Aliants is a lackluster action game from Keypunch, maker of numerous budget action games in mid 1980s that were mostly below average. The plot is yet another rescue-the-Earth-from-Alien-invaders cliche, and the action is not much different from numerous arcade shoot 'em ups we have seen since the 1970s. To the designer's credit, though, Aliants comprises different action sequences that change based on plot development. Similar to classics like Back to the Future games, you will play several types of action in this game, ranging from a side-scrolling shooter sequence, to a platformer-style ground action, and more. None of the sequences is particularly memorable, but they are not complete waste of space, either. All in all, a thoroughly average action game that action fans might get a few minutes of fun out of - before it is completely forgotten. Reviewed by: Underdogs |