With the announcement of an August 30 release date, excitement is building for the first DLC for Aliens: Fireteam Elite. “Pathogen” will feature three levels as part of a new campaign mission, more weapons, a brand new ability replacer perk for each marine kit class, and loads of cosmetic options.
The storyline for the DLC will focus on the black goo, the pathogen created by the mysterious Engineers and featured in the films Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Based upon the DLC trailer, it appears that a hive of Xenomorphs has been affected by the pathogen, causing the creatures to mutate and take on an appearance similar to the Neomorph.
After nearly a year of pleading for more content, fans are finally getting what they asked for; but is it what they want? The fan base for Aliens: Fireteam Elite holds a deep passion for the world of Aliens, with most treasuring a return to the world of the Colonial Marines featured in the 1986 film. Frequent requests on blogs, Discord servers, and comment sections across the web highlight a desire for more nostalgic matchups: a battle with a Queen Xenomorph, a way to use the Power Loader, and a few skins from the original films.
Conversely, Cold Iron Studios has prided itself on bringing fresh ideas to the Aliens universe (something that I personally welcome). The initial game content explores conflict with the Union of Progressive Peoples (UPP), Seegson Working Joe synthetics, and of course the pathogen. In doing so, Cold Iron Studios is perhaps seeking to avoid the pitfalls of previous Aliens games that relied too heavily on nostalgia and recycled storylines.
Personally, I’m thrilled to be getting more content and relish the chance to explore an expanded Aliens universe. While there are other conflicts I’m hoping to experience, beginning with the pathogen seems appropriate given its central role in the prequel novel Aliens: Infiltrator and in the initial game content. I’m hoping that the DLC is a huge success, leading to several more rounds of content from Cold Iron Studios. The Aliens universe is massive and worthy of further narratives. It’s truly a golden age to be a fan.
Does the upcoming “Pathogen” DLC have enough classic Aliens vibes or is the focus on pathogen creatures too removed from what fans love? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on the Boss Rush Network Discord server and Facebook page.
Featured Image: Cold Iron Studios
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