Aliens vs Predator (AvP) Multiplayer Preview: Predator
Continuing on with our Aliens vs Predator Multiplayer preview, this time it's the turn of the Predator. Famously appearing in their own film which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Predator is a featured opponent. Incredibly strong, and with advanced technology, they are fearsome hunters and formidable opponents.
GamingUnion.net was able to play through an entire multiplayer match using the Predator which features in the upcoming video game, Aliens vs Predator, which is being made by Rebellion Developments.
Part One: Alien
Jumping straight into the action was actually quite eye-opening. Most first-person shooters feature fast-firing guns, which make it easy to acclimatise. Perhaps oddly, the Predator doesn't feature any such weaponry. It makes perfect sense though, as they are stalkers, not battle tanks, and while playing as the Predator initially felt cumbersome, it's just because they were meant to be played in a different way.
The Predator's main weapon was of course the Shoulder Cannon, and as expected, it has to charge up. The best place to do this is up on a high perch, where the Predator can't easily be seen, and they can survey the rest of the action. Here, they can easily pick their target, and charge up the Shoulder Cannon for an instant kill. This is made even easier by the use of the Predator's cloak ability, although this is only useful for fooling the Marines, as the Aliens can actually see through due to their sonar ability.
The Predator's melee attacks are actually devastating. Creeping up on foes can initiate an instant kill, but the general melee attacks will generally take down an enemy in a couple of brutal strikes. They can also block incoming melee attacks, which can quite quickly turn the battle into the Predator's favour.
To accompany the Should Cannon, the Predator can also throw what is effectively a huge saw blade. Like the Shoulder Cannon, this is also an instant kill weapon, but it can only be fired once, and aiming is actually quite strict. It really helps to stress the nature of the Predator though, and tries to stop the temptation to run and gun. Should the Predator find himself in a tight situation, melee is the only real alternative, so it's a good idea to never experience this.
The Predator adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay due to its cloaking ability. While Marines do have motion sensors, Predators will generally stalk while completely motionless, but Aliens can still see them at all times. Check back again for the final part to this multiplayer preview, which looks at the Marine.
