We might have to rename this series to ‘Pile of what am I doing with my life’. Sigh. 

Today’s entry was inspired by Discord user Almost. I now blame you for what follows. 

Okay let’s back up. Here’s a snippet from the game description:

“Terrorize the people of 1950s Earth in the role of the evil alien Crypto-137. Harvest DNA and bring down the US government…”

And another: 

“Annihilate puny humans using an assortment of alien weaponry and psychic abilities. Reduce their cities to rubble with your flying Saucer! One giant step on mankind!”

The first game starts with a nod to the Ed Wood classic Plan 9 from Outer Space and delivers on all the aforementioned selling points. It even has a <redacted> probe. Use your imagination to fill in the blank. 

Reviews have generally been positive for the series. It has a cult following. And around the re-relases I remember my social feeds filled with excitement. All around a great game, right?

As I’m writing this I physically put my hands up and shrugged. I’m alone in my living room. No one can see me. I’m reflecting on why I haven’t played this, and…I don’t know, dear readers. I really messed up on this one. As a fan of old school sci-fi of that era (Planet of the Vampires is a monthly watch in my household) and a simple man who likes causing simple straightforward destruction in games, I got nothing. No interesting or evocative reason as to why this entry is here. It shouldn’t be. I’ll chalk up missing these on release AND re-release as dark times in the tapestry of my life. 

Get me a time machine so I can scold a younger more foolish me. 

It’s time to clear this one out, and then hit COUCH co-op in the sequel with my wife (caps lock on to give extra attention to that integral but now all but dying feature from my youth). She’ll appreciate the wanton destruction, still topical subversion and satire, and the inimitable voice of Richard Steven Horvitz. Here’s where I make the chef’s kiss motion. 

And because you, the community, suggested this one, we’ll give out a few copies to ease the guilt and shame of this community manager. Surely having others join me in visiting these classics will ease shame’s heft. Head over to our Discord, interact with the post, and you’re automatically entered. 

Happy Friday, everyone. Time to do some probin’. 

-RCGinger