Alien Syndrome
| Developer: Softek | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: ACE | Sound: |
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| Year: 1988 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Action | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 2 simultaneous | Rating: |
5/10 | |
It’s a similar premise to D/Generation: a genetics lab, an accident, monsters roaming the halls, and survivors to rescue. That’s where the comparison ends. The gameplay is far less sophisticated; the intellectual challenge boils down to vaporising aliens with various weapons, finding your way, collecting hostages, and reaching the exit before the countdown ends—signalling self-destruction and, of course, game over…
The few drawbacks include a limited field of view during screen scrolling, collision issues with the environment (invisible walls), and an overly strict time limit. Ultimately, the arcade version (1987) is prettier, faster, and features more levels. You’re better off playing the original via emulator or, better yet, Zombies Ate My Neighbors on the Super Nintendo. Another (pricier) option: Xeno Crisis (2019).
The sound effects are highly reminiscent of Menace, Xenon, or Beyond the Ice Palace; the composer reused the same samples over and over.
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