In the vast landscape of gaming, one genre has consistently held a special place for enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience – alien invasion games. With their immersive narratives and heart-pounding action sequences, these games have garnered a dedicated following over the years.
The Allure of Sci-Fi Extravaganzas
Why do gamers flock to these exhilarating sci-fi experiences? First and foremost, the notion of an alien invasion taps into a fundamental human curiosity about the unknown. The thought of encountering life beyond our pale blue dot is a concept that has fascinated us for generations, and alien games provide a tangible, interactive way to explore this fascination.
Moreover, these games offer a unique blend of excitement and challenge. The prospect of facing technologically superior adversaries from another world sparks an innate survival instinct within players. The thrill of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds is a powerful draw that keeps gamers coming back for more.
A Glimpse into the Origins
The roots of alien invasion games can be traced back to the early days of gaming. The 1978 classic, Space Invaders, is often considered the pioneer of this genre. This iconic arcade game tasked players with defending Earth from an advancing horde of pixelated alien invaders. It’s simple yet addictive gameplay laid the foundation for countless iterations and inspired an entire subgenre of games centred around extraterrestrial threats.
As technology advanced, so did the complexity and realism of these games. From the pixelated sprites of the ’80s to the photorealistic graphics of today, the portrayal of alien invasions has evolved in tandem with gaming hardware. Even Bethesda, known for their post-apocalyptic Fallout and fantasy themed Elder Scrolls franchises, have recently taken to the intergalactic realm with Starfield, their latest offering.
These are our top five picks of the best in the alien invasion genre:
1. Halo 3 (2007)
Since its inception, the Halo franchise has expanded into a full-fledged series of novels, a live-action TV series and a handful of blockbuster gaming titles. For many, Halo has consistently been the principal reason for owning an Xbox.
The Halo universe is set in the 26th century amid the chaos of several warring factions. The primary threat comes in the form of The Flood, and the masked protagonist, Master Chief, is one of humanity’s last hopes. Halo Infinite is the latest in the gaming titles, but we think Halo 3 marks the pinnacle of the franchise’s achievements.
2. Invaders from the Planet Moolah (2013)
Slot machines are having their moment in the limelight with developers creating immersive experiences that far outshine the one-armed bandits many of us know from casinos of old. Modern slots come in a range of exciting themes including sci-fi titles.
Invaders from the Planet Moolah, which can be played and trialled for free on Jackpot Party is a great example of how far slot machines have come. This quirky game is packed with humour and entertaining animations. Spin your way to safety from the invading bovine aliens from Planet Moolah.
3. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
While Mass Effect 3 fell short in the expectations of some fans of the genre, its predecessor, Mass Effect 2, was a triumph. Players took on the role of Commander Shepherd whose appearance and attributes could be predetermined, including loading a character that they may have grown attached to from the first Mass Effect game.
Set in the Milky Way galaxy in the 22nd century, players battle to protect humanity from the Collectors, an invading insectoid alien adversary.
4. Destroy All Humans! (2005)
Destroy All Humans tips the idea of alien invasion games on its head and puts you in the role of the invaders. Set on Earth in 1959, ten years after the famed Roswell Incident, players control Crypto, a Furon hitman alien in his quest to farm DNA from humans in order to continue the cloning of his own race.
The satirical game features tons of amusing references to the time period and comically voiced characters. It’s a prime example of a fun single player PlayStation 2 title.
5. Earth Defense Force 5 (2017)
The western releases of the Japanese Chikyū Bōeigun series have garnered a cult-like following. A third-person shooter where players play as a soldier protecting Earth from droves of alien attackers.
The games have an impressive number of weapons and vehicles to take control of and over one hundred levels to test your mettle.
With an array of alien games to choose from, each offering a unique take on the threat of extraterrestrial invasion, gamers have a wealth of options to satiate their appetite for otherworldly challenges. From the pioneering days of Space Invaders to the cutting-edge titles of today, the allure of these games lies in their ability to tap into our fascination with the unknown and provide a platform for thrilling, high-stakes gameplay.
