Rebellion has revealed Alien Deathstorm, a new action-horror shooter, with an early hands-on preview suggesting a blend of retro-inspired shooting and survival elements. The game, which received a gameplay trailer reveal at Gamescom, places players in the role of a combat engineer stranded on a devastated off-world colony. This colony is not only overrun by aggressive aliens but also subjected to a cataclysmic environmental phenomenon known as the "deathstorm."
The player character navigates a derelict nuclear reactor site under siege. The core gameplay loop involves surviving relentless waves of aliens attracted to sound and any disturbance. While Rebellion producer Martin Bellingham stated that Alien Deathstorm is not a stealth game and combat encounters are unavoidable, players have agency in how they approach these situations. Sound can be used strategically to lure enemies or draw them out of hiding, creating advantageous tactical scenarios.
A variety of alien creatures inhabit the planet, including notable "soldier" aliens described as a retro-styled fusion of Predator and Xenomorph aesthetics. These enemies, while not individually challenging, can overwhelm players due to ammunition scarcity. Scavenging for resources while under constant attack is a significant aspect of the combat. The game also features a system for purchasing different ammo types and weapon upgrades, though these were not fully accessible in the preview session. Mowing down alien hordes evokes a nostalgic arcade shooter feel. However, the true intrigue lies in the titular deathstorm, an element that Bellingham suggested is more deeply integrated into the full game than demonstrated in the preview. In the full release, increased storm intensity in certain levels will shred suit shields and rapidly deplete integrity, forcing players to manage their exposure and adding a sense of urgency.
"The aliens are definitely a more in-your-face threat," Bellingham explained. "They're a more immediate threat, but the storm is always there, and it's always having an impact on how you are playing the game." Environmental factors already present in the demo include howling winds and rain that can obscure vision, requiring manual visor wiping, a perilous action when swarmed by enemies. Contact with alien pods scattered across the map can also release substances that obscure the player's visor, demanding quick reactions.
As the game progresses, the intensity of the storm and the alien threat are expected to escalate. Bellingham noted that the colony itself degrades and falls apart over time, with the storm being an intrinsic part of this decay. The demo mission provided a glimpse into what Alien Deathstorm might offer, combining sci-fi, horror, and action elements with survival mechanics. While the sheer act of shooting aliens proved enjoyable, the developers aim to ensure the deathstorm mechanic offers substantial impact to carry the full game. If implemented effectively, alongside a compelling narrative for the colony's plight, Alien Deathstorm has the potential to be a successful sci-fi horror title.
Alien Deathstorm is slated for release in Spring 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.