Aliens: Colonial Marines vs BlackSite: 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.
You play as Special Forces operative Aeran Pierce, sent to investigate a mysterious weapons bunker in Iraq only to encounter alien‑infused mutations. The mission ends in disaster, leaving the world unaware of the extraterrestrial threat. Three years later, a militia has seized Area 51, and the same alien creatures are spreading. Pierce and his Echo Squad must retake the base, battling Xenos and uncovering the government's darkest secrets.
- Atmospheric sci‑fi horror setting
- Co‑op split‑screen support
- Variety of weapons and upgrades
- Tie‑in with the Aliens film lore
- Engaging sci‑fi horror storyline
- Varied single‑player and co‑op modes
- Atmospheric level design
- Solid weapon customization
- Technical bugs and performance issues
- AI inconsistencies among enemies
- Limited map variety in multiplayer
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Multiplayer matchmaking can be inconsistent
- Limited replayability after campaign
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Aliens: Colonial Marines
View all →Alternatives to BlackSite: Area 51
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Survive the Xenomorph nightmare in a gritty sci‑fi shooter experience
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are paid sci‑fi horror shooters at $59.99, but BlackSite: Area 51 (2007) offers a tighter single‑player narrative, while Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013) adds broader co‑op and split‑screen but suffers more bugs and lower reviews.
Key differences
- •BlackSite focuses on a single‑player campaign with limited co‑op (2 players); Colonial Marines supports up to four‑player co‑op and split‑screen.
- •BlackSite has an older (2007) engine with dated graphics; Colonial Marines is newer (2013) but plagued by technical bugs and performance issues.
- •Critical reception: BlackSite scored 58/100, Colonial Marines 45/100, indicating generally better perceived quality for BlackSite.
- •Age rating differs: BlackSite is ESRB T (teen), Colonial Marines is ESRB M (mature), affecting younger players.
- •Multiplayer variety: Colonial Marines includes competitive deathmatch and class‑based modes; BlackSite only offers cooperative missions.
Gameplay & fun factor
BlackSite’s narrative‑driven single‑player and tactical shooting are praised; Colonial Marines has bugs and AI issues lowering fun.
Platform availability
Both are listed without specific platforms; no data to differentiate.
Price & value
Both cost $59.99; value depends on preference for story vs co‑op.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Colonial Marines supports up to four‑player co‑op, split‑screen, and competitive modes; BlackSite only two‑player co‑op.
Content & replayability
BlackSite offers varied mission objectives but limited replay after campaign; Colonial Marines has limited map variety, making replay low for both.
Difficulty & accessibility
BlackSite’s ESRB T rating makes it accessible to younger players; Colonial Marines is ESRB M.
Graphics & performance
Colonial Marines is newer (2013) but suffers technical bugs; BlackSite’s graphics are dated but stable.
Choose Aliens: Colonial Marines if…
Buy Colonial Marines if you need robust co‑op/split‑screen and care about the Aliens franchise despite bugs.
Choose BlackSite: Area 51 if…
Buy BlackSite if you prioritize a solid single‑player story and want a teen‑friendly experience.
Common questions
Do either game support split‑screen multiplayer?
Only Aliens: Colonial Marines lists split‑screen support; BlackSite does not.
Which game has a higher critic score?
BlackSite: Area 51 has a critic score of 58/100, higher than Colonial Marines' 45/100.
Are both games suitable for players under 18?
BlackSite is ESRB T (teen); Colonial Marines is ESRB M, rated for ages 17+, so only BlackSite is officially suitable for under‑18.






