Alien Breed: Impact, is the evolution of, well, Alien: Breed: Evolution. Rather than being a direct sequel, this PlayStation 3 (and PC) exclusive becomes a revitalised version of it’s Xbox 360 counterpart. Playing as lone engineer, Conrad, aboard a spaceship recently impaled by an alien-infested ship, you must repair what seems like the entire ship whilst fending off more aliens than you can shake your heavy machine gun at. As with all intergalactic craft collisions, the party from one of the vessels transfers across to other, regardless of invitation. Rather than remain as quiet guests, the insectious creatures from a world afar run amok, trying to ungracefully kill you, whilst you pursue your mission into the Guinness Book of Records for the most spaceship repairs in an afternoon.

The narrative is dished out in a series of comic book style panels which, whilst satisfy the quota of explanation, fail to ever really engage or impress. Luckily, Impact was never really about the story and only ever focuses on it’s action and atmosphere. Utilising a dual stick shooting mechanic, both the movement and direction aiming are responsive and natural in their feel, and overall the control scheme works well. However, the inclusion of the power to move faster than turtle on a pack of Night nurse was a welcome one, until you’re severely limited by the incredible unfitness of the protagonist, who seemingly needs to catch his breath every dozen steps or so.

Graphically, the game is pretty impressive and even more so due to the downloadable nature of the title, and the sound design helps to add tension and a sense of solidarity when required. With around five hours of playtime, Impact does have an issue with longevity and within that, repetitiveness; however, there is also a mode for you and a co-op partner (local and online), which will add to its overall length.

The flaws with the latest and greatest version of Alien Breed are noticeable though. A limited palette of weapons is attempted to be improved with an upgrades system, which is both frustrating and disappointed for its scope and implementation. A rotating isometric camera – whilst, partially defeating the point – works well with revealing hidden secrets but also causes havoc with aiming. At moments the successful dual stick gameplay is replaced for a run-for-your-life-trial-and-error stage which will begin to test the patience of even the calmest among us. However, the lack of variety in enemies is perhaps the most noticeable and detrimental failing. Rather than introducing new and exciting foes to encounter and dispatch, the same drones are sent time after time with little variety, resulting in increasingly repetitive and mundane gameplay.

Overall, Alien Breed: Impact is a solid twin-stick, with fun to be found for anyone either in the mood to become a glorified exterminator, or just enjoy a bit action. However, it’s a shame that the flaws begin to stale what is otherwise an exciting experience.