Alien Hominid HD

 Xbox 360
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. TeamXbox
    93
    It is really Dan Paladin’s creativity and skill as an artist that makes you want to continue on in Alien Hominid, not necessarily the gameplay.
  2. ZTGD
    90
    Alien Hominid is the epitome of what Xbox Live Arcade should be. This is one of the finest examples of the service since its inception and I cannot recommend this title enough.
  3. GameSpot
    85
    Alien Hominid HD is a charming and challenging arcade-style shooter that everyone should check out.
  5. IGN
    85
    The game oozes style and humor out of every wound the alien leaves in his wake of destruction. It's hardcore on the level that may discourage some, but it has the most important quality a game can have as well: It's fun.
  6. GamerNode
    85
    This game tweaks the tried and true old-school 2D shooter recipe just enough to appeal to both next-gen gamers and 8-bit lovers.
  7. Gaming Target
    82
    While the lack of online co-op and steep difficulty level will deter some players, it’s hard not to be captivated by the charming presentation, varied action, and enjoyable boss battles present in Alien Hominid HD.
  8. Game Chronicles
    81
    It’s a great little game that may finally get the recognition is deserves from another generation of gamers.
  9. Eurogamer
    80
    Few games of late have required such a concerted dedication to pure blasting, and few have ever provided such a visual feast, either.
  10. GamesRadar+
    80
    A really nice change of pace from the slightly crusty arcade classics that have been hitting Live Arcade for the past month or so.
  11. Xbox World Australia
    80
    There is no doubting that Alien Hominid HD is one of the most challenging and difficult games you will ever play, but that is an integral part of its charm.
  12. G4 TV
    80
    The old school gameplay holds up nicely. Thanks to the incredibly sharp high definition treatment, the primitive animation style manages to still impress.
  13. Game Almighty
    80
    The gameplay is as smooth as ever, but the graphical improvements really make it jump off the screen. With the extra content, online play, and not to mention the chance to win a real trophy, it’s pretty much a must-have game.
  14. 360 Gamer Magazine UK
    80
    Colourful, humourous and above all good fun, this game is a current classic with a rockin' retro feel. Well worth the points. [Issue 24, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Digital Entertainment News
    80
    Are YOU the kind of Xbox 360 user that craves chaos and destruction? Do YOU enjoy games with a unique 2D presentation? Did YOU miss out on Alien Hominid when it was released last generation? If so, then YOU will probably enjoy this game.
  16. Official Xbox Magazine
    75
    It's over too soon, the quickie mini-games aren't worth more than five or 10 minutes, and the inexplicable lack of online co-op play stinks of missed possibilities, but Alien Hominid is still great fun and a joy to watch. [Feb. 2007, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Planet Xbox 360
    75
    A fun and original game, giving you plenty of hours of destroying the various government establishments of the world.
  18. VGPub
    75
    It’s quirky, it’s funny, and it’s challenging. It’s everything a side-scrolling shooter should be.
  19. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    70
    It's wonderfully creative and all it lacks is online co-op and a little more variation in its action. [Mar 2007, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    The mini-games are plentiful and brilliant (and allow online play), the levels are extremely well designed. [Issue 18, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Hardcore Gamer
    70
    Even so, Hominid's crazed charm shines through and makes it all worthwhile, and if it doesn't there are always several minigames to play with. [May 2007, p.68]
    All this publication's reviews
  22. PALGN
    70
    Alien Hominid HD appears to be cute on the surface, but the vicious and difficult shooter gameplay will separate the men from the boys.
  23. Gamestyle
    50
    Alien Hominid HD almost makes us want to cry. Maybe it's because a game we've been looking forward too has turned out to be incredibly average or perhaps it's because we've very rarely been this overcome by a games unfair difficulty.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 5 out of 29
  1. AdamD.
    Mar 2, 2008
    9
    One of the best arcade games you can buy, hands down. be warned though, this game isn't for everyone. the casual gamer will be turned One of the best arcade games you can buy, hands down. be warned though, this game isn't for everyone. the casual gamer will be turned off by the difficulty of the game while graphics hogs are going to be turned off by the old-school, stylized,hand-drawn graphics. still stands as the most challenging 2D shooter around, and when compared to games like codename gordon, abuse and metal slug (without unlimited continues), that's saying something.… Full Review »
  2. JohnC.
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    If you played Alien Hominid for PS2 or Gamecube, you may even want to reconsider buying this one. Alien Hominid HD really brings out the If you played Alien Hominid for PS2 or Gamecube, you may even want to reconsider buying this one. Alien Hominid HD really brings out the awesome hand-drawn graphics and style with the HD format. The fresh animation paired with the traditional and difficult 2d style of gameplay is excellent. The game is hilarious in its own way, with witty and comical background animations and images, while your hacking and slashing agents in the foreground. The difficulty is steep, mostly because of the cushy difficulty we are used to in modern video games. The minigames are fun, and give an extra opportunity beyond the achievement system to earn rewards for accomplishments. Overall, a very solid game, and for 800 points (currently), it's well worth the price.… Full Review »
  3. Derpface123
    Apr 14, 2013
    8
    Alien Hominid HD is one of my favorite XBLA games. Some complain that it's too short, but considering how punishing and affordable it is, I'dAlien Hominid HD is one of my favorite XBLA games. Some complain that it's too short, but considering how punishing and affordable it is, I'd say the 15 levels minigames is a pretty good deal for 800 MSP ($10 or your regional equivalent). The game can get a little repetitive, but the charming hand-drawn art and animation will draw you into the world and keep things fresh through the game's 3 worlds. The game also has nice music, although you would be forgiven for not hearing it through the constant PEW-PEW-PEW of all the guns on-screen. The bosses are very creative and old-school, in that they usually have multiple stages and weakpoints that must be attacked in order to take them down. There are also some UFO stages, but I found them forgettable. It was a good attempt to break up all the on-foot action, but the controls just seem so screwed up for me that I could barely make it through them. Fortunately, there are only a couple of these, and they're over faster than a standard level. The minigames will keep you occupied for probably a half hour at most due to their simplicity. The best part of this package is the main game, and the minigames are just icing on the cake.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »