Aliens Versus Predator

From thecrankyhermit

Aliens Versus Predator
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Companies Rebellion, Fox Interactive
First release date Apr 30, 1999
Original platform(s) Windows
Current official platform(s) Official source port: Steam, GOG, others

Freelook FPS

Aliens Versus Predator
A tense, innovative FPS in the vein of Quake, featuring extremely divergent controls and playstyles for the three playable characters (a human marine, an alien, and a predator), each of which has unique controls, abilities, and its own campaign with unique levels and mission objectives. Marines pack big guns and tactical equipment, aliens can climb walls and ceilings but may only attack with claws, teeth, and tail, and predators can cloak and hunt prey with high tech sporting gear, as in their respective movies. Rebellion has competently captured the look and feel of the movies, with good set design, and great use of sound effect sampling. The snazzy character HUDs and vision modes (especially Predator Vision) are standout excellence. The fragility of marines and aliens and constant threat of ambushes makes their campaigns particularly intense, if frustrating. An add-on adds more campaigns and weapons, and much-needed but limited in-mission saves. A digital re-release dubbed 'Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000,' based on open source, includes the add-on and adds other updates including widescreen, DX9 support, and Internet multiplayer through Steamworks and GOG Galaxy.

AVP Gold contains different FMVs from the original, most notably with live actors appearing on ingame monitors, but there is also at least one mission intro that was oddly censored for violence. These new FMVs are carried on to AVP Classic 2000. Some prefer the old FMVs; they can be re-enabled with a mod.