Aliens allows players to recreate three key battle scenarios from the 1986 science fiction/horror film. The scenarios include "The Reactor Room" (nine marines vs. the aliens in their lair), "Operations and Air Ducts" (the surviving marines face an alien assault and pursuit), and "Ripley vs. The Queen" (Ripley uses a powerloader in her final battle with the Alien Queen). Includes a 17" x 34" game map, character cards, and counters, all featuring photos from the movie.
Marines can have very short life spans in this game, especially if they don't work together. Game play is fast and intense - does a good job of creating the sense of urgency felt when watching the movie. Missions can be made more brutal with optional rules - plus some rule variants add to some fun "what if" scenarios. Add the Aliens Expansion and you can virtually re-write the entire movie script!
- strong thematic fidelity to the movie
- fast and fun play experience
- expansion options and replayability
- heavy on luck in some scenarios
- limited tactics due to luck and AI behavior
- availability challenges due to aging licenses
- cinematic survival against xenomorph threats
- LV-426 / Aliens movie universe; Marines moving through a derelict environment
- cinematic adaptation of film moments
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Detent system and table-driven actions — simple detent with tables guiding Marine actions and weapon use
- Episode/scene recreation of key moments — reactor room, air ducts, and queen confrontation evoke iconic scenes
- Random alien placement — aliens are placed randomly to create tension and surprise
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is fast and fun
- the themed aliens is a wonderful sci-fi universe it's probably my favorite one of all time
- the living world of folklore said in the dark fantasy comes in at number 9
- it's such a unique game and has a really cool feel
- the continent is absolutely huge and the crafting system is unique
- fail forward is a huge bonus in my book
References (from this video)
- Familiar sci-fi license adds flavor
- Discussed as a backdrop more than a deep-dive playthrough
- survival horror, tactical coordination
- Aliens-themed sci-fi horror scenario adaptation for tabletop
- cinematic action
- Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Team-based survival — Players coordinate to survive waves or scenarios against aliens.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- It's going to be absolutely amazing and Meet Me at the Table will donate and match the first $50 through super chats per game.
- We are here for Extra Life and the Children's Hospital fund. It's a super exciting thing.
- The goal is to disrupt the ritual and take down Hastur.
- Season one scenario 5: Small Town, Small Politics, Big Trouble.
- We're giving away King of Monster Island.
References (from this video)
- thematic
- minis look amazing
- strong mechanics and survival tension
- minis require assembly by players (gluing)
- campaign can introduce ambiguities and complexity
- survival and tactical operations against aliens
- space station under attack
- cinematic, sci-fi horror
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign with deck management — Campaign progression uses a deck of weapons and events; you exhaust cards for actions, influencing survival.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's simple, it's fast and it looks gorgeous
- one of the biggest surprises of the year
- the most unique and original game of the year
- it's really good
- a big surprise and a great game on all fronts
- game of the year for board game hangover
References (from this video)
- Iconic license with recognizable IP
- Multiple paths and expansions
- Strong co-op appeal
- Older components and production values
- Rules can be dated for modern audiences
- Survival horror in an Alien invasion setting
- Marines on a space colony
- Cooperative scenarios with alternate paths
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative play — Players work together against the game
- Dice-based resolution — Simple d10 system for actions
- Standees and modular board — Physical components with reusable layout
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- you'll never leave my collection
- it's not a forever game this game is a lifestyle game
- the world is your oyster in the world of shadows of brimstone
- it's the only party game you're gonna see on my forever list
- madara unintentional malam act 1