The announcement of a sequel to Alien: Isolation couldn't have come at a more perfect time for Creative Assembly, thanks to the recent resurgence of the horror gaming genre and the wider franchise's return to form. While there have been numerous video game adaptations throughout the Alien franchise, Alien: Isolation has become widely regarded as one of the series' best due to its strong ties to the classic films' characters, settings, and stories. With the hit-and-miss success among other recent Alien games, from Aliens: Fireteam Elite to Aliens: Dark Descent, a sequel to Isolation could help reestablish the series' status in gaming.
But the Isolation sequel also comes at a time when science fiction horror in particular has gained prominence after the likes of Dead Space's 2023 remake, The Callisto Protocol, and Returnal. In addition to other upcoming sci-fi games like Supermassive Games' latest game in its Dark Pictures Anthology, Directive 8020, it seems horror games set in deep space have become the most recent trend. Provided that Creative Assembly's sequel recaptures Alien: Isolation's authentic experience while adding something new, then this upcoming sequel might capitalize on this trend and become the series' next success story.
Alien: Isolation Sequel Wish List
With a sequel of Alien: Isolation in early development, Creative Assembly should consider expanding upon several aspects of the first game.
Why an Alien: Isolation Sequel Was Inevitable
When Alien: Isolation was first revealed, it was clear by the game's design and atmosphere that it was striving to be as close as possible to the original 1979 film's roots. That paid off, as Alien: Isolation's gameplay was praised by both players and critics for how well it lived up to expectations of the Alien experience. As a result, due to the game's significant success within such a historic franchise, it's arguably no surprise that a sequel to Alien: Isolation would be announced to capitalize on the momentum the first game established.
Alien: Isolation 2 Comes at a Perfect Time in Horror Gaming
As with other gaming genres, several different fads in horror games have come and gone, ranging from games inspired by the Five Nights at Freddy's series to "demakes" influenced by the graphics of older consoles. The latest trend has been marked by an increasing number of horror games sharing the sci-fi genre, including those calling back to previous fan favorites like Dead Space, Prey, and System Shock, as well as newer, original games such as Soma, Signalis, and the recently announced Directive 8020. Since Alien: Isolation was among those leading this trend, its sequel would be perfect to continue Alien: Isolation's 10-year legacy.
Even with the potential competition of other sci-fi horror games like Directive 8020 in the next few years, the prospective Alien: Isolation 2 will always have its biggest advantage thanks to its Alien namesake. The first Alien: Isolation's first-person perspective with tense stealth and survival gameplay is something few other games could replicate, especially when aiming for the exclusive and authentic Alien experience players would be looking for. While Alien: Isolation 2 wouldn't need an overhaul in design, if it improves on the original's shortcomings and refines its overall experience, it could be an even greater success than the first.
Alien: Isolation 2 Comes at a Perfect Time for the Franchise Too
Despite a mixed history of both films and games throughout the franchise, games like Alien: Isolation and the latest Alien: Romulus movie have demonstrated that there is more creative potential to tap into. Given that Alien: Isolation already had strong ties to the original film and its protagonist, a sequel could follow the teased ending from the first game, though this might limit its story's direction. However, with the sequel still in early development, Alien: Isolation 2 could embrace films like Alien: Romulus for new ways to evolve over time with the broader Alien franchise.
Alien: Isolation
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 76%
- Released
- October 7, 2014
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- Cathode
- Franchise
- Alien
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger. Fifteen years after the events of Alien™, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda enters a desperate battle for survival, on a mission to unravel the truth behind her mother's disappearance.
As Amanda, you will navigate through an increasingly volatile world as you find yourself confronted on all sides by a panicked, desperate population and an unpredictable, ruthless Alien.
Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.
