Area 51

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Apr 25, 2005
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. FPSMaster
    Apr 26, 2005
    9
    Don't listen to the last few reviewers at the bottom of the so-called "pro" list up there without first getting a taste of the final code here. Don't let the very good demo fool you, the actual game is even more polished. Area 51 is the perfect balance between Doom 3, Half Life 2 and Halo 2. With a graphics and lighting engine, not to mention scares that easily rival Doom 3, a Don't listen to the last few reviewers at the bottom of the so-called "pro" list up there without first getting a taste of the final code here. Don't let the very good demo fool you, the actual game is even more polished. Area 51 is the perfect balance between Doom 3, Half Life 2 and Halo 2. With a graphics and lighting engine, not to mention scares that easily rival Doom 3, a story that's just as eery as Half Life 2's and a fast paced feeling like Halo, where are these reviews coming from? The deep textures and fluid, life-like animations are some of the best the Xbox, or even PS2, has ever seen. And the flashlight is as good as Doom 3's, yet it didn't take 5 years to make it work...hmmm. And you don't have to put it down to shoot since it's on all the weapons. What a great idea, huh (sarcasm)? It looks like some people are just a little too afraid to let go of the "Halo is the only good FPS there will ever be" mindset. All the same reviewers that scored Area 51 low are the same ones that got caught up in Halo 2's massive hype and didn't think to comment on the bad story and lackluster gameplay after the second mission. Gamers, open your eyes to this fabulous FPS and you will have something those crappy reviewers don't have... and open mind and a great vacation from the Xbox's "other" great FPSs. Not to mention a "finished" game unlike these reviewers favorite "disappoinment" ever. id and Bungie take note: you don't have to take 3-5 years to hype up a game and have it succeed, or not succeed, depending on how gamers look at those over rated developers latest offerings. Area 51 is proof a game can be made in less than 2 years and meet or beat all expectations, and look and play just as good as the best Xbox games, even on PS2.… Expand
  2. Rick
    Mar 2, 2006
    7
    An enjoyable game. As mentioned it feels like you have done it all before. Basically there is nothing wrong with this game. Its just not exceptional. Its better than a lot of other FPS out on the market. Worth a rental for a weekend. I haven't played it for awhile and is enjoyable enough to have another run through. If you're into Aliens and stuff its better than Destroy all An enjoyable game. As mentioned it feels like you have done it all before. Basically there is nothing wrong with this game. Its just not exceptional. Its better than a lot of other FPS out on the market. Worth a rental for a weekend. I haven't played it for awhile and is enjoyable enough to have another run through. If you're into Aliens and stuff its better than Destroy all humans, albeit they are different genre of gaming. 7.5 out of 10… Expand
  3. RichS.
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    Area-51 Game rules all. Especially in online play.
  4. LarrythegameguyGetRDone
    May 8, 2005
    10
    One of the best FPS i have ever played.....Doom 3 is now in the trash.
  5. B-radH.
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    It's awesome.
  6. JC
    Jul 4, 2005
    9
    Truly one of the great FPS' of the time. Its story sucks you in right at the begining-and refuses to spit you back out untill you realize that you are covered in dust, everything other then the TV looks red, and your wife and kids have left you. It may not rival Halo, but damn does it come close!
  7. GamerTag:BsFan247
    Apr 29, 2005
    6
    Its not bad, but its not going to get me to put down games like Time Splitters or Ghost Recon2. Its just average. Ive really only played multiplayer, because that all I care about, It seems that you just move to slow. You seem to have that feeling like there must be a sprint button somewhere, but there isnt. If you are a FPS fan looking for something different wait a couple days for Pariah.
  8. Jazzbo
    Jun 17, 2005
    7
    Biggest Pros: lifelike character animation, interesting and effective lighting, good story line, challenging scenarios, sense of urgency Biggest Con: split-screen multiplayer scenarios not customizable (weapon selection, game types, etc.)
  9. ChrisM.
    Nov 8, 2005
    9
    This is a really fun game with a twist.
  10. KyleC.
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    Sure, its not as good as Halo...but if thats what your going to judge other games on then they will all suck...I'm having fun playing it...thats all I care about.
  11. PeteW.
    Jan 18, 2006
    7
    Not a bad game, bu not a great game either.... When i first started playing, my immediate response was essentially negative, having just finshed Halo 2, this was game was going to be judged with high standards in mind, so I was somewhat disillusioned by the lack of "polish", and the apparent under utilisation of the xbox's hardware and at one point i nearly switched it off for good. Not a bad game, bu not a great game either.... When i first started playing, my immediate response was essentially negative, having just finshed Halo 2, this was game was going to be judged with high standards in mind, so I was somewhat disillusioned by the lack of "polish", and the apparent under utilisation of the xbox's hardware and at one point i nearly switched it off for good. Having said that, after a few levels I warmed to it a little and despite it's shortcomings, is actually quite challenging and fun although there is a lack of weapons. Worth a play, but if you want a top quality sci-fi fps just play Halo 2.... again.... on a harder settting.… Expand
  12. SenorKoquonfaes
    Jan 13, 2020
    8
    An underrated gem that was largely overlooked during the Halo 2, Doom 3 and Quake 4 era of first person shooters, Area 51 is a great sci-fi action shooter that's equal parts fun, creepy and challenging. The ability to switch between human and mutant form, the mutant form offering it's own special attacks and abilities, was a nice gameplay addition that added some uniqueness to it.
  13. r03vg
    Apr 17, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Здесь вам покажут сцену, в которой инопланетяне изучают человека, вспарывая ему живот. Какая гадость.… Expand
  14. Masterjake43
    May 7, 2022
    10
    this game is great and it is all about is attack of area 51.we all love this game a lot.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Xbox Game of 2005
51
#51 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. games(TM)
    50
    There are moments when player adrenaline levels will rise above the base level, but they are so few and far between that in the end most will decide that slogging through the copious average sections simply isn't worth the effort. [June 2005, p.116]
  2. BonusStage
    92
    The enemy AI on here smokes that which is found in Bungie's FPS masterpiece, since everything here is vicious, blood-thirsty, filled with hatred, and most of all crack shots with whatever weapons they hold.
    Read full review
  3. Game Chronicles
    88
    For the most part Area 51 delivered a solid, fast, fun, and very challenging action-shooter, all set within a creative human-alien hybrid setting. Who wouldn't love the chance to get a peek inside Area 51?
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »