Stay frosty Marines. After several years on other platforms, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is arriving on the Nintendo Switch on April 26th. This new release of the co-op action shooter brings forth all content and patches released so far, as well as cross-play capability across consoles and PC. However, this version of the game is a Nintendo Switch Cloud version, which means a strong internet connection is required.
The deets
The news comes via press release from Cold Iron Studios. The team has enjoyed a solid success in bringing the co-op shooting game to PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms. The new release on Nintendo Switch falls on April 26th, what is annually known as international Alien Day. The date is in reference to LV-426, the planet from the first two Alien movies where unfortunate space farers encounter the xenomorph for the first time.
The new release is the Nintendo Cloud version, which has been used in games such as Hitman III and Control. This means players don’t necessarily download the game but an app that leads players directly to a server that contains the game. This means a strong internet connection is required to play. However, the cloud release will have cross-play functionality. This means players can play with players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms. Additionally, all released content, which includes the Pathogen DLC, will be included in this new release.
Get on the ready line
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a squad-based 3rd person co-op shooter themed to the Aliens series. In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, players strap their booths and helmets on in the Colonial Marines, a military entity sent on dangerous missions in charted space. Players are part of the Endeavor, an elite assault ship sent on a mission to investigate a disturbance on LV-895. With a massive xenomorph infeststation breaking out, it’s up to players to arm themselves to the teeth to end this extraterrestrial nightmare.
The game features multiple classes to choose from and an assortment of weapons to use. Players customize their Marine, then choose any one of different classes and weapons. This gives players access to the classic m4a1 pulse rifle, as well as Hick’s shotgun and the smartgun. Players may use a variety of devices form combat drones to incendiary ammunition to fight back. Thee Xenomorphs come in various forms, each with unique and dangerous abilities. Only teamwork and skill can grant a chance at survival.
Early Impressions
Thanks to a key from Cold Iron Studios, I am pleased to say that this new release for Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a solid one so far, even if it is the Cloud version. While the servers at this time haven’t gone live for online co-op, playing the game in single-player with A.I combat synthetics is still a solid good time. Visually, the game is on par with the PS4 version and other than a few jitters, the experience has been smooth. However, there was some significant lag and slowdown during one session in which the game did adjust and compensate into “Low Performance Mode” to stabilize the gameplay.
My guess is many were using Comcast internet in the city during this moment as the gameplay did stabilize towards the end of the mission. Ultimately, playing with a strong Wi-Fi network is best, or if you have the Switch OLED model, using a physical LAN cable. I would have preferred a physical copy to play solo on the go. The biggest setback about Cloud versions on Nintendo Switch is the need to have a constant internet connection. This means Cloud games are unplayable in an environment without Wi-Fi. However, if one is able to have stable internet, the game can work an still feel like an experience on-the-go. This includes public Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot, or a mesh network at a friend’s house. There is still more to be seen when the game goes live and how the version handles cross-play with other players.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite arrives on April 26th, 2023 for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
