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PSP | RPG | Alien Syndrome

Boxart for Alien Syndrome
  • GRAPHICS: 2.00
  • SOUND: 2.00
  • CONTROL: 2.50
  • FUN FACTOR 2.50
  • AVG USER SCORE n/a
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 2.7

Preview: Alien Syndrome

Preview by Sid Shuman | 04/09/2007 | 14:27:29 PM PST

It may look like a repetitive action-RPG, but Alien Syndrome for the PSP is incredibly addictive.

From the dust of history rises Alien Syndrome, Sega's PSP take on the classic top-down arcade shooter. In its reincarnated form, Alien Syndrome borrows ideas from action RPGs like Diablo II and PSP bestseller Untold Legends. The results? So far, addictive as hell.

This Time, It's War

As in other action-RPGs, you'll choose from several classes at the start of the game. These classes are divided along weapon specialties, including the Firebug (flamethrowers and fire weapons), the Seal (recharging laser rifles and survival skills), and the Tank (melee mastery). You'll also need to pump up stats like endurance, strength, and accuracy, which affect your resistance and weapon-handling abilities.

I'll be honest. On first play, Alien Syndrome seemed pretty disappointing. The crisp 3D graphics looked only okay by PSP standards, and navigating through the alien-infested space station was a little disorienting. But after a few more minutes, Alien Syndrome won me over. It's fast, fun, and highly replayable.

Alien Storm

The gameplay is ultra-focused. Most times, you'll be hosing down hordes of alien beasties with grenades, bullets, and napalm. Once the smoke clears, you'll grab any guns, armor, and resource points left in the wreckage. These items often come with random mods, like radiation protection or extra damage. And with your handy robot sidekick, you'll cash in your resource points to craft even better gear. It's a pretty slick setup, and eliminates the need for side jaunts to stock up on supplies. Speaking of slick, the strafe-friendly controls are highly accessible.

Kill enemies and grab loot-sounds awfully repetitive, right? But the big surprise here is how well Alien Syndrome pulls it off. The game is just engrossing, and its summer release for the PSP can't come soon enough.


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