The Six Faces of Extraterrestrials in Video Games
We take a look at the digital archetypes of alien beings.
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1UP COVER STORY
1UP COVER STORY | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11 | IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!
To be perfectly honest, this week started with the title. At some point in a meeting back in 2012, one of the editors mentioned the name "It Came From Outer Space," and we collectively realized that this had to become a cover story. Cut to next scene and some fantastic art work by Eric Sapp, and that offhand comment has become a reality. It makes sense, too -- the influence that celestial science has had over our medium is staggering when you stop to think about it.
The idea of outer space has been ingrained in video games almost from the beginning. Arcade staples like Space Invaders, Asteroids, and Galaga all dealt with coming into contact with extraterrestrial life. Some of our medium's most iconic series, from Mario to Final Fantasy, eventually made their way off the ground and into the massive expanse of space. Then there are the wealth of modern franchises like Mass Effect and Dead Space that are set amongst the stars. But dive even deeper, and you'll quickly find that space-based science fiction is at the core of so many of our medium's biggest inspirations. Alien, Star Wars, Starship Troopers...the list is endless.
Every time we think that outer space's creative well has run dry, something like FTL comes along that proves just how much potential the setting still has. The settings, characters, themes, and ideas associated with the cosmos are so broad, that no genre could be complete without an entry that dabbles in the celestial.
This week, we're going to explore all manner of celestial beings, from benevolent saviors to cosmic weapons. We'll take a look back at some of the most iconic extraterrestrials, and take a peak forward at some upcoming space adventures that have the potential to be truly special. And of course, we're eager to hear what the 1UP community thinks about exploring space in their video games. Are you getting sick of flying through the wild blue yonder, or did the recent news of Chris Roberts' Star Citizen reaffirm just how great outer space can be? Regardless, join us this week in gazing up at the night sky and marveling at what might be out there. -- Marty Sliva
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
The Six Faces of Extraterrestrials in Video Games
We take a look at the digital archetypes of alien beings.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Lavos and Chrono Trigger's Otherworldly Roots
The giant space parasite that destroyed the world reminded us how truly alien something could be.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Spacebound: How Aliens Shape the EarthBound Story
The Mother series' extraterrestrials go a long way in giving the games a unique atmosphere.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Aliens: Colonial Marines Review: No Hope Left
Developer Gearbox's Alien FPS will make you scream for all the wrong reasons.
Five Great Aliens Alternatives to Colonial Marines
Bummed by how uneven Gearbox's new shooter turned out to be? Soothe your pain with its best predecessors.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
The Big Three: The Evolution of StarCraft's Zerg, Terran, and Protoss
How Blizzard's major races grew over the course of a decade, and what it meant for strategy.
Podcast 1UP Takes a Trip to Outer Space
Tune in for an extra special interview with one of the localizers of Earthbound.
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I remember my 1st space game (probably my 1st game other than Pac-man): Atari's Defenders. I was almost 2 generations behind when I got it for Christmas. I never finished it though. It was too hard. Then there was Nintendo's Vindicators from Tengen (in the black cartridge which I surprisingly still have) looking like I just bought it last month. I am not sure it still plays but it looks new. Random: I actually had a crazy idea to play and finish every game I own that's dated from the 80s to 2015 in order of date.
just before I saw the receipt 4 $4119, I didn't believe that...my... friend had been realie receiving money in there spare time from there new laptop.. there best friend started doing this 4 only about 13 months and just now repaid the depts on there apartment and got a gorgeous Acura. I went here, wwwEXIT35.COM
One of my all time favorite games ever!
Made a tutorial on how to make a high score run on it here:
http://www.critical-bits.com/2013/03/space-invaders-arcade-high-score.html
Space is still big business in games, of course, with Dead Space 3 just released, Halo still selling bajillions of copies, and revivals like X-COM getting rave reviews.
But I can remember a time when people enjoyed soaring through the stars, dog fighting aliens and defending giant space stations. Wing Commander, Freespace, Colony Wars, even Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and Star Fox. Where have you all gone?
ive wondered also...all the new ones are indies on steam......