There have been almost 50 Alien games released over the last 43 years, but none have managed to capture the horrifying magic of the original 1979 movie quite like Alien: Isolation. Originally released in 2014, Alien: Isolation received generally favorable reviews from critics and fans, though there were some major criticisms levied at the game’s length, with many believing that Isolation‘s drawn-out third act detracted from the otherwise refined horror experience. While time hasn’t done much to fix those issues, it has allowed more people to try the game, resulting in Alien: Isolation developing a bit of a cult following over the last few years.
After a decade of waiting, those passionate Alien: Isolation fans were finally told that a sequel is in the works, once again being developed by Creative Assembly. Alien: Isolation‘s sequel was only confirmed to be in development last October, so it’s unlikely to release anytime soon. But Alien: Isolation 2 shouldn’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on the franchise’s new wave of success.
Related
Interview: Alien: Rogue Incursion Devs Talk Meta Quest 3 Port and Exploring the Franchise Through VR
Survios’ Alien: Rogue Incursion will soon arrive on the Meta Quest 3, allowing even more players to face Xenomorphs in virtual reality.
Alien: Isolation 2 Can’t Let a Golden Opportunity Pass By
The Alien Franchise Might Be Entering a New Golden Age
While the Alien franchise has remained steadily popular since its debut in 1979, many of its cinematic outings over the last three decades or so have paled in comparison to its first two entries. Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection were panned by critics at the time and are widely considered to be much weaker than their predecessors. And though Prometheus and Alien: Covenant dabbled with some intriguing themes, they also failed to stick the landing.
Released last summer, Alien: Romulus managed to break that pattern of mediocrity, debuting to a wealth of positive reviews from both fans and critics alike. Unlike the franchise’s last few entries, Alien: Romulus felt like a true successor to the 1979 original, not just imitating its aesthetic and tone, but exploring it in creative ways fans hadn’t seen before on the silver screen. It also seems as though Alien: Romulus was a decent financial success for 20th Century Studios, with the movie making just over $350 million worldwide on a reported budget of around $80 million.
Back in October it was confirmed that an Alien: Romulus sequel is in the works, with Fede Álvarez likely attached to direct and write once again. An Alien show is also set to release later this year. Titled Alien: Earth, the FX show is being written and directed by Noah Hawley, the same writer, director, and executive producer of acclaimed shows like Fargo and Legion. If Alien: Earth is a hit, then the Alien franchise might find itself in the middle of a new golden age, and Alien: Isolation 2 shouldn’t waste that opportunity.
Alien: Isolation 2 Should Capitalize On That Excitement
Fans of the first Alien: Isolation were already champing at the bit for a sequel, but with the Alien franchise potentially entering a new golden age, there’s a possibility that the series is about to attract a wealth of new fans. Those new fans could be looking for a video game that captures the horror-focused tone of the movies and shows that got them into the franchise, and the Alien: Isolation sequel could fit the bill perfectly.
Though the first Alien: Isolation reviewed fairly well, it was a bit of a commercial disappointment for publisher Sega. So, when it comes to marketing the sequel, it’d make sense to at least plant some seeds now and release a teaser while the Alien franchise is experiencing a resurgence.
- Released
-
October 7, 2014
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence