After “Alien: Isolation 2” was given a first trailer, media representatives were now able to play the prologue of the upcoming horror hope – and thereby revealed a number of details. This also includes returning to a familiar place.
After more than twelve years of waiting, the survival horror milestone arrives „Alien: Isolation 2“ finally a sequel. The first glimpses were given last week when an atmospheric trailer was presented as part of the Summer Game Fest.
But the big question is probably: How does the whole thing play? And after selected media representatives were able to play the prologue of “Alien: Isolation 2” for around 20 minutes, the first solid information is now available. This makes it clear: the developers are breaking with the traditions of the first film without betraying the roots.
Welcome to LV-921: When freedom becomes a threat
The most important innovation first: the main character is no longer Amanda Ripley, but a Weyland Yutani employee named Blake.
The story of “Alien: Isolation 2” picks up just a few months after the events of the first part: Blake is part of a survey expedition on the stormy planet LV-921 when an unknown spaceship crash-lands on the surface.
And this is exactly where Creative Assembly breaks with the biggest core feature of its predecessor: you are no longer just locked in narrow corridors, but out in the open – in the case of the prologue, in a lashing storm of rain and mud. But foresight does not necessarily mean security.
Art director Ana Sopikova explains the psychological trick opposite Xbox Wire as follows: “You still have these claustrophobic spaces, and it’s still this clunky, lo-fi, sci-fi technology that’s guaranteed not to save you. And then when you add that touch of outdoor spaces, it’s a different kind of fear, right? First you’re locked in, and then you’re exposed. It’s still as desperate as ever.”
The interplay of emotions in particular is said to be the sequel’s absolute secret weapon, as creative director Al Hope added: “I love the idea of the players feeling really trapped and claustrophobic indoors and just wanting to get out, just like before. But after that initial rush of ‘I’m not trapped anymore’, they suddenly feel exposed and vulnerable. Riding that wave of emotions and motivations felt like a damn good mix.”
The Iconic Return: A wreck with a dark past
The interior of the crashed wreck also provides a big surprise in the gameplay demo: While trying to restore power to the seemingly abandoned research laboratory, Blake uncovers information about the ship’s origins: it is a separate dangerous goods laboratory from the Sevastopol station.
So here you explore part of the legendary space station from the first part. But as soon as the truth comes to light, all hell breaks loose: the xenomorph breaks through the ceiling and the familiar hunt begins again. The alien uses both the ventilation shafts and the new outdoor areas to surround the player.
The weather conditions on the planet don’t make it any easier: the storm completely confuses the background noise, while the alien is harder to see in the rain. Thus, according to Hope, the game becomes a pure “information war – what do I know compared to what the enemy knows?”
More options, but no weapons
By the way, anyone who hoped – or feared – that “Alien: Isolation 2” would develop into an action shooter can breathe a sigh of relief. The developers remain true to survival horror, so there will be no weapons in the sequel that can kill everything.
In return, significantly more freedom should be offered when sneaking. Lead game designer James Green emphasized how important small successes are: “We wanted more freedom of action for the player, more choices, more small victories. Even if you only move 3 or 4 meters, but it feels like the biggest thing you’ve ever achieved in a game. These little moments are really important, and we wanted more of them.”
And should you despair at some point because the Xenomorph is blocking your way, the expanded crafting and gadget system should allow new tactics to distract the beast. However, the goal is and remains escape.
“It’s still about distracting and trying – it’s not about overpowering the alien or killing it. That’s not what we’re about. It’s just about giving you tools to distract it and escape. That’s the focus,” Sopikova made it clear.
It will still be a while before the alien starts hunting again: “Alien: Isolation 2” is still in the middle of development for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and the PC. A release date is still pending.
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