Alienation asks players to build a base, gather resources, and fight waves of zombies in a world overrun by the dead. It is a survival game, but it also wants to be a tactical shooter, a crafting simulator, and a horror experience all at once. That ambition is both its strength and its weakness.
The game was released in 2016 for PS4, and it remains a solid entry in the survival genre, even if it never quite reaches the heights of the best titles in the field. Critics at the time gave it a Metacritic score of 7.8 out of 10, and that number holds up as a fair measure of its quality.
Building the Base
The core loop of Alienation is simple: survive long enough to build a base, stockpile supplies, and defend it from hordes of undead. Players start with nothing, and the game forces them to scavenge for food, water, ammunition, and building materials. The scavenging system is the best part of the game. Each run through a map rewards players with random loot, and the risk-reward structure keeps players moving forward.
The base-building mechanics are serviceable but not exceptional. Players can construct walls, turrets, and barricades, but the tools feel limited compared to other games in the genre. There is no way to customize the layout beyond placing objects in fixed slots, which means creativity is constrained. Still, the act of building a shelter and watching it grow over time provides a sense of progress that keeps players engaged.
Fighting the Zombies
Combat in Alienation is straightforward. Players face waves of zombies, and the goal is to survive long enough to reach the next objective. The zombies are generic, but they are effective. They swarm in large numbers, and their attacks can quickly overwhelm a player who is not careful. The game’s difficulty curve is steep, and it does not hold back. This is a game that punishes mistakes, and that punishment is often harsh.
The weapons are basic, but they are effective. Pistols, shotguns, and rifles are available, and each has a distinct role in combat. The game also includes melee weapons, which are useful in close-quarters fights. Players can craft new gear and upgrade their equipment over time, which adds a layer of depth to the combat. However, the variety is limited, and the game relies heavily on repetition to keep players engaged.
Crafting and Resources
Resource management is a central part of Alienation. Players need to gather food, water, and ammunition to survive, and the game tracks these resources carefully. Running low on any of them can be fatal, and the game does not offer much leeway when things go wrong. This creates a constant tension that keeps players on edge, but it also leads to frustration when a mistake costs a player their entire run.
The crafting system is simple. Players collect raw materials and combine them to create new items. The recipes are easy to learn, but the process can be tedious. It is a necessary part of the game, but it is not the most enjoyable aspect of playing Alienation. The game also includes a research tree, which allows players to unlock new technologies and improve their base. This adds a layer of progression, but it is not as engaging as the combat or the scavenging.
The game’s strengths are its scavenging and base-building systems, while its weaknesses include its limited weapon variety and its failure to deliver genuine horror.
The Horror Factor
Alienation tries to be scary, but it falls short of delivering genuine terror. The zombies are not particularly frightening, and the game’s environments are mostly empty. There are occasional moments of tension, but they are rare. The game leans more on atmosphere than on actual scares, and that approach works better than it might have in a less ambitious game.
The game’s sound design is strong. The ambient noises and the sounds of the zombies create a sense of dread, even when the visuals fail to deliver. The music is minimal, which helps maintain the tone of the game. The game also includes a day-night cycle, which adds a layer of realism to the survival experience. However, the lighting is often poor, which makes it difficult to see enemies in dark areas.
Performance and Technical Issues
Alienation runs well on PS4, but it is not free from technical problems. The frame rate can drop during intense combat sequences, and the game occasionally stutters when there are too many zombies on screen. These issues are not severe, but they are noticeable. The game also suffers from pop-in, which occurs when objects appear suddenly as players approach them. This can break immersion, especially during tense moments.
The game’s loading times are reasonable, and the menus are easy to navigate. The game also includes a tutorial, which explains the basics of scavenging and combat. This is helpful for newcomers, but it is not necessary for veterans of the genre. The game also includes a difficulty setting, which allows players to adjust the challenge to their liking. This is a welcome addition, as it makes the game accessible to a wider audience.
Multiplayer and Replay Value
Alienation includes a multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up and fight waves of zombies together. This mode is fun, but it is not as polished as the single-player campaign. The game also includes a replay value that comes from the random loot drops and the research tree. Players can return to completed levels to search for new items or to try a harder difficulty.
The game also includes a story mode, which is short but effective. The plot is simple, but it is well-written, and it provides a context for the survival gameplay. The characters are not particularly memorable, but they are serviceable. The game also includes a survival mode, which is the most challenging way to play. In this mode, players must survive as long as possible, and the game does not offer any respawns.
Final Verdict
Alienation is a competent survival game that succeeds in some areas while falling short in others. The scavenging and base-building systems are excellent, and the combat is satisfying. However, the game’s lack of variety and its failure to deliver genuine horror hold it back. It is a solid game, but it is not a great one.
The game’s Metacritic score of 7.8 out of 10 reflects this balance. It is a game worth playing, but it is not a must-play.
For fans of the survival genre, Alienation offers a solid experience. For players looking for a deeper, more immersive game, there are better options available. The game is worth a look, but it is not a game that will appeal to everyone.
Alienation is a game that is best enjoyed in short bursts. It is not the kind of game that demands a long commitment, and it is not the kind of game that rewards casual play. It is a game that requires focus and attention, and it is a game that delivers a sense of accomplishment when players overcome its challenges.
The game’s difficulty is high, and it is not for players who want an easy experience. The game is unforgiving, and it will punish players who make mistakes. This is not a flaw, but it is a warning. Players who are willing to put in the effort will find a rewarding experience, but those who are not will find frustration.
Alienation is a game that is best played with a plan. Players who approach it with a strategy will fare better than those who wander aimlessly. The game rewards preparation, and it punishes complacency. This is a game that requires thought, and it is a game that rewards patience.
The game’s replay value comes from its random loot drops and its research tree. Players can return to completed levels to search for new items or to try a harder difficulty. This adds longevity to the game, but it does not make up for its shortcomings. The game is a solid game, but it is not a great game.
Alienation is a game that is best played with friends. The multiplayer mode is fun, and it is a welcome addition to the single-player campaign. It is a game that is better shared than played alone. The game is a solid game, but it is not a great game.
The game’s score of 7.8 out of 10 reflects its strengths and its weaknesses. It is a game that is worth playing, but it is not a game that will change the genre. It is a game that is best enjoyed in moderation, and it is a game that is best avoided by players who want a perfect experience. It is a game that is best played with a plan, and it is a game that is best played with friends.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
