Area 51

Combining an unhealthy dose of maverick scientist, genetic-manipulation (i.e. Deus Ex: 1 reference) and Aliens (the series does seem to be a major influence, if only because of the "animals" involved); that particular part of the United State's Nevada desert (check out the "real" Area-51) has once again become a host to weird then violent goings-on.

At first glance the recipe for this now increasingly public topic would appear to be as follows:

1. Find the maker of the original "non-cartoon" beat-em-up (Midway), to have the budget to use expensive film-licenses as constituent ingredients
2. Thusly: start with "Half-Life: Opposing Force"
3. Mix in the cramped violence of "Alien" and "Space Hulk" in equal measure (if only to update their visual style?)
4. Add plenty of plot-based fear & paranoia, worthy of "The Thing" (and "Aliens")
5. Drain off the hype (shown by the usual slew of in-development .mpegs), as this will dilute
6. Make sure dish is well cooked (by testing for depth-of-playability and "chewiness")
7. Serve

N.B. should there still be anyone present to taste (having observed the preparation): provide David Duchovny as the narrator of the arguably most complete trailer (no.4 from Gamespot), remembering he also plays the voice of your character upon consumption of a "full" portion...

Thoughts:

Having Marilyn Manson as the voice of one of the mutants and a recurring character was a nice touch; even if his warped vocal-effects do seem to provide a scent of MTV about the whole piece. Another highlight is "trailer 2"'s gorey details of the virus that haunts the game ("holy slews-of-Aliens-references Batman!" However: I swear Hudson can actually be heard at one point...).