Alien: Romulus Should Be A Video Game And Here's Why
I've watched Alien: Romulus several times now and I'm absolutely convinced it should've been a video game.
Find out what elements from the film would've worked really well as a game adaptation.
#Alien #Aliens #AlienRomulus
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Transcript
So Alien: Romulus came out recently and I bloody loved it. It somehow managed to link so many parts of Alien lore that I never thought would be able to fit. Finally, grubby space peasants and magic black goo can exist comfortably together.
But wait, I hear you cry! This is a video game channel, why are you talking about a movie? Don’t you have a whole channel for chatting films? Well, yes. But hear me out.
After a couple of weeks of seeing Romulus, ravenously consuming all the video essays and mulling it over, I can comfortably say that while it was a great movie, it would’ve made an even better video game.
Let me explain.
Now there’s been so many games featuring Xenomorphs; seriously name a genre and it’s probably been done. RTS, platformer, squad shooter - that little second mouth has been sucked dry.
But the game that’s captured the sheer pant-wetting terror of the first film has to be 2014’s Alien Isolation. Not just the best Alien game, it might be one of the best games of the 2010s, and one that still gives me chills just thinking about it.
The only reason I bring it up is because I wanted to assure you that Alien: Romulus - The Game wouldn’t be a rip off of Isolation. I think the movie leans into so many other elements of gaming that it’d definitely be its own thing. Let’s assume it’s still going to be a survival horror at its core, but I think there’s so much more room for elements of RPGs, crafting, decision making and so much more.
Obviously I’m going to touch on some major spoilers (so fair warning), but I’m also not just going to run down the synopsis, so hopefully you’ve already watched it. I’m just going to ramble about some of the things I think would work well in a game format.
And it all starts with Andy.
The most loveable synthetic in the entire franchise starts as a fragile, knackered brother, only really good for a cracking dad joke and putting his finger in things. But after he gets the right mini disc popped in his head, he suddenly becomes intelligent, strong and British.
I couldn’t help but think he’d be a great upgradable companion in a video game. Strength and intelligence are classic stats, and I could easily see him developing as you play through the game. His Britishness could go up to. Give him a cup of really milky tea and a little Weyland-Yutani bowler hat.
You could even work in the twist where clever Andy only works for the business. Have him as a surprise boss, or even just a section where you fly solo and have to find a way to get inside that delicate brain slot.
And with that stupid thought, I started thinking about how other parts of the film could work into a game.
You’ve got the film’s other notable android Bishop, Bilbo, Rook. I know bringing back Ian Holm-bot was a divisive choice, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t let out a quiet “Yoooo” when he appeared on screen.
Whatever you think of him, his knack for exposition dumps would do very well in a game. Being a stationary torso and head, I can’t see him being a companion like Andy, but as a hub, I can. You could have to go to Rook to save your progress, store stuff or whatever else you might need to do to make life easier. With each visit, you’re given more information needed to continue, whether it be missions, clues or just juicy lore. He might not be the most reliable source of information, but all the while you’re useful, the least he can do is save your place while you toast some Pop Tarts.
I really need to get more hobbies.
If we’re leaning into the levelling up, RPG-y angle, you could even throw in some crafting with the station’s lab. You’re on a massive, abandoned spaceship, almost definitely littered with all sorts of useful junk. Take it to the lab, and you could make anything and everything you could need to survive.
Heck, there’s a whole part of the film where they’re trying to fix the stasis pods. Tell me that’s not a crafting mission...
