5 Game-Changing Features We Need in Alien: Isolation 2!

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Fans of “Alien: Isolation” have been eagerly asking for a sequel for more than ten years now, and finally, Sega granted their wish late last year with an official announcement of a true successor. A lot has evolved in the horror genre since then, and while the original game was brilliant in many aspects, it had several areas that could be refined. Therefore, here are five elements we hope to see in “Alien: Isolation 2“.

A Shorter Campaign

Similar to the first movie, Alien: Isolation gradually unveils the Xenomorph, keeping it hidden for at least an hour or two. This gradual build-up of tension was a key factor in the game’s success, but maintaining that level of suspense for 20 to 25 hours can be draining. Creeping around in the dark for such a prolonged period can feel exhausting, and it’s no surprise that most horror games are usually shorter than this. Isolation has its ups and downs – it’s not a constant adrenaline rush – but spending such an extended time under stress without a clear climax or resolution becomes a bit too tiring.

Reducing the length of the campaign in future games would better showcase the Xenomorph’s intelligence, as Creative Assembly has emphasized. This creature is unpredictable, and some of that unpredictability is apparent when you reload after death, but a true test of its capriciousness lies in observing how it behaves differently from playthrough to playthrough. However, due to the extensive runtime of the current game, repeated playthroughs are not as appealing. A shorter, more condensed sequel would be more inviting to replay than its impressive yet overly lengthy predecessor.

A Roguelike Mode

In the realm of gaming, Roguelikes flourish when they are filled with numerous interacting elements, leading to infinite combinations, and it appears that the Alien: Isolation game fits this genre exceptionally well. The intelligent and ever-evolving Xenomorph itself would likely guarantee that no two playthroughs would be identical, but there’s more to this series than just that one asset. If the second game follows in the footsteps of the first, it could also incorporate a replayable mode by rotating through the collection of gadgets, weapons, maps, and other adversaries from game to game. This cycling would emphasize the unpredictability that sets Alien: Isolation apart as a unique gaming experience.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself appreciating the challenging maps in the first game, where we were hunted while trying to complete objectives. It’s a step in the right direction, but I believe a streamlined, randomly generated roguelike mode with a well-defined reward system would be more contemporary and engaging.

Games like Prey, The Last of Us Part 2, and God of War Ragnarok have demonstrated that big-budget titles can flourish in this style, offering a vast array of interconnected tools for players to explore. Alien: Isolation, with its atmospheric gameplay and tense survival mechanics, certainly deserves a place among these gaming greats.

Official VR Support

The game “Alien: Isolation” was launched before virtual reality (VR) had fully taken off in the gaming world; it would be another couple of years before the PSVR and the first retail Oculus headset hit stores. Although unofficial mods managed to add VR support to “Isolation“, they’re not perfect, are exclusive to PC, and need some technical adjustments. However, with the upcoming sequel, “Alien: Isolation 2“, official VR compatibility should be available.

A game like this, with such a heavy emphasis on immersion, could greatly benefit from the immersive qualities of VR technology. For instance, sneaking through a dimly lit spaceship while being pursued by a formidable creature is already intense, and that intensity could be amplified in VR. The remake of Resident Evil 4 (Resident Evil 7), as well as Resident Evil Village, have proven nearly flawless when translated into VR, enhancing the overall experience with the first-person perspective offered by a virtual reality headset. Sega should consider adopting Capcom’s approach to make its flagship horror game even more terrifying.

A Better Story

In the game Alien: Isolation, the narrative centered around the heroic character of Amanda Ripley. Her determination and resilience were commendable, which made her an ideal main character. As a result, her individual story was compelling and simple to become emotionally involved with.

Despite her role often being that of a messenger, she wasn’t particularly memorable in the grand scheme. The horror genre typically thrives on engaging characters because players need to feel invested when key characters meet gruesome fates. The first two Alien films and Romulus showcased how a relatable crew, while still featuring a main character, contributes to a more compelling narrative. In Isolation 2’s case, Amanda should remain the focus, but Creative Assembly should also ensure that attention is given to other characters as well.

Remaster or Update the First Game

Instead of directly linking it to a sequel, Sega might ponder over a minor update or remaster of the initial Alien: Isolation game. Given that it was released more than 10 years ago, an upgrade could be appropriate. It’s also possible that many individuals missed it when it first debuted, and the affection for it has only grown stronger in the past decade.

It’s possible that introducing a fresh mode or significant update could draw more attention to the game. The game “Isolation” was launched prior to the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, so it doesn’t run significantly better on the newer console generations. However, it does benefit from FPS Boost on Xbox Series X|S, but PS5 users are left with a cross-gen version from 2014. A current-gen native port with some minor technological enhancements and accessibility features would be highly appreciated and help prepare players for the upcoming sequel.

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2025-04-27 01:10