Recently, Survios announced they’re releasing a flat-screen version of Alien: Rogue Incursion on PlayStation 5 and Steam; and this is a BIG deal. While some may scoff at the idea of purchasing a made-for-VR game on a traditional platform, gamers and fans of the Alien franchise should absolutely support this release and even double-dip if they already own the game on VR.
It’s important to recognize how rare of a win this is for gamers. Companies like Survios are dedicated to producing games specifically for virtual reality consoles like the Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, and SteamVR. Built into this model is the exclusivity of VR titles; these companies rely on consumers buying proprietary technology like these VR headsets in order to maintain business. If all these games eventually make their way to standard consoles, it significantly weakens their business model.
So the fact that fans asked for and received a flat-screen release of Alien: Rogue Incursion is huge. The game was very successful on the VR platform, and Survios would be completely justified in continuing to focus on developing future VR-exclusive stories. Not only did they move forward with a traditional release, but they even made improvements and specializations to the flat-screen release.
According to a press release from Survios, “Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One: Evolved Edition will feature even deadlier Xenomorphs and enhanced visuals, with more details coming soon. The game will launch on PS5 and PC at $29.99 (USD) with the Digital Deluxe edition available for $39.99.”
So how about that? Improved content and a reasonable price for a game port fans requested—we need more of this in today’s gaming ecosystem.
“As a team that truly loves Alien, we’re incredibly proud of the immersive original story we’ve told with Alien: Rogue Incursion,” said TQ Jefferson, Chief Product Officer, Survios. “Following our great start on VR platforms, we’re excited to bring the Evolved Edition to PC and PS5 later this year so that fans of Alien can experience Zula’s journey wherever they prefer to play.”
For many die-hard Alien fans, the “paywall” of VR left a feeling of frustration, of missing out on a great entry into the franchise. Now Alien fans can experience this story without the massive investment cost of a VR system. But more importantly, this provides a chance for consumers to show these companies through purchasing power that there is a market for both flat-screen and VR games, and that a crossover can be profitable if a great game is made.
For those that haven’t yet played Alien: Rogue Incursion, it’s also worth your money to support this entry into the series for artistic reasons. Survios centered the story on a non-Ripley fan favorite and that’s worth positively reinforcing. So often, developers and film-makers don’t give fans what they want. Zula Hendricks, the game’s protagonist, is a badass Colonial Marine with a compelling backstory of overcoming physical pain and disability; indeed these factors have become a core part of her identity and add valuable depth to a combat-focused character.
She’s also a character that originated in the comics; there’s a wealth of storytelling possibilities in the material from Dark Horse Comics, and it’s a shame more developers and film makers don’t mine these narrative depths. Passionate Alien fans would do well to support this entry into the series.
Tell us what you think! Will you be purchasing the PS5 and PC release of Alien: Rogue Incursion? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Facebook, and Twitter.
Featured Image: Survios
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