Rediscovering Aliens: Infestation on Nintendo DS – A Metroidvania Masterpiece by WayForward and SEGA

Released in 2011 for the Nintendo DS, Aliens: Infestation remains a standout title in the venerable Alien franchise, exemplifying the creative prowess of developer WayForward and publisher SEGA.

Celebrated for its tightly woven Metroidvania gameplay, Aliens: Infestation has seen enduring recognition among aficionados of both the platform and the iconic sci-fi property.

In a market brimming with licensed adaptations, it distinguished itself through meticulous design, blending classic exploration and platforming with the atmospheric tension synonymous with its cinematic heritage. As noted by our editorial team at launch, the game's impeccable design is rivaled only by its unyielding challenge, offering players an intense and rewarding experience.

Aliens: Infestation incorporates puzzle-solving elements, precise platforming, and all the suspense you'd expect from an Alien title.

Features such as permadeath for marines and strategic resource management underscore its faithful homage to the source material, while ensuring every decision carries significant weight. WayForward, highly regarded for franchises like Shantae and Contra 4, brought their signature expertise to Aliens: Infestation.

The result was a title that garnered critical acclaim, earning an 8/10 score from our original review—evidence of its lasting quality.

The game's structure, filled with interconnected routes and unlockable shortcuts, channels the Metroidvania formula to its fullest, making each playthrough uniquely engaging. Beyond gameplay, Aliens: Infestation has also made a mark with its memorable soundtrack.

The closing credits feature an exuberant, genre-bending power ballad performed by Guyz Nite, the same band responsible for the iconic Die Hard song.

This track has seen renewed appreciation across social media, reminding both long-time fans and newcomers of the emotional resonance a great game can have—not just in play, but in sound.

For many, the temptation to revisit the title is sparked the moment those notes hit, reinforcing its reputation as a cult classic. Available exclusively on the Nintendo DS, Aliens: Infestation serves as a gem showing WayForward and SEGA's capacity for innovation in handheld gaming.

The partnership delivered a polished Metroidvania adventure that holds up impressively, more than a decade since release.

As the game's legacy continues to grow, it offers newcomers and veterans alike a reminder of the power that a well-crafted Nintendo DS title can wield—combining structural finesse and atmospheric hostility for a wholly immersive experience. If you haven’t yet experienced Aliens: Infestation, now is the perfect time to explore its labyrinthine passageways and nerve-shredding gameplay.

And for those discovering the game's legendary credits song for the first time, prepare for some powerful nostalgia.