Aliens Vs Predator – Hunter Edition

Of all the games that could and should have a special edition version, Aliens Vs Predator is the one.  Due for release in February 2010 and coming with a no doubt pretty price tag, the AVP: Hunter Edition will have Facehugger fans rushing to the shops, though PC users may be out of luck because it hasn’t been announced for the PC, only the Xbox and PS3, (though this may yet change).

Coming housed in the now almost traditional steelbook packaging, the box of goodies contains a few token trinkets such as a fancy postcard and sew on patch, but the real prize is the fully articulated Facehugger model in all its Yoni, Giger-esque glory.

Could do better...nice hugger though

As is usually the case, one territory is left on the naughty step when the goods are doled out and this time only the US get the sexy sounding ‘hardcover special edition’ of the original AVP comic from Dark Horse Comics.  However, if those of us in Europe and Australia think that we are being hard done by, then we should all hold hands a moment and give a minute’s silence for our German friends who won’t be getting the game at all, whether in special edition or vanilla format.

Sega are avoiding falling foul of the fearsome USK – the German ratings board, by not even submitting the game, fully expecting it to receive a fat ‘nein’ and have avoided even splashing the cash on localisation, knowing that it will certainly not pass, thus sadly leaving the Germans little option but to attempt an import.  Sega did however, take the gamble with Australia’s similarly draconian gaming board and promptly got the game banned.  However, after a stubborn appeal in which the game remained unchanged – (go Sega!), the ban was overturned.

The full list of features are as follows:

• Steelbook packaging
• Game Disc
• 4 exclusive multiplayer maps (before they are released to the public) which are:
  DOCKS: The caustic alkali waters of BG-386 put an end to Weyland-Yutani’s planned shipping activities. But this dockyard soon became a historic battleground
  OUTPOST: The site of the original Weyland-Yutani colony on BG-386 was abandoned, and soon reclaimed by the planet’s voracious jungle plant life. It is now the perfect hunting ground for all manner of wildlife.
  MACHINE: As well as processing exotic ores, the BG-386 Refinery provided electrical power to the colonists at Freya’s Prospect. The lights may still be on, but nobody’s home. Yet.
  HIVE: Deep in the heart of the Freya’s Prospect Refinery lies the Xenomorph Hive. Beware all who enter here.
• A fully articulated Facehugger model
• Weyland Yutani sew on patch badge
• 3D lenticular postcard 
• US only: Hardcover AvP graphic novel from Dark Horse Comics featuring the original comic

Whether or not you think that the set, Facehugger aside, is a tad disappointing or a wasted opportunity, it may be worth picking up for collecting’s sake – on the other hand if it pumps your nads, you should be happy.  The real surprise is that the Hunter edition does not currently seem to be listed on any of the usual UK gaming retail sites.  Indeed, if Play.com have snapped up any UK exclusivity, as they often seem to, they are keeping it remarkably quiet and with only a few months to go, pre-orders should be going in, especially since there will be several hotly anticipated releases in the first quarter vying for cash.

In the US, the Aliens Vs Predator Hunter Edition is retailing at $99.99, which means that in the UK, if they don’t decided to skin us (no Predator pun intended, we can expect it for around 75 odd quid.

So, if you are one of the happy souls who doesn’t care too much about getting everything or simply want the Facehugger, then snap up the UK release.  If, on the other hand you are Magpie minded and a completion freak, you’ll be eyeing up a US import…good luck with that.