play on your own, or together with others, it's good to work a part of a team. The music and sound effects are both really top notch too.… Expand
  5. Underpants158
    Jul 5, 2016
    6
    [Written under the assumption you know what the game is so I won't be explaining it, just giving thoughts and opinions]

    -Missions all play out the same There is nothing distinctive from one level to the next.. You shoot aliens, loot, grind levels, and customize gear. -I largely played it in single player and I preferred the pace when I did. The story is by the books and trite but the    [Written under the assumption you know what the game is so I won't be explaining it, just giving thoughts and opinions]

    -Missions all play out the same There is nothing distinctive from one level to the next.. You shoot aliens, loot, grind levels, and customize gear.

    -I largely played it in single player and I preferred the pace when I did. The story is by the books and trite but the gameplay offers ten hours of fun.

    -random hordes appear during missions and are the most intense fun parts of the game.

    -It's a decent twin stick shooter but if you aren't into replaying levels and grinding then the game won't offer you much.

    I appreciate the game more when I play solo. Co-op is too fast and hectic for my taste-not just the keeping other with other players' pace but the sheer amount of things on screen. However this is likely peculiar to me.    … Expand
  6. NessJWimbleton
    Mar 9, 2017
    8
    The good

    -Action: Really nice coop twin stick action, perfect controls and some nice touches that always keeps the adrenaline going, the random horde in particular is really fun, -Random challenges: This is another nice addition, all levels hace random challenges that nets you gear and exp, these are not varied because every one of them involves killing something, but they are    The good

    -Action: Really nice coop twin stick action, perfect controls and some nice touches that always keeps the adrenaline going, the random horde in particular is really fun,
    -Random challenges: This is another nice addition, all levels hace random challenges that nets you gear and exp, these are not varied because every one of them involves killing something, but they are challenging and makes grinding not tedious.
    -Gear upgrade system: A nice streamlined version of gear upgrade that lets you focus on the action.

    The bad

    -Missions: They are too few and all of them have generic objetives; outside of the little hints of story that each provides, they are pretty much interchangable,
    -Short campaing: While the game offers theoretically endless content (weekly challenges, ultimate gear upgrading, ark ship time trials), most players will not keep playing after the 2nd playtrough, and that can be achived in as little as 10hrs.
    -Not enough of everything: basically the game needs more missions, more weapon types, more grenade types, more end game content and at least 1 more class.

    Veredict:

    A nice little game, haves some issues and its very short for the deep rpg systems that it haves but is really fun specially whe playing with friends.    … Expand
  7. felasi
    May 20, 2016
    7
    Alienation is a well crafted game. The visuals from explosions, aliens dying, and special attacks being launched make for a very colorful (and satisfying) gaming sessions. The controls are decent and the flow of the game is just right. Progression has been thought out carefully, considering the limited number of missions. The game knows when to reward the player every so often with theAlienation is a well crafted game. The visuals from explosions, aliens dying, and special attacks being launched make for a very colorful (and satisfying) gaming sessions. The controls are decent and the flow of the game is just right. Progression has been thought out carefully, considering the limited number of missions. The game knows when to reward the player every so often with the next higher damage weapon which helps keeps victory within reach as the difficulty starts to ratch up.

    Coop play with friends online is easy to set up and a blast to play. I dont mind that it doesnt have local coop yet, since i mainly play with my friends online, but its strange it wasnt included at launch.

    Overall, its fun to play and again the visual effect are awesome. All this for a reasonable price sees it score 'good'. It misses out on top marks because this game has a short shelf life with the repetitive gameplay. The developers did include different optional objectives and its good that there are a number of different locations to play on. A competitive invade mode was also included which is a good step, but i cant help but feeling it lacks something. A small complaint nonetheless.    … Expand
  8. MaDPuPPeT
    May 5, 2016
    10
    Diablo met XCom and had an amazingly love child. This game is a fantastic start to a new franchise I hope.

    Visually and technically superb. The design has everything you'd expect from this genre: - visceral weapon effects - masses of enemies - common to rare weapon drops with various socket types and upgradable "gems" - reroll weapon stats using salvage from trash weapons - 3    Diablo met XCom and had an amazingly love child. This game is a fantastic start to a new franchise I hope.

    Visually and technically superb. The design has everything you'd expect from this genre:
    - visceral weapon effects
    - masses of enemies
    - common to rare weapon drops with various socket types and upgradable "gems"
    - reroll weapon stats using salvage from trash weapons
    - 3 classes with unique upgradable abilities
    - smooth drop in/out multiplayer and easy to find a match (at least currently)
    - random powered bosses and challenges throughout the levels.
    - lots of destructable stuff to blow up or strategically hide behind.
    - the melee fills in the gap while you are reloading weaponry
    - lots of tactics to the game as well as plenty of Rambo moments.

    cons: as a budget game it doesn't have all the cinematic storyline of Diablo, though at least it has voice overs for the missions. I'd love to see a fullpriced sequel with more content and cinematics..    … Expand
  9. PaladinX360
    May 13, 2016
    8
    This was a unplanned purchase for me. I'm glad I decided to pick it up. The overhead style combat is great. The upgrade system is interesting and well done. It can be a challenge solo, but is oh so much fun in multiplayer. Great game.
  10. Lockjaw
    Jul 6, 2016
    10
    This is pure brilliance. Everything is so well made and creatively mixed together in this Action RPG / Top Down Shooter. Another excellent Housemarque game. The best one yet, probably. Just buy it. Really.
  11. KuroNinja
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    Bought this on the PSN store a few days ago now, been playing this game for over a week. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good couch CO-OP game with tons of fun. This game gives you that Diablo feel although playing this on the highest difficulty is even better.
  12. DwarfPerkele
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    A fun, fast-paced game. It looks good, plays well, and has enough customization options for gear and abilities to make it interesting for a guy who loves RPG elements in games. It gets even better when you play it as local co-op, and you and your friend are trying to save one another when **** hits the fan and there are enemies everywhere. If you manage to beat the (almost) endless wavesA fun, fast-paced game. It looks good, plays well, and has enough customization options for gear and abilities to make it interesting for a guy who loves RPG elements in games. It gets even better when you play it as local co-op, and you and your friend are trying to save one another when **** hits the fan and there are enemies everywhere. If you manage to beat the (almost) endless waves of enemies, the feeling is really quite cathartic.

    It's not a story-driven game by any means, but I think the game would have benefited from having a bit more story to it. The action, while fun, gets a little bit repetitive after a while when you've already seen all the maps, all the enemy types and weapon types, and you only get stronger versions of the same, trying to stay ahead of the arms race between you and your enemies (which level up when you do). I'd prefer that different areas had different levels of difficulty so that it would feel like you're becoming more powerful. When enemies auto-scale, you don't feel stronger; your relative power level depends solely on whether you've been able to acquire rare, level appropriate gear.

    With the existing game mechanics and gameplay, it would have been possible to include stealth missions, escort missions, nighttime missions, more interesting types of tower defense, just to name a few examples. These and a bit more story would have added some variety to the amazing but oh so repetitive action.    … Expand
  13. Siontis
    May 4, 2016
    7
    Another quality game made by a really talented team, Housemarque. Although I had a blast playing it , it's nothing like RESOGUN and after completing the campaign twice it's over for me. I don't regret buying it, i have enjoyed every single minute of it, but it is not strong enough to keep me coming back.
  14. trancematic
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    Absolutely amazing arcade blaster from top developers Housemargue that keep producing quality titles for the sony system time after time,after the brilliant Resogun ,Dead Nation and Super Stardust HD they have in my opinion topped all of those with this Alienation.

    Unlocked at midnight last night and i was playing it 2 hours later and literally loved what i was seeing,as Siontis said    Absolutely amazing arcade blaster from top developers Housemargue that keep producing quality titles for the sony system time after time,after the brilliant Resogun ,Dead Nation and Super Stardust HD they have in my opinion topped all of those with this Alienation.

    Unlocked at midnight last night and i was playing it 2 hours later and literally loved what i was seeing,as Siontis said its a top notch product and well worth the £15.99 asking price    … Expand
  15. JackKasket
    Jul 18, 2016
    10
    This game is brilliant! Besides superb gameplay, it has a great character progression, end game, and great maps. It is clearly a multiplayer game, and soloing is either difficult or not too much fun.

    Some people complain about the lack of couch coop, but the thing is, this game will not play very well on the same screen. The mechanics do not really allow it, and restricting the FOV    This game is brilliant! Besides superb gameplay, it has a great character progression, end game, and great maps. It is clearly a multiplayer game, and soloing is either difficult or not too much fun.

    Some people complain about the lack of couch coop, but the thing is, this game will not play very well on the same screen. The mechanics do not really allow it, and restricting the FOV would be a serious detriment to the game.

    Giving it a zero because the devs omitted a feature that would break the gameplay is ludicrous, and people who give this game a red score did not even play it.    … Expand
  16. Kevan
    May 13, 2016
    7
    A good-looking, fast-paced mix of a arpg and a shoot-em-up.
    But it becomes boring too soon, just brainless grind mobs with not enough variety, at a not-so-good 30fps.
    Again, fake arpg elements to apparently make the game last a dozen more hours.
    7/10, good but not great.
  17. Morowiec
    Apr 27, 2016
    10
    The best twin stick shooter! Better version of Dead Naton. I am waiting for local co-op!! :)
    The game looks beautiful... the effects are impressive!
    Buy IT!
  18. FancyName
    May 5, 2016
    6
    I really wanted to like this game, but compared to Helldivers it just falls very short. The graphics are nice, but in most cases they just obscure the screen making gameplay a real hassle. If you like a deep co-op experience, I think Helldivers is a way better choice.

    In Alienation you just point and shoot, and occasionally use special abilities. I don't feel like we, as a team, are    I really wanted to like this game, but compared to Helldivers it just falls very short. The graphics are nice, but in most cases they just obscure the screen making gameplay a real hassle. If you like a deep co-op experience, I think Helldivers is a way better choice.

    In Alienation you just point and shoot, and occasionally use special abilities. I don't feel like we, as a team, are really cooperating. There are not many ways to interact with other players. And the missions are very bland. There is nothing like a diffuse missions, where a player needs to be guarded or something. Very unimaginative.

    In my book, Alienation is a good example that gameplay trumps graphics by a long mile. Helldivers >>> Alienation.    … Expand
  19. FriedConsole
    May 25, 2016
    6
    This is a good game but my least favorite Housemarque game and I played them all as a fan. I like loot games but it seems tacked on here and not fun. Playing alone is impossible and playing online with someone is too easy. Helldivers did a lot of this better.
  20. dasthomas
    Sep 5, 2016
    10
    This game is tons of fun. It's a perfect combination of Dead Nation and Resogun - games from the same studio, Housemarque. They added local co-op after all, which is a great move.
  21. Almighty_David
    Apr 30, 2016
    9
    Alienation is an absolute blast!
    It's basically a top-down version of Destiny - you choose one of three classes, you level up, you unlock and upgrade powerful special abilities and you grind for better weapons. And it all just works and is a ton of fun, because the gameplay feels darn near perfect, the graphics are really good, especially the crazy explosions, and the maps are well    Alienation is an absolute blast!
    It's basically a top-down version of Destiny - you choose one of three classes, you level up, you unlock and upgrade powerful special abilities and you grind for better weapons. And it all just works and is a ton of fun, because the gameplay feels darn near perfect, the graphics are really good, especially the crazy explosions, and the maps are well designed and filled with plenty of side-activities.
    The only real issue I have with this game is that it's not hard enough - even the Ark ship missions, which are supposed to be the "ultimate skill test", aren't much of a challenge at all in my opinion.
    And I played on the highest difficulty, but after I had finished the 20 (about 15-20 minutes long) story missions on both world levels and finally hit 30 (cap) I quickly started to get bored, because with increasing hero level and proper weapons the maps became way too easy, so I didn't really see any incentive to keep playing once I was fully "maxed out".
    To be fair though, that took me about 20 hours (for one class) and considering the relatively low price and how much I enjoyed this game, I still think it offers enough amazing content to be a must-buy.    … Expand
  22. ablaise82
    Aug 28, 2017
    6
    This is a great game, with one huge glaring problem. Scaling enemies. No matter how much you play, and what level you pick, enemies are ALWAYS stronger. This literally makes the game less fun the further you get, and ultimately kills the urge to even "grind", ruining the game to a large degree.
  23. JesteR1701
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    Just an average game. Very boring map design, boring weapons and the game is made for co op. Dont buy it if you want to play singleplayer. I played it for about 3 hours and it didnt had fun.
  24. Zakaddum
    Apr 26, 2016
    3
    Don't get me wrong guys, the game is pretty nice overall, however the fact that they cheated us with the local co-op few days before release is weird. Also they told that somewhere in their blogs, I did not get any notifications on e-mail or smth like that so at my point of view it's just not fair. For me game makes no sense without local co-op. So if you also decided to buy this gameDon't get me wrong guys, the game is pretty nice overall, however the fact that they cheated us with the local co-op few days before release is weird. Also they told that somewhere in their blogs, I did not get any notifications on e-mail or smth like that so at my point of view it's just not fair. For me game makes no sense without local co-op. So if you also decided to buy this game because of local coop and never heard that they did not implement it finally be noticed.… Expand
  25. L_Coops
    Nov 13, 2016
    7
    The game play is good, however the game itself is very repetitive and offers little to no story to keep the player engaged. Ultimately, a bit overrated.
  26. efejoao
    Apr 27, 2016
    10
    This is a fantastic game! Developers should price it as regular PS4 game and I would be very happy to pay for it. Worth every penny! Loads of fun for quite some time!
  27. QuixoticFuse
    Jul 4, 2016
    3
    The game gets pretty old fast and it has no local co op. Only on-line. Very irritated never would have got the game had I noticed that. The site said local co op. But only works online. Makes for a lame game. It could have been better if I could have hung out with a few of my friends
  28. FatherTime67
    Jul 8, 2016
    0
    The game stated it had local co-op mode, it does not. Looks like it would have been a fun game to sit around the couch with some friends. Otherwise looks like it gets old really fast playing by myself
  29. aspentitan
    May 16, 2021
    10
    For me this game was a random find on sale at the PlayStation store. I have to give credit where credit is due and for this type of game I can't really see much to improve upon. This is a twin stick shooter which has an arcade like feel to it but has other elements to keep the game from becoming stale and repetitive. It's not my favourite genre for sure but it sucked me in a good hour theFor me this game was a random find on sale at the PlayStation store. I have to give credit where credit is due and for this type of game I can't really see much to improve upon. This is a twin stick shooter which has an arcade like feel to it but has other elements to keep the game from becoming stale and repetitive. It's not my favourite genre for sure but it sucked me in a good hour the first time just checking it out then another 5 hrs the next session. The controls on this game are great and easy to learn. The tutorial is probably under a minute and you are good to go. The gameplay is never boring you are always busy and with a good progressive scaling of enemies and variety. Gunplay was solid and enough weapon and character skill trees exist in the game to consider multiple styles or playthroughs. Upgrading is fantastic and it's nice you can power up your weapons with cores but then remove them without penalty and use them in a different weapon if you like. You can play coop or solo and can go online for various modes related to the campaign. Overall a steal considering the game is entertaining, bug free and dirt cheap. I can't really see how they could improve the game I found it easy to learn, moderate to master and very entertaining throughout. For me, a hidden gem I would have never considered if not on sale.… Expand
  30. Adikon
    Nov 30, 2018
    8
    I m a huge fan of Housemarque games. I played every single one. This one was no different. Alienation is a fun, action-packed game which will suck you in for hours.

    I really enjoy myself to this day (2018) and roam the servers with couple friends. There is an infinite grind, leagues to climb up in, challenges, and ofc loads of aliens to kill :)
  31. jelikey
    Aug 28, 2023
    8
    The good

    -Action: Really nice coop twin stick action, perfect controls and some nice touches that always keeps the adrenaline going, the random horde in particular is really fun, -Random challenges: This is another nice addition, all levels hace random challenges that nets you gear and exp, these are not varied because every one of them involves killing something, but they are    The good

    -Action: Really nice coop twin stick action, perfect controls and some nice touches that always keeps the adrenaline going, the random horde in particular is really fun,
    -Random challenges: This is another nice addition, all levels hace random challenges that nets you gear and exp, these are not varied because every one of them involves killing something, but they are challenging and makes grinding not tedious.
    -Gear upgrade system: A nice streamlined version of gear upgrade that lets you focus on the action.

    The bad

    -Missions: They are too few and all of them have generic objetives; outside of the little hints of story that each provides, they are pretty much interchangable,
    -Short campaing: While the game offers theoretically endless content (weekly challenges, ultimate gear upgrading, ark ship time trials), most players will not keep playing after the 2nd playtrough, and that can be achived in as little as 10hrs.
    -Not enough of everything: basically the game needs more missions, more weapon types, more grenade types, more end game content and at least 1 more class.

    Veredict:

    A nice little game, haves some issues and its very short for the deep rpg systems that it haves but is really fun specially whe playing with friends.    … Expand
  32. chrisdeberg
    May 6, 2016
    10
    Stunning stellar arcade, outstanding graphics and physics, with lots attentions to details, loads of effects simultaneously running together while you alone or with your colleagues fight various types of aliens, various weapons, various abilities per character , personally it's one of the best games out there, in my opinion, awesome loot system and great difficulty system, from rookie, proStunning stellar arcade, outstanding graphics and physics, with lots attentions to details, loads of effects simultaneously running together while you alone or with your colleagues fight various types of aliens, various weapons, various abilities per character , personally it's one of the best games out there, in my opinion, awesome loot system and great difficulty system, from rookie, pro or veteran, always challenging but never frustrating. It's a game you can play again without getting bored every play.… Expand
  33. JAKEADIDAS
    May 1, 2016
    10
    This game is an amazing follow up to zombienation but has a massive difference as in better graphics, ranks levels, upgrades and more. This game has a great multiplayer system and is great to play with hours of fun.
    I would definitely recommend this one.
  34. GamingDrake
    Aug 11, 2016
    4
    What a SNOOZE!, no challenge, no story, no addictive gameplay and disappointing. it's not a terrible game but just a boring, repetitive top down shooter. How anyone can play this for hours on end is beyond me.
  35. destinyfan1
    May 20, 2017
    9
    amazing game , alienation is a twin stick shooting game , and its my second game in the genre and boy I will buy more , this game has decent graphics great customanisation, smooth controls everything in this game was good except for the story
    BTW its is very fun with friends , just go freaking buy it
  36. Rustaman
    Jul 13, 2017
    9
    Dynamic and enjoyable gameplay with stunning density effects, large variety of enemies, with sensible character development system and weapon upgrades. Recommend!
  37. TresVoltesRebel
    Nov 24, 2020
    8
    El juego está muy bien en cuanto a controles y gráficos. La historia y las misiones un poco cortas, se acaba muy rápido y el end-game está bien para unas partidillas pero no como para estar enganchado durante días/horas.
    Las misiones son demasiado repetitivas, básicamente mata aliens a mansalva, poco más.
  38. TheCornflex
    Jan 31, 2018
    8
    Dead Nation is epic and this one is too. But it is a bit different. 4-Players YES! Local Coop NO! I wish Dead Nation has 4-Player support and this one local Multiplayer. But still epic.
  39. Ruzaky
    Aug 26, 2020
    8
    Pretty good top down shooter. To bad there not enough missions and its very short. In co op playes very fun.
  40. Barbara_Barus
    Dec 14, 2019
    7
    It's one of the best Diablo clones that I ever saw. Right now It's one of the best CO-OP PS4 games
  41. magicsany
    May 30, 2021
    10
    The game is a blast. It is like Diablo on steroids with aliens. Graphics and sound are amazing. It plays well either as single player or online. The game is simple but does have tactical depth and takes time to master. It is the best twin stick shooter for PS4.
  42. DangerDave1409
    Dec 21, 2021
    8
    Pure chaos but hey. Loved it as a couch coop. Nicely made :) Would play it again with my best friend
  43. Yojimbo2015
    May 20, 2023
    7
    Overhead shooter that's essentially Gauntlet with nobs on. Quite good fun and the RPG style levelling up adds replay value to the levels but like a lot of indie titles on the PS4 it's a little lacking in depth. If you like the similar Alien Breed it's worth a look but Killzone Liberation on the PSP does rather more with a lot less processing power.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best PS4 Game of 2016
74
#74 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
72
#72 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 21, 2016
    85
    Best twin-stick shooter I have played – fast, varied and enriched with hack’n’slash elements deep enough to make looting and upgrading weapons highly addictive. [07/2016, p.66]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jul 6, 2016
    70
    Another addictive twin-stick blaster enhanced by chasing XP and loot. But a gang of mates is a necessity, as difficulty spikes quickly and brutally. [July 2016, p.87]
  3. Games Master UK
    Jul 5, 2016
    76
    Although poorly explained in places, there are plenty of thrills in this top-down loot shooter. [June 2016, p.78]
See all critic reviews »