Alien: Rogue Incursion REVIEW
Getting a VR version of the cult Alien: Isolation has always been a dream for fans of the series, but at the time it was never realized. However, the developers from Survios decided to take on this difficult task and convey the atmosphere of the early Alien films in a new format. Instead of endless shootouts with xenomorphs, they focused on tension and survival. Alien: Rogue Incursion is not a direct sequel to Isolation, but an independent project that expands the Alien universe.
While in Alien: Isolation you faced a single xenomorph, in Rogue Incursion there are many more enemies. However, their number remains balanced, which makes each encounter truly tense. The motion tracker will be your best ally, because without it you will not be able to predict where the next threat will come from. And the threat can appear literally out of nowhere.
Each encounter with enemies is a test of agility, patience and strategic thinking. Here you do not just shoot, but make decisions: fight, dodge or hide. Weapons, of course, play a key role, but their use must be carefully thought out. Ammo is in short supply, and sometimes the only way out is to simply run away.
The story centers on Zula Hendricks, a seasoned Marine, and her partner, the synthetic Davis-01. Zula is already familiar with the xenomorphs, so she is not easily scared, but this does not mean that she feels safe. The game contains a lot of information about the world, which you will find in the form of notes and journals. They allow you to understand what is happening in more depth and give a feeling of complete immersion in the world of the Alien.
Survios has once again shown how to do control in VR games. The new system allows you to pick up items without unnecessary movements, which is especially important in a tense situation. Weapons and items are easily accessible, and dropped items are automatically returned to the inventory. This eliminates unnecessary fuss, which is simply necessary in games of this genre.
Each encounter with xenomorphs turns into a mini-drama. Imagine: the tracker starts beeping, signaling the proximity of the enemy. You grab a pistol, but the ammo runs out, and you have to quickly reload the weapon. Or use an automatic rifle, where you need to insert a magazine, cock the bolt and only then shoot. But even this is not a guarantee of success: xenomorphs can attack unexpectedly, because they use ventilation and hide in the shadows.
The developers have added a lot of settings to adapt the game to the player’s preferences. You can choose between 360-degree turns or a quick turn. The controllers work perfectly, and the adaptive triggers make shooting and interacting with the environment even more realistic. All this creates a unique experience of survival in the world of “Alien”. The locations, although immersed in darkness, look incredibly detailed thanks to excellent lighting and textures. The character models, such as Davis-01 and the xenomorphs themselves, are striking in their realism. Fog and reflections add atmosphere, making each scene even more frightening.
Of course, there are some minor flaws: textures can occasionally fail, and some objects look less detailed. However, the overall level of graphics is admirable. Sound design is a separate topic. 3D sound makes you listen to every rustle, trying to understand whether there is an enemy in the ventilation or it is just noise. The sounds of weapons and the environment are borrowed from the original films, which adds to the nostalgia of the game.
The voice acting of the characters is worthy of praise, although sometimes the dialogue can be repetitive. However, the overall audio design enhances the sense of presence and makes every moment of the game more tense.
Games in the Alien universe have always caused mixed feelings: some became legends, others disappointed. Alien: Rogue Incursion is confidently included in the list of the best. This is not just another project, but a full-fledged survival horror created specifically for VR. Saving ammunition, puzzles, a tense atmosphere – all this makes the game unforgettable.
For fans of Alien and lovers of VR games, Alien: Rogue Incursion will be a real gift. It not only lives up to expectations, but also sets a new standard for games of this genre. If you have equipment for virtual reality, do not miss this masterpiece.
