LV1 Gaming had the opportunity to go to Summer Game Fest and take part in the interactive Play Days. The three-day event that took place separately from the showcase housed playable demos of much-anticipated upcoming titles. SEGA created a wonderful area decorated exactly how you would expect it to be, filled with blue and Sonic! Now this well-lit, high-energy area takes a darker turn once you head to the basement, where we were able to get hands-on with Alien: Isolation 2. As we walked down a flight of blue neon-lit stairs, a door opened and led to a very dark room where we were introduced to the Creative Assembly team, developers of this title.
After a short introduction video that set the tone for what we were going to experience in the demo, we went to our assigned stations and began to play. While playing the demo, our live reactions were being captured. So at some point in the near future, there will be a video on the internet showing me being absolutely terrified while playing this early slice of Alien: Isolation 2. With a PlayStation 5 DualSense in my hand, I set off.
That Alien Was Always Near!
Visually, we can clearly and immediately see that advancements have been made graphically since the previous game. From the inside of the vehicle, you start off into the firelight glowing in the distance. Lighting is phenomenal, especially for it being an early build. You start the demo on the planet where the ship from the first game crash-landed. The environment of the planet seems storm-ridden and foresty. You and your team are making your way to the crash site and decide to look for survivors.
Bad horror movie decisions happen, and you find yourself inside the ship looking for a way to turn the power back on. And of course, as soon as you do, that is when your personal xenomorph pops up and starts the most terrifying game of cat and mouse. Unlike the demo for the first game, you only have 2 flares and the ability to hide. There are no other tools besides luck and good timing.
As I shakily snuck through the ship, I tried to make my way out. I crept through the water in the small tunnels under the floor and hid for a long time under a big table. Luckily, I managed to clear the demo without the alien eviscerating me. But all it did was make me want more. There was no official release date at this point, but let Creative Assembly continue to cook because, based on this early build, we are in for something special.
