Alien Storm (Genesis) Playthrough

Playthrough of Sega's 1991 beat 'em up for the Sega Genesis, Alien Storm.

Alien Storm, released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, is a fast-paced beat 'em up that pits players against a grotesque alien invasion threatening Earth. Players choose from three members of the Alien Busters: Gordon, a tough warrior with a flamethrower; Karla, a whip-like plasma weapon specialist; and Scooter, a combat robot equipped with electric shocks. Each character has unique attacks and special moves, adding variety to the gameplay while maintaining a focus on chaotic alien-slaying action.

The game combines traditional beat 'em up mechanics with innovative twists. Players traverse side-scrolling levels, battling waves of grotesque and creatively designed aliens. Combat blends melee and ranged attacks, with each character wielding a signature weapon. Additionally, players can unleash powerful energy-based special attacks to clear the screen, though these consume a limited energy resource. The gameplay is punctuated by first-person shooting gallery sections and fast-paced escape runs, which add variety to the action and test reflexes as players blast aliens or dodge hazards.

Visually, Alien Storm excels with its colorful sprite work and imaginative alien designs, ranging from humanoid monsters to slimy, amorphous creatures. The environments are diverse, depicting alien-infested streets, industrial zones, and eerie labs. Animations are smooth, with characters delivering satisfying attacks and enemies reacting dynamically to blows. The sound design reinforces the frantic atmosphere, featuring energetic music and impactful sound effects, particularly during explosive special moves.

Alien Storm supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing two players to team up and battle aliens together, adding a layer of strategy and fun. The game's mix of beat 'em up action, shooting mechanics, and its campy sci-fi aesthetic make it an engaging and memorable experience. While its difficulty can be steep, the variety in gameplay and its unique blend of genres ensure that Alien Storm remains a standout title in the Sega Genesis library.