Aliens vs Predator - Check Out the Multiplayer for the new AvP

Aliens vs Predator - Check Out the Multiplayer for the new AvP
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Aliens vs Predator Returns

We first mentioned this game as a must have for February 2010. It’s been six long years since the last AvP game, Alien vs. Predator for the short-lived Atari Jaguar. Gamers have been aching to step back into the shoes of the marines, aliens, and predators and engage in a war of the worlds on current gen consoles. Now, thanks to Sega and original developers Rebellion, players will get that chance in February 2010.

And no, Monsters vs Aliens doesn’t count.

AvP - Let the Game Modes Begin

The multiplayer component of Aliens vs Predator offers several game modes, both standard for multiplayer gaming and some unique to the title. Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch are present, but there are also a few modes that make great use of the license. There is a Predator game mode where one player is the Predator while everyone else plays a marine. When someone kills the Predator, they become the Predator. Whoever has the most kills as Predator wins. In the Alien mode, the setup is the same: one player is an alien while the rest are marines. In this mode, when the alien kills someone, their victim turns into an alien as well.

In domination mode, players capture three flags and hold them for as long as possible. There’s also a cooperative mode where four players can fight off aliens that come in waves, similar to Gears of War 2’s horde mode.

AvP Strategy

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Each class has its own unique strategy. As marines, you’ll want to stick in a group if possible. Obviously this can’t be done in a straight on deathmatch, so if you’re on your own, you need to be alert as possible. Familiarize yourself with the block command, as several Predator and alien attacks do significant damage and if oftentimes if you’re hit once, it’s too late to recover. By blocking at the right time, you can knock your attacker back and stun them, giving you a crucial window to get some shots off.

As the Predator, you need to embrace the tactics displayed in the movies and stay quiet and invisible. Stealth is your greatest weapon. You can cloak yourself, which you should do often. You also have multiple vision modes. Aside from your normal vision, you can switch to a thermal vision mode that will help you spot marines and a third vision mode for spotting aliens. If you manage to sneak up behind someone or something, you can perform an execution for an instant kill.

AvP Strategy Continued

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The alien is the hardest to get used to, but once you do, you can pull off some amazing things. Click the left stick will allow you to sprint at such a speed that you might even get dizzy the first few times. The way the alien can run up walls and across rooftops is both awesome and disorienting. The best strategy for being an alien is to be quick, but that’s easier said than done.

As with all multiplayer deathmatch games, the key is teamwork. This is especially true when you’re playing as the marines, which I mentioned above. A lone marine doesn’t stand a chance against a quick and nimble alien or the stealthy, unstoppable predator. It’s just a matter of survival.

For predators and aliens, you’ll rely on your opponent’s lack of teamwork. Picking off a straggler and ganging up on them is a surefire way to take someone down with minimal damage to yourself. One excellent strategy is to have someone play the bait and lure victims into an ambush of awaiting foes.

If you come across two enemies fighting, the best strategy is to sit back and wait for one to kill the other, then dart in and kill the victor. They’ll likely be caught of guard and have lower health than normal, making them an easy target.

Finally, it’s important to note that death animations in AvP can be interrupted. Before you attempt to sneak up on a target as an alien or predator, make sure the coast is clear, as you’re completely helpless while in an animation. Anybody can waltz up behind you and kill you as you’re killing your target.

AvP Multiplayer Maps

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The game will launch with seven available maps, but those that purchase the Collector’s Edition will get four extra maps that won’t be available to the rest of the world until a month after a release, and they’ll cost extra. The cooperative mode, where you battle waves of aliens, supports two different maps. That sounds limited, but we’ll have to see what the maps are like.

Aliens vs Predator releases February 16th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

While you wait to get your hands (or claws) on this, check out Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3: ODST to fit your shooter needs.