The nostalgic wave in gaming shows no signs of slowing down, and here’s yet another testament to that trend: Alien Hominid, the iconic run-and-gun title that first appeared as an Adobe Flash game on Newgrounds in 2002, is slated for a comeback.
According to recent updates, The Behemoth, the studio responsible for the game, has plans to relaunch Alien Hominid HD sometime before the end of 2023 on multiple platforms including Windows PCs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
What’s particularly engaging about this news is the story of Alien Hominid itself. The title initially made its mark on the world as a Flash game, a format that has since become largely obsolete but was a cornerstone of early 2000s internet culture. The game’s success on Newgrounds led to its porting onto the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox platforms in 2004, and later onto Java-enabled phones and the somewhat obscure Gizmondo handheld. That’s not to overlook its 2007 HD release on Xbox 360, which currently remains the only way to enjoy the game on modern systems, thanks to Xbox backwards compatibility.
The Behemoth isn’t stopping at the re-release. An “all-new re-imagination” is in the pipeline – Alien Hominid Invasion. This sequel is more than just a regurgitation of the old game. It promises new gameplay mechanics and is expected to release alongside Alien Hominid HD. According to a blog post by the studio, both titles will be sold as a bundle, which should provide a cost-effective way for fans to dive into both experiences. Unfortunately for PlayStation fans, neither its re-release nor the sequel will be available on PlayStation platforms. The Behemoth cited the workload of porting to multiple platforms at launch as the reason for this omission.
But why does this game continue to capture imaginations nearly two decades after its first release? Alien Hominid was conceived as a tribute to iconic run-and-gun titles like Metal Slug. The game stars a yellow alien taking endless waves of Secret Agents, offering not just solid gameplay but also impressively animated and humorously graphic enemy deaths. It’s a formula that proved to be captivating, backed by quality animations and strong gameplay mechanics.
While the original Alien Hominid HD was developed by The Behemoth co-founders Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, the re-releases are being managed by a now-expanded Behemoth team, who have since worked on other well-received titles like Castle Crashers, Battleblock Theater, and Pit People. Their work in the intervening years has been varied, creative, and well-executed, offering further reason to expect high-quality deliverables in both Alien Hominid HD and Alien Hominid Invasion.
To put it in perspective, Alien Hominid’s impending return isn’t just a nod to video game nostalgia; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted gaming experience. The fact that it will be arriving with upgrades such as weekly and monthly leaderboards speaks to the game’s competitive edge. On the other hand, the inclusion of the sequel, Alien Hominid Invasion, ensures that this isn’t merely a trip down memory lane, but rather a refreshing expansion of a beloved universe.
Ironically, Alien Hominid is one of the few multi-platform games that aren’t hitting the PlayStation first. Usually, it’s the Xbox owners who are left waiting, just like what’s happening with Baldur’s Gate 3.
