The tactical games that I’m used to playing are usually turn-based, with the likes of XCOM and XCOM 2 being high on my list of must-plays. So imagine my surprise to see a real-time tactical game featuring the unlikeliest of enemies that you want to face in a tactical game: everyone’s favourite Xenomorphs. Focus Entertainment and Tindalos Interactive’s upcoming title, Aliens: Dark Descent provides a fully-fledged, squad-based tactical campaign filled with tense moments, deep strategy, and terrifying revelations.

The Gameplay Overview trailer released today gives a pretty good idea on how players can survive the Xenomorph onslaught in real-time with basically seemingly good squad A.I and a get-out-of-jail slo-mo mode where you can slow-down time to aid your decision making.

As you explore further, you’ll progress in a complex story and attempt to solve the mysteries of Planet Lethe. Players will manage their squad as a single unit, thanks to innovative and intuitive controls on both keyboard/mouse and controller. Marines react intelligently to orders thanks to a unique Squad Behavior System that dispatches them automatically on the field.

Marines are well-equipped to alter their environment and deal with hostiles. Flamethrowers can be used to engulf corridors and condemn enemy paths. Suppressive fire is effective at slowing down your enemies, and sentry guns are best used to sustain tough encounters while making sure not to run out of resources.

Every run is unique as the Xenomorphs adapt to player behavior and action. Each choice remains unaltered as players explore extensive, open and persistent levels. Managing the squad’s health and stress levels is equally as important as clearing objectives. And remember, when a Marine dies, they are permanently gone for good.

After each mission, players return to their ship, the Otago: a hub to heal and recruit Marines, as well as to research and develop new tech that improves gear. With five Marine classes available, assign a role to each of your Marines and create a stronger squad to explore further down and battle against an onslaught of iconic Xenomorph creatures.

Gear up and discover the source of a strange and dire threat in Aliens: Dark Descent on June 20 when the game releases on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Digital and retail pre-orders are open for all platforms.