Alien Vs Predator – Capcom’s Lost Classic

When you hear the name Capcom, there’s a certain set of games that instantly spring to mind. Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Marvel vs Capcom, Final Fight and Mega Man. Those with a taste for the cult classics would probably utter the likes of Darkstalkers, Power Stone, and Rival Schools. Capcom has a hugely rich legacy of classic video games, both in and out of the arcade. Not only masters of the fighter, Capcom’s brilliance with side-scroller was, for a time, unrivaled.

The late 80s would see the likes of Bionic Commando, Ghost N’ Goblins, Ghouls ‘N Ghosts and Strider impress the masses. Capcom entered the 90’s in a blaze of glory, releasing three licensed games within the first five years of the decade. 1993 played host to the fantastic Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and The Punisher. Both titles blew audiences away, earning themselves a cult following to this day.  Jump to May 20th, 1994, two titans of cinema went head to head, resulting in a classic.

The Hunt

Ever since the mounted skull of a Xenomorph was spotted towards the end of Predator 2, fans have wanted to see the two fight it out. At the time, it was a mind-blowing concept. Two icons of modern sci-fi fiction brought together in the ultimate death match. It didn’t take long for fans to have their wishes granted. In 1991, Dark Horse Comics published the first issue in their new Alien Vs Predator line.

The comic was a success, holding up to this day. As with most popular forms of entertainment, a video game adaptation soon followed. Capcom took the concept and installed it into a separate storyline from the comic book and films. This tale focused on the Xenomorph menace overrunning Earth. Two human soldiers find themselves isolated from their unit and swarmed by Xenos. Seconds before becoming overwhelmed, two Predators (known as Yautjas, as per the novelization of the AvP comic) appear and save the humans. From there, both species form an alliance in order to destroy the Xeno threat on Earth.

The Prey

In short, there are very few games that play this well and so smoothly. The original arcade cabinets support up to three players, with other variations only supporting two. Whether it was alone or with others, Alien Vs Predator is exactly what you could ask for in an arcade game. No gimmicks or selling points, just sheer action from start to end. The very moment you witness a Predator body slam a Xeno you know you’re in for a treat.

Capcom adhered to their classic “beat ’em up” formula. Each character has their own stats, attacks, and specials. It’s the nuances between animations from character to character that propels Alien Vs Predator beyond just another video game. Both Predators provide a more balanced experience, a typical staple for most Capcom games of this type. The two human characters offer the most distinct play styles, and in truth, characteristics.

Legacy

Lieutenant Linn Kurosawa may be the least powerful choice, but she more than makes up for it. Her cyborg body allows her to perform air throws and jumps attacks, a feat no other character possesses. It may be slightly cliché, but her pistol/katana combo oozes that 90s imagery we all secretly love to indulge in. As a character, she’s criminally overlooked as one of the most badass women in video games. Kurosawa would go on to play a surprisingly influential character within Capcom. She can be in the background of Ken’s stage in Street Fighter Alpha 2 and well as Street Fighter 3: 2nd Impact. Additionally, Street Fighter’s Ibuki’s design is directly inspired by that of Kurosawa.

Major Dutch Schaefer acted as the game’s big bruising, slow-moving, brute. Instead of jumping, he launches himself forward with a powerful headbutt. If cracking Xenos with his head isn’t crazy enough, Schaefer is more than happy to powerbomb the alien menace. He’s the accumulation of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character from the original film, as well as all the actor’s other roles. Schaefer’s right arm is a large robotic limb which he uses to grab foes. To complete the sheer manliness of the character, he ends each stage by looking at the player, raising his hands, letting out an almighty battle cry.

The Art Of The Hunt

Arcades were famed for more than just their social aspects and atmosphere. Each cabinet stood tall and proud, showcasing their visual mastery in a blaze of glory. Capcom knew how to make their games stand out, as did most of the Japanese developed games of the time. Alien Vs Predator is a marvel to behold, bursting with life, color, and detail. Fans of the respective franchises could instantly identify the various creatures from the films. Xenomorphs possessed all of their threat, along with some new traits.

Featuring some fantastic animations, the game flows beautifully in and out of genuinely great environments. Capcom somehow managed to distill the very essence of both film’s looks within one game. Cold ship interiors, laced with shadows, to jungle-like areas. The game truly is a journey. At its best, Alien Vs Predator produces some truly beautiful imagery. Witnessing the Alien queen shamble from the shadows, eggs illuminated by the flaming environment surrounding them, is stunning. Smaller details of the game act as the perfect finishing touch. The Predator’s iconic laser sight and unique language can often be spotted. Billboards branded with Weyland Yutani logos make an appearance in the early stages of the games. Heck, even the Power-Loader makes a cameo.

Lost In Space

Behind the fantastic game is a something of a sad end. Alien Vs Predator would never see a console release. Announced for release on the Sega 32X, the port would never see the light of day. This left the arcade classic trapped in time, a forgotten treasure and arcade legend. Capcom has never looked like bringing the game back, most likely due to the licenses involved.

Emulation remains the only way to play the game outside of tracking down an original cabinet. There’s an argument over the ethics and legality of emulating games, but in this case, it’s simply saving history.  The only real crime would be allowing such a fantastic piece of work to sink into the nether.

Trophy Kill

Regardless of its current limbo state, good god is Alien Vs Predator brilliant. Various games have been based on the concept of the two creatures duking it out, but this was always something a little more special. The perfect for Capcom’s hot streak of top quality arcade games. Going 1 on 1 with an Alien Queen, punching her straight in the face, is hilariously awesome.  Everything just flows together so elegantly, producing pure video game euphoria.

I can’t honestly sit here without expressing some sadness over the lack of a re-release. Emulation is the only way to preserve this fantastic piece of work, a great game that additionally serves as an amazing Alien Vs Predator piece. Where else can you see a Xenomorph power-bombed to the floor? Or a Predator using a smart gun to gun down Xenos, only to recover his health with a fat slice of pizza? Capcom’s Alien Vs Predator deserves respect, a notable piece of video game history that perfectly encapsulates its time.

Then, now and forever, Capcom’s Alien Vs Predator is a forgotten classic.