Aliens: Colonial Marines vs Area 51
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Step into the boots of a Colonial Marine and battle the terrifying Xenomorph threat across atmospheric, horror‑filled corridors. The game blends intense first‑person shooting with cooperative play, letting you and friends face the alien menace together. Featuring a gritty narrative set after the events of the original films, the title delivers a mix of single‑player missions and multiplayer modes, including split‑screen co‑op, that keep the tension high and the action relentless.
Step into the shoes of Specialist Ethan Cole, a HAZMAT operative sent to investigate a deadly viral outbreak at the world’s most secretive military base. Explore five massive, atmospheric levels filled with human and alien weapons, mutagenic enemies, and hidden underground alien colonies. Uncover conspiracies ranging from the Roswell crash to the faked lunar landing while battling the mind‑controlling virus and the terrifying "Theta" creature. The game offers both single‑player narrative depth and multiplayer modes, including split‑screen co‑op, for an intense sci‑fi horror experience.
- Atmospheric sci‑fi horror setting
- Co‑op split‑screen support
- Variety of weapons and upgrades
- Tie‑in with the Aliens film lore
- Rich sci‑fi narrative with deep conspiracy lore
- Diverse weapon selection mixing human and alien tech
- Both online and split‑screen multiplayer options
- Atmospheric level design with hidden secrets
- Technical bugs and performance issues
- AI inconsistencies among enemies
- Limited map variety in multiplayer
- Graphics show their age on modern hardware
- Occasional AI pathfinding glitches
- Limited replayability after story completion
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Survive the Xenomorph nightmare in a gritty sci‑fi shooter experience
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games cost $59.99, but Area 51 offers higher critic scores and more varied modes, while Aliens: Colonial Marines leans on franchise lore but suffers from bugs.
Key differences
- •Critic Score: 45/100 (A) vs 77/100 (B)
- •Release Year: 2013 (A) vs 2005 (B)
- •Weapon Variety: A focuses on upgradable firearms; B mixes human and alien weapons plus a survival mode
- •Multiplayer Scope: A supports up to 4‑player co‑op and competitive deathmatch; B offers online matches and split‑screen co‑op
- •Technical Stability: A reports bugs and AI inconsistencies; B notes dated graphics but fewer performance issues
Gameplay & fun factor
Area 51 adds alien weapons, survival waves and richer narrative, while A is hampered by AI inconsistencies.
Platform availability
No platform information provided for either title.
Pricing & value
Both priced $59.99, but B’s 77/100 critic score gives better perceived value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support split‑screen co‑op and online/multiplayer modes; no clear superiority.
Content & replayability
B includes optional survival mode and larger levels; A has limited map variety.
Difficulty & accessibility
No specific difficulty or accessibility details are given for either game.
Graphics & performance
A suffers technical bugs and performance issues; B’s graphics are dated but no major bugs reported.
Choose Aliens: Colonial Marines if…
Fans who value official Aliens franchise lore and four‑player co‑op despite technical flaws.
Choose Area 51 if…
Players seeking higher critical reception, diverse weapons and extra modes, with more stable performance.
Common questions
Do both games support split‑screen co‑op?
Yes, each title lists split‑screen co‑op in its multiplayer features.
Which game has a better critical reputation?
Area 51 has a critic score of 77/100, compared to 45/100 for Aliens: Colonial Marines.
Is there any extra mode beyond the main campaign?
Area 51 offers an optional survival mode; Aliens: Colonial Marines does not list additional modes.