The classic run-and-gun game Alien hominid will be getting both a remaster and a new version on modern platforms later this year, and producer Ian Moreno tells us that game preservation was a “big aspect” of the decision to develop a remaster.
For those unfamiliar, Alien hominid first released as an Adobe Flash game on the Newgrounds website in 2002, and later on mobile, handhelds and consoles. However, at the time of writing, the only way to play it on a modern console is via backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 on Xbox Series|S, meaning the title is becoming increasingly difficult to access.
“We wanted to bring it to the younger generations and make sure it’s accessible,” Moreno explained during our interview at WASD x IGN.
Speaking about preservation in general, he continues: “Preservation is a great thing that’s going on with the likes of the Internet Archive projects… With Flash support being taken away from web browsers, there’s a whole generation or series of games that will disappear. .”
With that in mind, Alien hominid HDbringing the classic game to PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series Nintendo switchmakes The Behemoth’s chaotic side-scrolling shooter one that both new and old fans can easily get their hands on.
“On older consoles, they always disappear eventually,” Moreno says. “In short, this is part of our way of preserving and contributing to gaming in general.”
Currently, Alien hominid HD has no release date, but will be released at the same time as Invasion of alien hominids – the aforementioned re-imagining that Moreno says answers the question, “What would a modern version be like?” Alien hominid are?”
While Invasion is “technically not a sequel,” Moreno tells us that it “does provide insight into what happened where the last one ended.” He teases, “We’re also excited because there’s a lot of knowledge we’re going to unleash on people, and I don’t know if they’re ready for it.”
If you’re looking for more games to play with your friends, be sure to check out our list of the best co-op games. For a solo experience, be sure to read the recommendations for the best single player games.