GDC 2001: Aliens vs. Predator 2

Today, at the Game Developers Conference in San Jose, Calif., Monolith's forthcoming first-person shooter Aliens vs. Predator 2 was used to demonstrate an advanced version of the LithTech 3D engine. Aliens vs. Predator 2 is the sequel to the 1999 shooter, which let you play as either of the famous titular movie creatures, as well as a heavily armed colonial marine. Aliens vs. Predator 2 will let you reprise any of these roles, and, unlike in the original, the action will take place in both tight, claustrophobic corridors and wide-open areas.

One of these wide-open areas--a distinctly alien-looking land, filled with undulating plant life--was shown to dramatic effect. Towering hills could be seen on the horizon, and the bizarre plants and ambient creatures on the planet were plentiful and lifelike. The engine rendered the colorful terrain with dramatic speed and detail. The graphical improvements in Aliens vs. Predator 2 were readily apparent when the game is compared with the most recent LithTech game, the critically acclaimed No One Lives Forever.

Another much more familiar-looking area was also shown: A dark, dimly lit corridor, straight out of the Aliens film. As with the outdoor area, this setting looked distinctly realistic.

The only playable character featured in the demo was the colonial marine, armed with a simple combat knife. Monolith's CEO Jason Hall pointed out that the game was being shown specifically as a technology demo for the LithTech engine, but that the game itself is far along in development. Stay tuned for more information on this promising shooter.