Alien: Blackout is an interesting mobile game that offers players a continuation of the Alien: Isolation storyline, though it is not considered canon. The game captivates with its atmosphere and tension, but it feels more like a test of attention than a traditional game. Players are required to stay focused and react quickly, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy challenges.
From the very start, Alien: Blackout grabs your attention with its graphics and sound design. Despite being a mobile game, its visual style does a great job of recreating the atmosphere of a space station and the constant threat posed by the Alien. Players once again find themselves in a confined space, trying to survive while evading the deadly creature. Sound effects play a key role in building fear, as every noise can be a clue as to where the Alien is and whether it's getting closer to your hiding spot. The musical score and environmental sounds keep you on edge, as one wrong move can lead to deadly consequences.
The gameplay in Alien: Blackout differs significantly from previous titles in the franchise. Here, players don't wander around an open world or face enemies head-on. Instead, they manage the space station's systems through a tablet, guiding a group of engineers through different sections of the station, avoiding encounters with the Alien, and completing various tasks. The game is divided into several levels, each requiring the player to make quick and accurate decisions. The main objective is to help the crew survive while avoiding deadly run-ins with the Alien, who is constantly hunting them.
This structure makes Alien: Blackout more of a strategic puzzle with survival elements rather than a traditional shooter or horror game. Players must carefully monitor enemy movements, use surveillance cameras and motion sensors, and effectively guide their crew members to safe zones. Each level grows more difficult, and one wrong decision can lead to the death of your crew. The tension keeps players constantly on edge, forcing them to react quickly to danger and find the best solutions.
One of the drawbacks of the game is that some players may find the gameplay too repetitive. The constant need to monitor the cameras and track the Alien's movements can become monotonous, especially as the game progresses. While each level introduces new challenges, the core mechanics remain unchanged, which might decrease long-term interest in the game.
Another point worth noting is that Alien: Blackout feels more like a test of attention and reaction speed rather than a traditional horror game. Players must remain vigilant and make quick decisions to avoid detection by the Alien or prevent the crew from being caught. This makes the game appealing to those who enjoy challenges and quick reflexes, but it may not satisfy players expecting a more classic gaming experience with exploration and combat, as seen in previous entries of the series.
Despite these shortcomings, Alien: Blackout is still a solid game for fans of the Alien franchise. It provides an opportunity to once again immerse yourself in the familiar world and experience the fear of being hunted by the Alien. For a mobile game, it looks impressive and offers a unique, though somewhat unconventional, approach to gameplay.
I recommend Alien: Blackout to fans of the Alien series and those who are open to trying something new within the familiar universe. The game may also appeal to fans of strategic games and those who enjoy a challenge. While it may not appeal to everyone, it will definitely find its audience among horror and puzzle strategy enthusiasts.
