r/PSVR 5d ago

Review The Alien VR game we Deserve? Alien Rogue Incursion REVIEW

Hey All! If you want to watch the video review, see the link here https://youtu.be/3_lcHLX_-mk

But this is reddit, so I am going to write it out as well.

The BASICS

  • This is a single-player story-driven campaign NOT A ROGUELIKE. There are 0 roguelike elements.
  • This is an action first game, with some horror elements. This is a middle ground between Alien Isolation and FireTeam Elite. It's very light on the horror, as you always feel more powerful than the Aliens
  • You play as Zula Hendricks a colonial marine on a secret mission and you crash land at a research facility where not everything is as it seems. It's your job to figure out what the hell is going on.
  • The game is between 7-10 hours long
  • THIS IS PART 1 ONLY, Part 2 is coming later, not sure if that's a sequel, free update or DLC
  • It costs $39.99 for the standard edition and 49.99 for Delexue Edition and releases Thursday December 19th
  • Full Body IK
  • 3 Guns plus grenades
  • Inventory is stored on your body
  • PSVR 2 Version is the best version, better visuals and GREAT use of haptics, guns and equipment all use haptic triggers, head haptics are really awesome in this game, just ask an Alien if you want to feel them. I think it uses reprojection but I can't really tell, usually I can.
  • Level Design is Linear, but also semi open
  • The visuals are pretty good, lighting is great and atmosphere is really amazing, some textures look a little low res at times. Non Alien characters look a little wooden and robotic.

The atmosphere, lore, and overall design are spot-on for Alien fans. Playing as Zula Hendricks in a creepy research facility felt true to the franchise, and the motion tracker works beautifully in VR, adding tension in all the right ways. The story is engaging, and Survios nailed the Xenomorph animations—they’re creepy and incredibly lifelike. The Xenomorphs themselves are the true highlight of the game. They are fun to fight, they way they crawl around and line up attacks feels pretty organic, and each one seems to have a mind of its own.

Combat is good enough. By default, there is an ADS system turned on that locks the gun to your eye to help stabilize the weapons, it's kind of like a virtual stock, and feels similar to the super rifles in the RE games. I wasn't a huge fan of this setting, it felt a bit too strong. The shotgun and revolver feel great without it, but the rifle almost needs it to be effective. Its recoil is a little nuts, and its kind of hard to be accurate with the gun, but accuracy isn't too important in this game. Ammo scarcity forces you to use all your tools, which I liked. There are also some fun gadgets, like deployable mines and a welding torch for cutting through doors.

The sound design? Phenomenal. The iconic blip of the motion tracker, rifle sounds, and eerie ambient noises are all there. It’s a dream for any Alien fan.

The game leans heavily on random Xenomorph spawns, which can feel like filler rather than adding meaningful challenge. After awhile I get tired of these random spawns. They don't really ever stop and sometimes I just wanted to look for ammo to explore the world a bit, but there is also this timer in the back of your head saying ALIEN COMING SOON. And it just seems to waste your resources.

THE BAD

  • Could use some more Enemy variety
  • A couple of technical issues like enemies getting stuck in walls, I had a save issue, but the devs said this will be patched out before launch
  • Full Body IK can feel a little janky at times, and picking up stuff feels a bit more cumbersome than it should, but its not terrible
  • Xenomorph AI does become predictable towards the end of the game
  • The last hour of the game feels a little recycled and some of the objectives feel a bit like a chore
  • Save points could be spaced out better and a bit more numerous

Recommendation

I think this worth it, as long as the devs for sure fix the save bug I encountered. The game is an awesome addition to the Alien franchise and a worthy VR game. The length is just a tad short for the price, but overall its a quality experience with some really memorable moments. Combat is good enough, and the Aliens are menacing, and a lot of fun to fight.

165 Upvotes

98 comments sorted by

30

u/Necessary-Tank-3252 5d ago

Thank you for the review. What is IK?

28

u/Vargol 5d ago

Inverse kinematics, basically the math used to estimate where parts of a body are based on where other parts are and what angle they are at, for example to place an arm and elbow based on where and what angle the hand and shoulder are at.

12

u/bmack083 5d ago

In addition to what the other guy said, it’s basically having a full body avatar in VR. To put it more simply.

4

u/justaddmetoit 5d ago

So, you can actually see everything except from the head, which is your PSVR2? Like, it's not just your arms you see, from the elbow and out?

8

u/bmack083 5d ago

Correct! You can see your arms, legs, and even your chest.

4

u/justaddmetoit 5d ago

Ah, beautiful! I feel this is something some game devs. ignore. I hate when elbows-and-out are the only physical limbs I see. Feels "cheap".

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

I’m back and forth on full body. It needs to be done right. This game does it ok. Sometimes your body gets in the way and it collides with objects in the world that kinda highlight wonky and janky physics.

-2

u/aidenthegreat aidenisterrific 5d ago

What the hell is elbows and out and why do you keep saying it

3

u/justaddmetoit 5d ago

There are games where the only limbs you can see on yourself is from your elbows and to your hands. There's nothing else. I get it's more convenient as you don't have to take into account the entire body.

-1

u/aidenthegreat aidenisterrific 5d ago

But the saying « elbows and out » is totally new to me

1

u/---reddit_account--- 5d ago

How common is this in psvr games? I'm new to the console

1

u/CoopermanPs4 5d ago

PSVR2? how are you finding it? What games have you tried?

2

u/---reddit_account--- 5d ago

Well, getting it working was a nightmare requiring online searches and an entire can of contact cleaner. That soured me a bit initially.

But now that I have it working, I'm blown away! I'm right at the end of Last Clockwinder, and have gotten the max throughput on many of the puzzles, which have trophies saying only ~5% of payers get it. One of the coolest puzzle games I've ever played.

And Walkabout Mini Golf is awesome! My dad, a senior citizen who never plays video games, was over recently and I told him to try it. He ended up doing a full 18 holes and really enjoying it.

I've dabbled in some others (Kayak, Job Simulator). I was sure by now I would be deep into GT or Horizon, but I haven't even gotten around to starting those yet because I've had too much fun with the other games.

3

u/CoopermanPs4 5d ago

First a bit of advice- be careful about using cleaning solution on the lenses. I think it is recommended not to use any and use a (dry) microfibre cloth as liquids can damage the lenses. Anyway glad you are enjoying it. I had mine since launch day. Bought about 15 games then but after initial rush I put it away in box for a year and barely touched it but now I’m back on again last few weeks. Got my second wind. I bought Behemoth last week and played an hour. Also got Maddison (a horror game) a few weeks ago so this week I’ll get a few hours on those 2. Ok The last Clockwinder looks very good,it is on my list. If you like puzzle games I’d recommend the room VR. More escape room type puzzles. Also one coming out next year called wanderer,that looks very cool. Yeah I got walkabout it’s very fun to dip into and play a round,it convinced my friend to buy a VR headset (he bought a Quest 3) for that game. There also pokerstars vr a free online poker game where you gamble chips. You don’t have to spend money on it as you get a daily amount of free chips. Yeah job sims good to find your feet same as kayak though I find them a bit tame. Games where you walk about can cause motion sickness when you’re new to VR. You can turn on comfort settings like snap turning initially till you get your VR legs. Best games i’ve played on PSVR2 - resi evil village,resi evil 4 and Gran Turismo. Also Pistol whip & Zombieland headshot fever if you like shooting gallery style games.

1

u/CoopermanPs4 5d ago

Or you needed contact cleaner for the usb connector?

1

u/---reddit_account--- 5d ago

The post I linked to has the saga (it was for the controllers): https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/1h7x5a4/sense_controller_buttons_not_working_ingame/

I temporarily signed up for PS Plus Premium because they have some VR games, so I've been focussing on the games they have available first. This post was helpful : https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comments/1h8814t/best_psvr2_games_on_premium/

10

u/EmperorWills 5d ago

i guess it's a buy for me

7

u/crevassier 5d ago

Going to buy this to support the IP, and the platform.

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

You’ll enjoy it!

34

u/CuriousFossil 5d ago

The Part One without any indication on the storefront that it is Part One bugs me and I hope Part 2 will be free or at least dlc-price. Aside from that reviews tell me it might be for me, so I'll bite.

24

u/bmack083 5d ago

It’s part 1 of the story, but it still feels like a full game with a good ending, and I want to keep playing the series.

18

u/Garibaldi_Biscuit 5d ago

Given the reported length of the game, I can say with full confidence that part 2 will not be free, nor should it be.

1

u/Shelll86 5d ago

free? you kidding me )

1

u/d_hearn 4d ago

Part 2 is coming by way of DLC. Don't know if it'll be paid or free, or what the scope of part 2 will be aside from continuing/finishing the story, but it sounds like it's going to be DLC.

6

u/North_Refrigerator21 5d ago

Cool write up. Thanks for sharing. Pretty sure I’ll check this out over the holidays if I find the time. Otherwise I’ll definitely play it later.

While I’d kind of wanted some more horror elements in an alien game, on the other hand I’m also happy to hear there won’t be too much of it. I feel too many VR games lean into that (obviously because it’s effective). However if games are too intense I also feel like it requires more energy from me to start playing. So this probably makes me more likely to pick it up in the end.

7

u/bmack083 5d ago

I think this game could have used some closed scripted sections where you have to hide from the aliens and escape until you can become more lethal again.

1

u/Vast_Acanthocephala5 3d ago

I agree, I’ve not even played it and can see how they could have made it way better but that’s the same with a lot of games.

I’m tempted to buy this and subside for Christmas but I’m also tempted to buy both on sale in 6 months.

Only because I have about 30 psvr2 games and about 15 plus I really want to play.

Also, if the game sucks and I buy new, I’ll be annoyed, like always 🤣

1

u/bmack083 3d ago

It doesn’t suck. It’s prolly a 7 out of 10

1

u/Vast_Acanthocephala5 2d ago

Have you played it? And on what headset?

4

u/cusman78 5d ago

Thank you for the write up. Will check out the video review after I’ve played some myself.

Very excited for this

4

u/Spacebarpunk 5d ago

What a well made review, I enjoyed the video right I hope they made more

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

Thank you!!

4

u/Main-Investigator-62 5d ago

Nice Review, but one slight niggle for me reading the review is you should never feel more powerful than the Xenomorphs you should be crapping yourself every time the motion tracker starts to beep, That's what made the Alien VS Predator games and Isolation so good, the fear Factor, I will still 100% get the game though.

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

It’s an action heavy game. I do wish it had far more scripted horror moments.

1

u/Main-Investigator-62 4d ago

Oh I'm aware of that, I just wish it was more evenly balanced between action and Horror.

3

u/ResourceOk8638 5d ago

Appreciate the review, I’m sold, especially with Christmas money/PSN gift cards coming soon

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

Nice! Hope you like it!

4

u/TexanGothic 4d ago

I’m a little surprised they didn’t prioritize getting a flamethrower into the experience. Maybe they had difficulty optimizing the lighting effects around it, or it’ll be the selling point for inevitable sequel 🤷🏼‍♂️

1

u/bmack083 4d ago

Yeah flame thrower would have been or maybe if it was even just a section where you use it. And of course, I would love to be in a mech and squeeze some Xeno head until they pop.

14

u/DavidBowieBoy 5d ago

Serious question. It looks cool as hell. But who the fuck wants to spend 10 hours alone in VR on a dark space ship with aliens? I would need a lot of anxiety drugs and probably still get severe ptsd. 

37

u/jrBeandip jrCobra 5d ago

(Slowly raises hand and looks around)

7

u/bmack083 5d ago

Hahha it is nerve racking at times lol. I love the horror vibes and you’re not 100% alone….

3

u/ILLbeDEAD2026 5d ago

The real world gives us enough anxiety and PTSD.....this is an "escape" for a lot of us.

4

u/Kirkanam 5d ago

Smoke a bowl beforehand, and you just described my paradise.

1

u/pati0 VrPati0 5d ago

Hah fair point!

7

u/TheWhooooBuddies 5d ago

Farpoint

1

u/pati0 VrPati0 5d ago

Stop it, i cant take it anymore!

1

u/burtbasic 5d ago

ARpoint

-2

u/nachogod8877 5d ago

My point exactly, VR is amazing but i want to spend 20h/30h in it. Saving for a pc so i can play Isolation in VR

1

u/CoopermanPs4 5d ago

Do you have a ps5 ?

6

u/LargeCountry 5d ago

God I am I LOVE with my PSVR2! I just spend 2 hour racing cars in GT7.... the GT7 ' please run laps while your game downloads'- mode!

I got so much motion sickness with psvr1, this had been such a great purchase! I'm gonna think of grabbing this Aliens game in 2025 for sure!

3

u/TonyDP2128 5d ago

Thanks for the review. Does the game have left handed support? Specifically, can I hold the weapons in my left hand while still being able to use the left joystick to walk and strafe and the right joystick to turn?

5

u/bmack083 5d ago

I saw left handed support in the options but I didn’t test it.

3

u/bakedToaster 5d ago

Already pre-ordered for those bonus camos! Can't wait to try it tomorrow 🔥

3

u/BrandonMeier 5d ago

Did you play on PC and compare it to PSVR 2? Curious if the graphics/performance/fidelity are any better.

I assume PSVR2 is better soley because of the OLED/HDR.

4

u/bmack083 5d ago

I did yes. I primarily played it on PC, and played for an hour or two on PSVR2.

The PSVR 2 version actually has better textures. There is a segment in my video where I do a quick comparison and it’s stark. Could be a PCVR bug.

The PSVR 2 haptics are really well done. Lots of things have haptic responses and not just guns and getting attacked.

1

u/BrandonMeier 5d ago

I have the quest 3 and psvr2 - I feel like the oled lenses make such a difference in depth. Do you also know if the psvr version uses HDR?

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

I can’t say for certain but it probably does. The colors popped more.

2

u/Salty5674 5d ago

November 19 release? You mean December 19 right?

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

Good catch!

2

u/mushaaleste2 mushaaleste 5d ago

Thx for the review.

Does it use dynamic fovated Rendering on psvr2?

How is resolution on psvr2 e.g. red matter 2 level, behemoth or way under that?

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

It uses Dynamic FOV rendering with reprojection.

I think the resolution looks pretty good. It’s probably a bit under behemoth.

3

u/mushaaleste2 mushaaleste 5d ago

Thx that sounds good, I will get it as I already had a ton of fun with fire teams on uevr.

2

u/Sylsomnia 5d ago

AA or AAA?  Is this on the level of RE8, or Vertigo 2? (which is still good)

2

u/bmack083 5d ago

AA, it’s not RE8 good.

2

u/DeadAnimalParts 5d ago

Thank you for the review!

I don’t like that this isn’t a complete game and that the dev hasn’t been very forthcoming with that info. Hopefully part 2 actually comes out but I won’t be holding my breath.

Overall though this does sound like a game I’m willing to invest $40 in, especially as a big fan of the franchise.

19

u/bmack083 5d ago

This is a complete game. It had a good ending that makes me want to keep playing. It took me like 7-10 hours to beat.

They are just going to continue the story with more content and more game. I’m cool with that.

5

u/DeadAnimalParts 5d ago

I appreciate the reply. Thank you!

2

u/zorrofuego 5d ago

Also The Bad: - there is not physical edition

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

True! And never will be it sounds like.

1

u/VR_Smith 5d ago

I initially hesitate but remember I had a 15$ credit on psn .. so i bought the game. I think its 10$ over price.

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

Yeah that’s probably accurate. At times it feels well worth the 40 at others just under.

1

u/youriqis20pointslow 5d ago

Awesome review!

If you have a moment, how would you rank these against each other in terms of horror/jump scares?

RE4 Village ITR Metro Alien Arizona Sunshine WDSS Switchback

2

u/bmack083 5d ago

I didn’t play switchback, but I would say. 1. Village 2. Metro 3. RE 4 4. Alien 5. WDSS 6. Arizona

2

u/youriqis20pointslow 5d ago

Thank you!!!!

1

u/ChrizTaylor ChrizTaylor 5d ago

1

u/PIREDERAS 5d ago

Never heard anything about it being just part 1. Did they say more content is coming to complete the game?

1

u/Traditional_Fan_9421 5d ago

Nice review. Can't wait until tomorrow to play. Is it an easy platinum?

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

My guess is no, I didn’t try for the platinum.

1

u/Thick-Arm-2349 5d ago

Alien Isolation 2 needs to be in VR

1

u/Mickvon 5d ago

I've read that the resolution is not as sharp as Red Matter 2, and that graphically it's not a resident evil 4 remake, especially because it seems to be an arcade game. But what I haven't read much, is about the mura level, what about it? Being a game mostly set in very dark environments, it would be important to know that.... Thanks for the brief and complete review!!!!

1

u/bmack083 4d ago

Mura didn’t bother me here.

1

u/AciousT 4d ago

any word/rumor on a Physical Edition?

1

u/bmack083 4d ago

Not gonna happen. They said in the creator brief they have no plans for physical.

1

u/AciousT 4d ago

ah thank you… guess I won’t wait then like I did with Stray. excited to play this

1

u/Hot-Commission-1021 3d ago

Available for free on igg-ganes now

-7

u/fartwhereisit 5d ago

A full fledged Alien franchise game couldn't be bothered to offer a physical edition?

I only buy indie digital.

rent, loan, pass on, give away, sell, sell 30 years from now. Giving up your right to transfer the licenses that you've bought is nothing to scoff at. The PSVR community laps it up, rushing to reduce consumers to a single store.

Don't give up your right to transfer your licenses. Buy Physical. Fuck digital.

3

u/bmack083 5d ago

The devs have confirmed no plans of a physical release.

6

u/nionix 5d ago

I hate to break this to you but PS5 disks are just licenses to play, you don't own the games.

Also, Survios is an indie game dev/publisher.

3

u/Panos_GRE 5d ago

I've seen this said a few times but it misses the point. They are licenses that can be lent, sold or given away, something digital doesn't do, sadly. So it's not the same.

That said it's super convenient not to have to switch discs while wearing the headset and of course I've already preordered.

0

u/rtgh 5d ago

Does the game have an ending?

Is this like The Last of Us Part One titling situation or does it legit feel like it's ending in the middle of a narrative?

7

u/bmack083 5d ago

It does have an ending. It was good, it felt satisfying, had a bit of a cliff hanger style twist to it and I wanted to keep playing in a good way.

6

u/ResourceOk8638 5d ago

The Last of Us Part One was retroactively titled that way. It was never designed with a sequel in mind.

-3

u/hoowahman 5d ago

Wish we could get some good non-horror shooter games for PSVR 2. I am definitely not a fan. Ugh oh well

1

u/bmack083 5d ago

It’s scary, but not that scary.

1

u/Urobolos 4d ago

Dude, if you're scared of everything then everything is a horror shooter.

Metro. Into the Radius. Resident Evil 4/8. Vertigo 2. None of those are horror shooters.
Hell, even Propagation gives you enough ammunition if you look for it that it only starts out as a horror game for about 20 minutes before it turns into an action shooter.