Announced earlier this week, Aliens: Fireteam is a third-person squad-based shooter set in the Aliens universe, with players teaming up with friends to battle against hordes of xenomorph threats. The title was unveiled via an action-packed trailer, with the promo revealing that the franchise's latest video game tie-in would be making its way to PC and consoles later this year.
In a follow-up to its announcement, IGN has released a comprehensive look at Fireteam's gameplay, with the publication's Executive Editor of Previews Ryan McCaffrey teaming up with Cold Iron Studios' CEO Craig Zinkievich and CCO Matt Highison to battle some xenomorphs. The footage clocks in at just over 25 minutes and comes loaded with details about the game, including what classes players can pick, how missions are structured, and what enemies lurk throughout its levels.
The slice of gameplay is allegedly pulled from one of the game's earlier missions, seeing McCaffrey, Zinkievich, and Highison exploring an orbitary refinery known as Katonga. As with all of Aliens: Fireteam's missions, a three-person squad is sent to explore the site. Cold Iron Studios clarifies that solo players will be allocated AI teammates, however, the experience is best with a group of friends.
The trio also highlights classes players can occupy, with Highison assuming the role of a "technician," meaning he can place turrets and other useful items. Zinkievich, on the other hand, is a "demolisher," which allows him to utilize grenade launchers, flamethrowers, missiles, and other heavy weapons to blast away xenomorphs. Meanwhile, McCaffrey takes on the role of the gunner, which is more of a general build.
Throughout the footage, the trio reveals there are over 20 xenomorph types to battle, four different campaigns, and a series of in-game algorithms that will attempt to add variation to repeated encounters. Above all else, the footage confirms that the co-op title will have plenty of action for Aliens fans, as the three-man squad blasts its way through waves of extraterrestrial foes.
Aliens: Fireteam already looks to be an intriguing take on the formula of games like Left 4 Dead and the upcoming Back 4 Blood, focusing more on classes and third-person combat while adding the distinct look and feel of the Aliens franchise. Following an epic final confrontation that closes out the preview, the team reiterates that the title will be hitting shelves later this Summer. Seeing as the Aliens franchise has frequently crossed over into the video game space through the likes of Alien Isolation, Alien vs Predator, and Aliens: Colonial Marines, it'll be interesting to see how Cold Iron Studios' depiction of the franchise stacks up.
Aliens: Fireteam will hit PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X later this year.
