Aliens: Dark Descent

A Colonial Marine squad operates as a single unit in the missions. The more noise the squad make in a Xenomorph-infested place and the more times they engage the enemy, the higher the Xenomorph level of aggressiveness will become. Guns blazing will result in the squad being hunted by Xenomorph hives or triggering massive horde onslaughts.

Xenomorphs have acid blood and when a Xenomorph die, there is a chance that it might explode into an acid burst, causing damage to any nearby marines.

The longer the marines are deployed on mission, the more enemy encounters they experience, and the more damage they take will eventually push them to their breaking point. Accumulating stress eventually will lead to negative effects such as poor accuracy or wasting ammo. Stress can be reduced by resting in a room after welding all available doors.

The ARC (M540 Armored Recon Carrier) can act as a massively powerful support weapon that can pull the squad through a tough encounter.

CLASSES OF COLONIAL MARINES:

• Sergeant: the charismatic team leader, providing the squad with confidence. The Sergeant can increase the squad’s bravery by reprimanding them or reduce their overall stress by giving an encouraging speech.
• Gunner: uses the very effective M56 Smart Gun.
• Medic: heals fellow Marines that have physical and psychological injuries.
• Recon: uses the Sniper Rifle.
• Tecker: the most intelligent member of the squad, resourceful and is able to hack encrypted doors. The Tecker can deploy a drone which can weld doors and even attack enemies.

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CHARACTERS:

• Jonas Harper: USCM Sergeant - USS Otago. He runs tactical from the ARC and does not join the marines.
• Maeko Hayes: Deputy Administrator - Weyland-Yutani. She guides from the USS Otago and does not join the marines.

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WEAPONS:

• Pulse Rifle
• Grenade Launcher
• Shotgun
• Mines
• Flamethrower

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ENEMIES:

• Egg: Sometimes called Ovomorphs, Eggs are considered to be the first stage in the intricate life cycle of the Xenomorphs. Produced and laid by a Queen, these egg-like receptacles serve as protection for Facehuggers. Although they are seemingly inert, if not lifeless, some studies claim they are, in fact, complex organisms that live in a symbiotic relationship with the creature they are trusted to hold. Eggs would be responsible for detecting when a potential host approaches and transferring their remaining bioelectrical potential to their Facehugger—a sacrifice that ensures that the Hive develops and spreads.
• Facehugger: When an Egg detects a suitable host, the Facehugger it contains comes to life. This spider-like, parasitic form of the Xenomorph exists solely to implant a Chestburster within a living creature. As such, Facehuggers are not particularly clever and will pursue a host until it is infected, despite the risks. These parasites appear to have a sense of cunning, as they’re known to ambush prey and use their acidic blood, long digits, or tail to ensure dominance over their victim. Once a Facehugger has done so, removing it is nearly impossible—it will only detach from its host and die once the infection has been secured.
• Chestburster: This worm-like creature is considered the infant form of the Xenomorph. Introduced into its host by a Facehugger, the Chestburster usually grows within the chest, quickly developing a serpentine body, metallic teeth, and sometimes arms. Once fully developed, the Chestburster eventually breaks free. The host then experiences cramps and convulsions until the creature brutally erupts from their chest, killing them almost instantly.
• Drone: Voracious predators, Drones form the bulk of the Hive. They’re the most common form of an adult Xenomorph, generally spawned from human hosts. As such, they retain their host’s bipedal stature, and yet they’re extremely agile, moving equally well on all fours to climb walls and ceilings and crawl into confined spaces. Combined with impressive strength and surprising intelligence, this swiftness makes the Drones the principal offensive unit of their species. Combat isn’t the only purpose of the Drones, though, as several specimens have been observed working on nests or capturing potential hosts for reproduction.
• Warrior: Specimens described as Warriors are considered even more dangerous than the Drones. Most of them are recognizable by their ridged skulls and segmented tails, which make these bipedal Xenomorphs look even more sinister. Extra aggressive and crafty, Warriors pounce on their prey and stab it with their tail, which is comparable to a stinge-like barb. They’re also said to stun certain targets, probably to help their kind capture hosts while in combat, or simply to handicap groups of hostiles.
• Runner: Quite different to human-spawned Xenomorphs, Runners probably inherit their physiology from four-legged animals, like cows or dogs. As their name implies, Runners are exceptionally fast and athletic, but their speed comes at a cost, for they are nowhere near as resilient as Drones or Warriors. The sheer mobility of Runners is usually enough to allow them to outmaneuver trespassers and attackers alike.
• Crusher: Presumably a later development stage of the Runner, Crushers usually appear when the Hive becomes mature. These monstrous, four-legged creatures are sometimes described as the Xenomorph equivalent of a tank. They show up when brute strength or a discouraging degree of resilience are required. The Crushers’ most notable feature is their large head crest, which can endure most forms of gunfire, explosive ammunition included. Once lowered into charging position, this crest allows Crushers to run through multiple enemies and even vehicles. This already intimidating sight is only heightened by the Crushers’ habit of stomping, which is said to paralyze their prey in fear.
• Praetorian: Theories state that Praetorians evolve from chosen Drones once a Hive nears its full development. Significantly larger and tougher than typical Xenomorphs, these bipedal creatures can be identified by their broad head crest and longer dorsal spines. Cleverer than their cousins, Praetorians seem to act both as a Queen’s bodyguards and as her army commanders, a dual role that makes them essential to the Hive. As well as being smarter, Praetorians are also more cunning. They are able to summon additional Drones to their aid with their intimidating screech and are known to torment their prey before the finishing blow is finally delivered.
• Queen: Every Hive is led by a Queen. These specimens are regarded as the biggest and most intelligent form of the Xenomorph. A Queen’s main purpose is to lay Eggs within the Hive itself, a mission she completes with the help of an Ovipositor, a sort of abdomen that produces Eggs. Generally surrounded by other Xenomorph castes that she can summon, a Queen is nevertheless perfectly capable of engaging in combat on her own, using her armored shell and incredibly sharp limbs to come out on top. Fortunately for those who cross paths with a Queen, she will usually let other creatures fight for her.