In this first person survival horror adventure set fifteen years after the events of Alien (1979), Ripley’s daughter becomes trapped on an alien-infested space station which holds answers to the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.
When I first got my hands on Alien: Isolation, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer intensity it would deliver. As a fan of the Alien franchise, I was drawn in by the chance to step into Amanda Ripley’s shoes and unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. The game takes place 15 years after the first Alien film, and it feels like stepping right back into that world of haunting corridors and endless dread.
The most exhilarating aspect is how Alien: Isolation captures the essence of being truly hunted. This isn’t your typical action-packed, shoot-‘em-up game. Oh no, this is survival horror at its finest. The alien AI is terrifyingly intelligent. It reacts to your every move, and no two encounters are the same. It’s the kind of game that has you holding your breath as you sneak from room to room, hiding in lockers, and praying you aren’t spotted by the lurking Xenomorph. There’s a palpable tension every time you hear that telltale hiss from the vents above.
What makes the experience even more immersive is how the environment is so meticulously crafted. The Sevastopol space station feels like a character in itself—grim, decaying, and full of danger. The design draws heavily from the original film, right down to the retro-futuristic technology. Playing Alien: Isolation feels like you’re part of a lost chapter in Alien lore, with every flickering light and ominous clank of metal contributing to the atmosphere.
Then there’s the sound design—absolutely top-notch. Wearing headphones is practically a requirement because it adds layers of dread as you navigate the station. You can hear the alien’s footsteps echoing through the halls, growing louder as it nears your hiding spot. Every little noise could give away your position, so the game forces you to be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
Combat isn’t the focus, and that’s what makes the gameplay so special. Sure, you can craft noisemakers, EMP mines, and other useful gadgets, but the alien can’t be killed—only delayed. It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game, and that adds a real sense of vulnerability. The feeling of being prey, rather than the predator, is something few games have managed to capture this well.
Despite its length (around 20-25 hours), Alien: Isolation keeps the experience fresh by varying the scenarios. One moment you’re defenseless, sneaking around, while the next you’re avoiding hostile androids or scavengers. The pacing is perfect for keeping that tension alive, never letting you feel too comfortable in any given situation.
If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, or if you just love survival horror, Alien: Isolation is a must-play. It’s not just a game—it’s an experience that grips you from start to finish, immersing you in the terrifying reality of being hunted in the vastness of space. You won’t be able to put it down, and after you do, you’ll be thinking about it long after the credits roll. It’s a journey into fear that’s both thrilling and unforgettable.
