The game was originally set to be released tomorrow, then listed as 1st half 2010 but is now listed at SEGA as 19 February (UK/EU) and 16 February for North America. Having played the game I can see why it was pushed back a month. Not because it’s lacking in anything really, but because there’s so much in it that they probably needed extra time to finish and test it all. 

Aliens vs. Predator gives you the ability to play as each of the three races, Human, Alien and Predator. While the game mechanic, first-person shooter, is the same throughout, the feel of each race is so unique that it truly feels like three games in one sometimes. So I will dedicate time to each of the three races.

Predator - My first choice was the Predators as they are highly trained, tribal hunters with a good smattering of technology to help them out. Jumping into the tutorial I found the controls to be a major barrier to success. Luckily, they’ve included three control configurations for the game and eventually I found a more standard two-stick setup which I could use. There are a lot of controls though and it took a good hour before I felt comfortable in the Predator’s skin. Once I did, the game soared. Learning to use the tech and stalk, trick or trap the enemies is vital and this truly brought some great gaming experiences. Cloak and silently move up to take out a human with a stealth kill or use audio functionality to trick them into moving into a previously placed proximity mine. Great stuff there. However, you can’t do that against the aliens because they can, for some reason, see through your cloak. So you have to have a more frontal assault approach with them.

Humans - The tension is highest as the Marines because frankly, you are outgunned, outnumbered and outclassed. Even with a full complement of pulse rifles and grenades, you are the underdog in the fight. The Xenomorphs (aliens) alone are more than enough to take out your sorry behind. Once the Predators get involved you are just out of luck. However, while you might not see any of them coming, you have got the trusty motion sensor that will certainly alert you to the presence of something in the area. You of course have stims to help regain your health and you do generally heal over time as well. All in all it’s not impossible to play as the humans, it’s just intense. Great job!

One mildly irritating thing about humans is the fact that they can’t jump really. I couldn’t even climb on top of a small toolbox. I don’t know that a well-trained marine should have less than 6 inches of vertical even with his gear and guns. That certainly needs to be fixed.

Alex Moore, the Lead Designer on AvP contacted me today in regards to the jumping. I wanted to make sure that I cleared up the confusion. You are able to jump, just not very well. That was what I was saying. I believe that a well-trained, physically fit marine should be able to do a standing jump of at least 18 inches (1/2 meter) vertically even with all his gear. I can jump that high with my 61 liter, 25 kilo backpack on. So I hope that clears it up. I was just disappointed in his lack of jumping ability. (Thanks for the email Alex!)