In the vast cosmos of cinematic history, few franchises have left an indelible mark on both the silver screen and the pixelated landscapes of video gaming like the iconic “Aliens” series. As the xenomorphs burst onto the scene in the late ’70s and ’80s, their cinematic terror didn’t merely confine itself to theaters. It infiltrated the world of video games, sparking a gaming revolution that married the suspense of the movies with the interactive thrill of gaming consoles.

In this retrospective journey, we delve into the extraterrestrial realms of 1980s video gaming, where the dark corridors of spaceships and distant planets were recreated in pixels and sprites. Join us as we navigate through the nostalgic terrain of Alien-inspired video games from the era, exploring how these digital adaptations captured the essence of the silver screen while carving their own space in the hearts of gamers. Brace yourself for a nostalgic odyssey that transcends time and technology, where face huggers meet joysticks and pixelated xenomorphs lurk in the shadows of gaming history.

1. Alien (Atari 2600)

“Alien,” the 1982 maze video game for the Atari 2600, stands as the inaugural officially licensed game of the Alien film series, a creation brought to life by Doug Neubauer, known for his work on 1979’s Star Raiders. Set in the eerie hallways of a spaceship inspired by the 1979 Alien film, players assume the role of a crew member tasked with eradicating alien eggs strewn across the labyrinthine corridors, akin to Pac-Man’s dot-gobbling pursuit. Armed with a flamethrower, players navigate the maze, temporarily halting the relentless pursuit of three aliens. Pulsars, reminiscent of power pills in Pac-Man, provide a twist, allowing players to momentarily overpower their extraterrestrial adversaries.

Despite its historical significance as the first officially licensed Alien film series game, contemporary reviews, such as The Video Game Update, were less than favorable. Criticizing the game as a derivative “rehash of the eat-the-dot maze” genre, the graphics were deemed only fair, with gameplay drawing comparisons to existing titles and failing to generate significant interest. Released in November 1982, “Alien” for the Atari 2600 leaves an intriguing mark on the intersection of film-inspired gaming, even if its reception fell short of widespread acclaim.

2. Alien (1984 video game)

“Alien,” the 1984 hybrid strategy/adventure video game, takes players on a gripping journey inspired by the science fiction horror film of the same name. Developed by Concept Software and published by Argus Press Software, the game initially launched for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, later making its way to the Amstrad CPC in 1985.

In this omniscient, menu-driven game, players assume control of the entire Nostromo crew, grappling with the ever-present threat of the alien lurking within the confines of the spaceship. The game kicks off with a crew member meeting a fate mirroring the iconic scene in the film. Players navigate a map-grid representation of the ship, directing crew members to search for the elusive alien while encountering various useful objects like nets, incinerators, pistols, and oxygen tanks.

Emotional dynamics play a crucial role as crew members’ states fluctuate between confidence and hysteria. The player’s decisions, such as ordering characters to pick up weapons or sending them off alone, impact emotional status and performance. Adding a cinematic twist, one crew member is revealed to be an android, mirroring the film’s narrative.

Upon reducing the crew to three members, players face the option of activating the ship’s self-destruct sequence and escaping in the Narcissus, mirroring the tense climax of the movie.

While “Alien” received mixed reviews from critics, some hailing it as an excellent and immersive experience that would “keep you going for weeks,” others criticized aspects like graphics and overall adaptation. Regardless, the game has found a place in the must-play list of Alien titles, demonstrating its enduring impact on retro gaming.

3. Aliens: The Computer Game (UK Version)

“Aliens: The Computer Game,” a 1986 video game developed by Software Studios and published by Electric Dreams Software, thrusts players into the heart of the action, mirroring the intensity of the film it’s based on. Originally released for Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum, with later ports for Commodore 16 and MSX in 1987, the game seamlessly combines first-person perspective gameplay with a gripping storyline.

Set within an intricate atmosphere processing plant maze, players navigate 255 rooms, encountering deadly Alien enemies. Dispatching these foes comes with a catch – the alien’s acid blood leaves a hazardous pool that players must avoid. The threat of bio-mechanical growth adds another layer of complexity, as neglect can result in the emergence of new Alien eggs and facehugger enemies.

The ultimate goal? Reach the chamber housing the Queen Alien and her nests, both of which must be obliterated to succeed. Players can take direct control of a team of Marine soldiers or issue orders from the Mobile Tactical Operations Bay (MTOB), providing a unique perspective through soldiers’ helmet-mounted video cameras.

Critically acclaimed, the game received high praise from computing press, with Zzap!, Amstrad Action, and Sinclair User awarding it 81%, 90%, and 5/5 respectively. Retro Gamer noted the game’s atmospheric qualities, dubbing it “the scariest 8-bit game ever made.” Despite its basic visuals, the game captured the terror and confusion of the movie, earning a reputation as the best game-of-the-film to date.

In retrospectives, Commodore Force ranked it among the top 100 Commodore 64 games, and GamesBeat praised its tight gameplay, recommending it alongside a fan remake titled LV-426. “Aliens: The Computer Game” stands as a testament to the era’s innovative game design, providing a uniquely immersive experience that has left an enduring mark on gaming history.

4. Aliens: Alien 2

“Aliens: Alien 2,” the 1987 side-scrolling shooter from SquareSoft, provides a unique twist to the Alien franchise. Released exclusively in Japan for the MSX, this fast-paced game diverges from its global counterpart, offering players a different experience. Originally planned for the Family Computer Disk System as well, this release never came to fruition.

In contrast to the first-person strategy format of the globally available game, the Japanese version immerses players in a relentless side-scrolling shooter. Players assume the role of Ellen Ripley, armed initially with a basic gun, navigating a planet overrun by Xenomorphs. Facehuggers emerge from Xenomorph Eggs, posing a threat that requires quick reflexes. Dispatching a Facehugger may reveal valuable items, including hand grenades, powerful guns, or wing items, enhancing Ripley’s abilities.

As players progress through surface levels infested with various Xenomorph castes and menacing snakes, Ripley eventually confronts the first boss—a giant, fully-grown Xenomorph. Subsequent levels unfold within a complex, offering a dynamic and challenging gaming experience.

“Aliens: Alien 2” stands out as a distinct chapter in the Aliens video game universe, presenting an action-packed side-scrolling adventure exclusive to the Japanese market. With its unique gameplay mechanics and thrilling encounters, this lesser-known gem adds a fresh perspective to the Alien gaming legacy.

As we bid farewell to the pixelated corridors and extraterrestrial landscapes of the 1980s “Aliens” movie franchise video games, we find ourselves not just reflecting on a bygone era of gaming but witnessing the enduring legacy of cinematic classics in the digital realm. The games explored in this journey, each with its unique flavor and gameplay mechanics, served as a bridge between the captivating narratives of the silver screen and the interactive allure of video gaming.