Alien: Rogue Incursion (Atmospheric Sci-Fi VR Horror but Yes, There is JANK)
Hot dang, Alien: Rogue Incursion finally gets some of that shit right! Anyone familiar with the Alien franchise knows it’s been a desert since Aliens, with the rare oasis like Kenner’s action figures standing out clearly, but you’re not sure if it’s a mirage until you get closer. The films? Mostly a mirage. But leave it to VR to fix that disease so we get hydrated again. I was hesitant about Rogue Incursion initially, seeing the slew of negative takes. Yet, the release trailer, capturing the old films’ essence, screamed “worth a look.” Especially after avoiding recent corporate cash-grabs like Romulus. Maybe its ill-gotten gains will fund good stuff, like a sequel to this beast. Taking place between Alien and Aliens, you’re Zula Hendricks, who first appeared in Alien Defiance, a friend of Amanda Ripley. As a physically and mentally scarred war vet, Zula, with her synthetic companion Davis, lands on Purdan, summoned by a friend embroiled in a company overthrow. Their ship gets hit by AA flak, and the true nightmare begins: uncovering corporate deviance and the xenomorph infestation they left in their wake. And you get experience all the terror in real first-person!
Combining typical FPS elements with the immersive power of VR, Alien: Rogue Incursion nails the story and atmosphere. The mood is perfect, capturing all the best moments and tension that made the original first two films such legends. Where it stumbles, and I agree, is pure jank. Holding a crank as you move your character backwards? You’d think they’d have programmed in a natural hand release, but instead you’re treated to hilariously long, jerky arms. Xenomorphs occasionally glitch into easy targets and you cave save bullets by shooting them point black as you laugh. Or how about the fun of watching your legs smoosh up under your body as you crouch, entering an inhuman state where true body form does not exist. But don’t let graphical quirks overshadow the genius. Some whined about frequent xenomorph appearances, but honestly it felt realistic, and there was more than once I felt truly in danger and with the VR experience it was awesome. Rogue Incursion distills the series’ best elements: a gripping story, a perfect mood, and awesome moments like carrying an android’s head while you dodge xenomorphs or surviving a facehugger while you’re trapped in a room of eggs. Zula’s quest isn’t cut-and-dry, either, with lots of plot twists, but do be prepared for the jank.
Alien: Rogue Incursion Official Steam
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
Alien: Rogue Incursion
Survios (developer and publisher)
4.3 / 5
