Twenty years after
Alien Syndrome first slithered into
arcades,
Sega's coin-op classic gets a modern-day makeover with
Alien Syndrome on
PSP. The handheld version is played from an overhead perspective like the original, but this time in full 3D with 15 levels of laser-blasting, grenade-launching action. In a storyline inspired by the
Alien film series,
Alien Syndrome has players guiding a gun-toting female officer named
Aileen Harding as she investigates a derelict space station overrun by foul creatures.
While the original title was strictly a run-and-gun affair,
Alien Syndrome on
PSP features several
role-playing elements to add some depth to the action.
Aileen can specialize in one of five skills or classes, for example, ranging from a demolitions expert to a sharpshooter, each influencing her base stats and available talents. Defeated aliens will earn players experience points as well as random weapons, armor pieces, and other items that can be equipped or sold. Ad-hoc wireless support is included for four-player cooperative action, and the game's four difficulty settings allow existing characters to continue progressing for a chance at more powerful rewards.
~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide