Mobile Game Review of "AVP 3D"

Image via Wikipedia Yep, AVP made it to the mobile phone, and it's 3D too. However, the clunky controls will have you screaming with frustration instead of with dread as you face off against both Aliens and Predators.

The game has 5 main missions that roughly parallels the movie. You start at the arctic base and start finding facehuggers. You find a base and got inside, and found both Aliens, Predators, and underground pyramid. You are given one new weapon per level, except on the final showdown, where you're given "plasma bombs" in addition to the gatling gun you got on level 4.

The levels are full 3D, but you don't get free movement. It's a pure railshooter, and what's worse, you need to move the cursor onto the target. Once it's on, it'll stay locked on unless the object moves off the viewing area. And you can even change from chest shot to head shot.

Aliens and Predators look their part, but there are way too many predators in the game for you to shoot. They sometimes throw spears and those trimarangs (which you CAN shoot out of the air, if you're fast enough), or they'll run up and slash you with their claws. Aliens, of course, just run up and slash you, and facehuggers, well, jump up and cover your face, and you lose health until you shake it off, and as a result, completely lost track of your aim reticule. ARGH!

Reloads and health aren't given. You must shoot special objects in the world. The problem is do you shoot the objects, or do you shoot the enemies instead?

Shot enemies just dissolve in transporter-like effect. No bodies in this game. And headshots are more effective... sort of. At first you have only pistol (unlimited ammo). Level 2 you get a shotgun (never enough ammo) as alternate weapon. At level 3 you get submachine gun (looks like MP5), and level 4 gives you the big daddy: gatling gun. As stated before, level 5 gives you plasma bombs in addition to the gatling.

The graphics are decent, but not THAT good. It's somewhat reminiscent of Time Crisis 3D (reviewed earlier) except you actually have to AIM here, and that's VERY frustrating in a game that needs fast reaction. It's a fun game ruined by a subpar control scheme. Music isn't that remarkable, really.

All in all, AVP3D is graphically very impressive, but plays like a dog. You may get more enjoyment out of the movie instead.

Overall rating: 5 out of 10
Pros: graphically very impressive, everything looks right, sounds okay
Cons: control pad can NEVER replace a mouse, which is what this game needs