Aliens: The Computer Game
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Aliens: The Computer Game – Why Did the C64 Get Two Completely Different Versions
Released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, Aliens: The Computer Game arrived in two distinct versions. The US release was developed by Activision, while the European version was handled by Software Studios and published by Electric Dreams. Both were based on James Cameron’s Aliens, but each took a very different approach to translating the film onto 8-bit hardware. The Activision version is built around six mini-missions that mirror key moments from the movie. These range from piloting the Sulaco dropship and navigating air-duct mazes to managing a squad of marines and confronting the Alien Queen. Gameplay switches between fast joystick-driven action and tactical decision-making inside the Mobile Tactical Operations Bay, where you monitor stamina, ammunition, and marine status. Exploration plays a major role, with a sprawling maze of up to 255 rooms filled with aliens, acid pools, and limited resources.
Game Overview
About the Game
Released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, Aliens: The Computer Game arrived in two distinct versions. The US release was developed by Activision, while the European version was handled by Software Studios and published by Electric Dreams. Both were based on James Cameron’s Aliens, but each took a very different approach to translating the film onto 8-bit hardware. The Activision version is built around six mini-missions that mirror key moments from the movie. These range from piloting the Sulaco dropship and navigating air-duct mazes to managing a squad of marines and confronting the Alien Queen. Gameplay switches between fast joystick-driven action and tactical decision-making inside the Mobile Tactical Operations Bay, where you monitor stamina, ammunition, and marine status. Exploration plays a major role, with a sprawling maze of up to 255 rooms filled with aliens, acid pools, and limited resources.
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Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 8
Contemporary average 59% · range 40–78%
Commodore Force
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Commodore User
Reviewed by Ferdy Hamilton. Activision full-price release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by Tony Hetherington. Activision full-price release
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Your Commodore
Reviewed by Rik Henderson. Alternative Software budget release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Julian Rignall & Steve Jarratt. Activision full-price release
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Zzap!64
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Zzap!64
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Zzap!64
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