Alien: Isolation doesn’t release commercially until Oct. 7, but the review embargo has been lifted, and the scores have begun rolling in. In our review round-up, we’ll take a look at a few of the outlets that have published their reviews, their scores and what they thought of the game.
Guardian – 100/100
It was brave of SEGA to take a chance on a game like this, where guns are a last resort, but their faith in The Creative Assembly’s vision has resulted in an unusually clever and subversive triple-A game.
PC Gamer – 93/100
It’s ridiculous that it took the developers of a historical RTS to finally create an authentic Alien game, but The Creative Assembly have managed it. They’ve succeeded where countless others have failed by treating Giger’s monster with the reverence it deserves: as something to be feared and respected, not faced head-on with a pulse rifle. Isolation is a taut, confident, and electrifying horror game that perfectly captures the essence of Ridley Scott’s legendary film. I just wish they’d been braver with the story.
Games Radar – 4.5/5
Is Alien: Isolation for everyone? Perhaps not. If you demand reassurance, telegraphed threats, predictable solutions, and an inherent, hand-holding sense of ‘fairness’, you might find the experience too much to handle. But those of you brave enough–those of you tired of existing video game approximations of survival and horror, and craving a real test of your skills, instincts and nerves–will find a bounty of thrilling, engrossing, profoundly fulfilling rewards.
Destructoid – 8.5/10
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding it back. Won’t astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
Joystiq – 4/5
In the same way that Ash respected the alien for its brutality in the original film, though, maybe I also respect Alien: Isolation just for how long, grueling and relentless it ends up being. Instead of completing the game, it feels more like I’ve escaped it and the nightmare it put me through. I no longer have to hear the sickening slump of the alien being spewed out of a vent.
Eurogamer – 8/10
A shorter, sharper campaign would condense the high points more potently, and some better characterisation would make the plot twists hit harder. But if you’re looking for a game that really sinks its teeth into what makes this iconic movie monster endure, look no further.
Polygon – 6.5/10
In the process of contriving story twists and turns to support this spectacle, Alien: Isolation ruins the unique focus of its premise and moves away from the inspiration of the first film. It becomes something depressingly predictable for fans of the property who have been hurt again and again by underwhelming video game representations. Alien: Isolation isn’t the worst Alien game, but thanks to its unrealized potential, it just might be the most disappointing.
GameSpot – 6/10
Alien: Isolation provides us a glimpse into a future that holds the Alien game you’ve always wanted. It is not, however, the vessel that carries you there.
IGN – 5.9/10
Alien: Isolation seemed like the perfect Alien game on paper, and for the first handful of hours it even seems to deliver on its promise on the strength of its outstanding art and sound that faithfully recreates the ambiance of the classic horror film. Instead, what was the Great Xenomorphic Hope ends in another disappointment for a license loaded with interactive-entertainment potential.
Looking through wide range of scores, and it’s plain to see Alien: Isolation will be a divisive game. Some people will love it, while others will hate it, and they’ll probably do so for the exact same reasons. Will any of these reviews effect whether you’ll buy the game or not?
