During a scramble to buy up some decent/cheap games before the impending eShop closure in March of 2023, I discovered Alien on the Run. The eShop artwork didn’t leave a great first impression and was reminiscent of shovelware with its brightly colored alien protagonist and cartoonish art style. Nevertheless, I decided to purchase the game for a measly $0.99, and, after a few hours of play and countless game over screens, I am happy to say that Alien on the Run was well worth its asking price.
Developed by G-Style’s and released exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS eShop back in 2014, Alien on the Run is a fast-paced platform-puzzle game that has players take control of the lovable alien Delude as he attempts to escape from his abductors. To ensure Delude escapes, the player must guide him through over 80 bite-sized levels that range from laughable easy to deviously difficult. Each level must be completed within the given time limit and are filled with classic obstacles like electrified and ice covered floor tiles to slow you down. However, the most significant threat to Delude’s freedom isn’t guards or other enemies, but purple and orange tractor beams scattered throughout every level. These beams function as the primary opponent in Alien on the Run. The purple tractor beams can’t be defeated and must be carefully avoided to ensure Delude isn’t recaptured and the player gets a Game Over. The orange tractor beams, on the other hand, can be snuffed out with a well-time press of the B button. This prompts Delude to slide under the orange beam and strike a hilarious pose that not only destroys the orange beam, but also recovers a few seconds on the countdown clock. Once the player successfully helps Delude escape, a small cutscene plays that shows him rocketing off to his home planet.
This gameplay loop of avoiding hazards and escaping containment becomes surprisingly addictive as the game progresses. Each level is just short enough and challenging enough to make you say “one more level” over and over again. Furthermore, the sheer variety in the 80+ levels is impressive and nothing ever really feels repetitive despite the fact that the main objective of the game never changes. You are always trying to escape, but it is the level design that keeps this objective fresh. While Alien on the Run might not win any awards for its presentation, with its obviously small budget, reused assets, and poor textures, it is the addictive gameplay and quirkiness of its main character that kept me engaged and continuing to play.
In conclusion, Alien on the Run is a hidden gem on the Nintendo 3DS. Don't let its unassuming appearance fool you; it offers a satisfying and addictive gameplay experience that makes it well worth its cost. If you're a fan of platform-puzzle games with a quirky sense of humor and challenging gameplay, Alien on the Run is a must-have.
Developed by G-Style’s and released exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS eShop back in 2014, Alien on the Run is a fast-paced platform-puzzle game that has players take control of the lovable alien Delude as he attempts to escape from his abductors. To ensure Delude escapes, the player must guide him through over 80 bite-sized levels that range from laughable easy to deviously difficult. Each level must be completed within the given time limit and are filled with classic obstacles like electrified and ice covered floor tiles to slow you down. However, the most significant threat to Delude’s freedom isn’t guards or other enemies, but purple and orange tractor beams scattered throughout every level. These beams function as the primary opponent in Alien on the Run. The purple tractor beams can’t be defeated and must be carefully avoided to ensure Delude isn’t recaptured and the player gets a Game Over. The orange tractor beams, on the other hand, can be snuffed out with a well-time press of the B button. This prompts Delude to slide under the orange beam and strike a hilarious pose that not only destroys the orange beam, but also recovers a few seconds on the countdown clock. Once the player successfully helps Delude escape, a small cutscene plays that shows him rocketing off to his home planet.
This gameplay loop of avoiding hazards and escaping containment becomes surprisingly addictive as the game progresses. Each level is just short enough and challenging enough to make you say “one more level” over and over again. Furthermore, the sheer variety in the 80+ levels is impressive and nothing ever really feels repetitive despite the fact that the main objective of the game never changes. You are always trying to escape, but it is the level design that keeps this objective fresh. While Alien on the Run might not win any awards for its presentation, with its obviously small budget, reused assets, and poor textures, it is the addictive gameplay and quirkiness of its main character that kept me engaged and continuing to play.
In conclusion, Alien on the Run is a hidden gem on the Nintendo 3DS. Don't let its unassuming appearance fool you; it offers a satisfying and addictive gameplay experience that makes it well worth its cost. If you're a fan of platform-puzzle games with a quirky sense of humor and challenging gameplay, Alien on the Run is a must-have.