Alien Breed was (and still is) a staple Amiga game in 2025. But back in 1992 Team 17 released an extended version of Alien Breed with the added “Special Edition” to the title. This version packs in more levels compared to the original game. In fact there are twelve levels in the special edition as opposed to six. Even more fun right? As if Alien Breed could get any better? Well it did.
“Shuttle Bay Two. Deck One”. This is the fist line of text before we leave our drop ship to enter the first level or should I say swarm of aliens. Right off the bat, the first level is packed with Aliens. Now we need to note that the Alien in Alien Breed looks dangerously like H.R Giger’s Xenomorph. Right down to the game art! A front facing Alien with razor sharp teeth amidst an open mouth that feels ready to snap at anyone who gets in her way! Writing that, made me think “GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BITCH”. The similarities are undeniable. But I digress. Back to Alien Breed Special Edition.
The game builds on everything we saw in Alien Breed but packed in to twelve levels. Taking a Top Down view, our marine has to navigate the narrow corridors of each level. The game looks and feels great at first glance and I’d go as far to say that the Special Edition looks slightly better in terms of graphics too.
Items
Running around dodging and shooting Aliens is one thing but trying to find supplies adds a whole new challenge to Alien Breed (SE). Key cards, Credits and First Aid kits are amongst other items that need to be collected if we are to be successful in our endeavours. Key cards are used to unlock doors and can often seen quite scarce. Weirdly, managing my key card inventory often felt like it added a puzzle element to Alien Breed (SE). My advice: Spend them wisely. There were times when I used all of my key cards and could not access other rooms. I found it difficult to find other key cards to try and complete the level. Perhaps I am a perfectionist?
Credits can be used at the Intex Terminals to buy weapons and tool supplies. I found the Terminals difficult to find at first but rewarding once I’d discovered them. Once activated, the green screen flickers reveal the menu of the terminal. It’s a cool animation indeed. Don’t get me wrong though, the terminal screens are green on green so they can be difficult to read at times! Ultimately, it’s worth hunting for Credits throughout the levels, especially if you’re keen on upgrading your arsenal. Weapons include: A Plasma Gun, A Broadhurst DJ Twinfire 3LG, A Flamethrower and more.
Aliens
The Xenomorph style aliens swarm the corridors in droves. They move quickly and are at their most dangerous when grouped together. They seem to appear randomly or out of the floors (from vents and holes) so you have to keep your wits about you at all times.
In the later levels, Facehugger type breeds start to appear. They are a lot quicker than the larger Aliens (as they are in the films). What’s worse is that they are a lot more difficult to see as they blend in with the floor colour. I am unsure if this is a good or bad point to be honest. Either way, you need to watch out for the little critters.
Bosses seem relatively easy to beat. Their movements seem like the only threat and at best you might lose small amounts of health but nothing too taxing.
Shooting Aliens for days
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This boss is stacked
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The levels do not contain any music unless you’re fighting a boss. Is this a missed opportunity? Not really. As you meander the levels, you will hear low hums of static and sound effects when you collect items. I personally believes this builds tension.
The introduction music is ICONIC! Created by the amazing Aliaster Brimble, the deep and dark tones that erupt as game text pops on the screen gives me goosebumps every time.
During the Warning countdowns (red screen), there is a female Voice Over shouting “Warning, destruction imminent”. Again, the game seems to lend itself to subtle voiceovers and sound effects rather than over-encumber levels with bellowing music. This amplifies the tension of the game without a doubt and I believe this is a smart move indeed! Just like in the movies. The almost deafening silence of the Marines meandering through the corridors of LV426 in search of lost colonists. It worked really well.
When our marine takes shot at the Aliens, and in essence kills them, we hear a terrible scream from the alien. Sadly, that same scream (death sound) repeats on every Alien. The same can be said when we pick up items. I can’t help but feel this takes away from the immersion. Perhaps this is something you don’t mind? Despite this one grumble about the sound, Alien Breed (SE) does not disappoint at it’s absolute core.
Graphics
Beautiful! There I said it! I truly believe Alien Breed Special Edition looks great. It is very difficult to make environments pop from a 2D Top Down perspective but thanks to the use of shadows from the walls, drops hips and other various objects. The Drop Ship in particular always occupied a special place in my heart because it was the first thing you saw on the opening level! WOW! Back in the 90’s, I remember thinking “just wow”. From there, I felt hooked. The drop ship had some excellent shadows and textures that gave the impression the devs really card about the look they were going for. I admire that.
Final Thoughts
Alien Breed Special Edition is incredible. Packed with twelve levels, frantic flurries of aliens, bosses and labyrinthian like levels; Alien Breed (SE) will keep you coming back to your Amiga for Years to come. It’s worth noting that you can also enjoy the game on your Amiga CD32 consoles too.
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