Despite the onset of Gamescom fatigue and a developing "Gamescom flu," a demo of Rebellion's Alien Deathstorm left a significant impression, emerging as a potential highlight of the show for its intensely focused, dynamic first-person shooter gameplay.
The game centers on a Combat Engineer dispatched to an off-world colony where communication has ceased. Upon arrival, players discover the cause: a cataclysmic "deathstorm" accompanied by a relentless onslaught of aliens. The setup draws comparisons to a more frantic, action-oriented take on Dead Space, emphasizing immediate, overwhelming combat rather than slow-burn horror. The developer has even included a "wipe visor" button, a nod to the intense visual experience.
The demo begins with the player investigating a malfunctioning outpost reactor amidst a raging storm. The environment is depicted as moody and atmospheric, with stark shadows, flickering industrial lights, and debris being swept by strong winds and torrential rain. Inside the outpost, a temporary calm allows for resource gathering, including blueprints, credits, medical injectors, and grenades, before the action escalates dramatically. This initial exploration phase establishes the game's oppressive sci-fi aesthetic before the core gameplay loop takes over.
Once the combat commences, Alien Deathstorm transitions into a blur of high-octane action. Threats emerge from all sides, ranging from small, skittering creatures to larger, hulking alien monstrosities. Survival hinges on constant movement and maintaining momentum, leading to a frantic dance of evasion and firefights. The game's rhythm is described as unpredictable, with sudden surges of enemies interrupting any perceived lulls. The labyrinthine layout of the outpost further complicates navigation, forcing players to manage objectives, orientation, and combat simultaneously.
Throughout the demo, players encounter various environmental elements and gameplay systems. These include prefab canteens, upgrade stations labeled "Remold" for weapon enhancements, and item stations for purchasing ammunition, medical supplies, and grenades. The gameplay loop involves interacting with levers to trigger system failures, which in turn unleash more alien threats, creating a continuous cycle of engagement. The visual and auditory experience is one of constant gunfire, squealing enemies, and blaring sirens, a cacophony that can feel overwhelming. At one point, a developer reportedly expressed slight concern over the player's frequent deaths, reassuring that an "easy mode" will be available in the full release.
Despite the demanding nature of the demo, the experience was ultimately viewed as exhilarating. The reviewer concluded that while the game is a "mind-melt of screaming murder and arterial violence," this intensity is precisely what makes it compelling, suggesting that the relentless pace is a core, desired feature.