Aliens: Colonial Marines was announced first, not that Alien vs. Predator game!  I want Colonial Marines NOW! (Please do not take that last statement out of context…….)

If you have been patiently waiting for Gearbox Software’s Aliens: Colonial Marines like I have, then prepare to wait even longer.  First announced back in February of 2008, its taken quite awhile to get the alien hatchlings ready to attach to your face.  Not to worry though, Colonial Marines won’t be the only Alien themed game set to come out in 2010.  The other (Alien vs. Predator) game will also of course feature Aliens, Marines, and even Predators; Oh my!

Aliens vs. Predator is set to test the gaming waters for all things coming to the Alien universe, and will be the barometer (depending on how good it sells) for when Colonial Marines ends up coming out.  This also includes a possibly unannounced third game if things go splendidly.  Here is what Sega president Mike Hayes had to say on the release date subject for the two games:

“I think the detail of the [release date] is probably still too early.  What I would say is it’s unlikely that we’d launch anything within six months [of Aliens vs. Predator], but probably nine months, eight to 12 months possibly. Though we literally are looking at that at the moment and a lot of is going to depend, as well, on how successful AvP is at the box [office].  It’s what level of “well” does it do? Do we then determine when we want to bring the next one out and then, of course, determine what the third one in the series is likely to be,” Hayes said.

So we are basically looking at late 2010 for A:CM if things go according to Mike Hayes’ policy.  I see the logic in it, as Sega has got a great title in Aliens vs. Predator, with the game shaping up to be more and more of a thrill ride for AvP fans.  Rebellion’s first-person shooter has gotten more praise and comments from fans than any other game currently in its lineup, so bumping these two titles too close to each other could spell bad news for Sega.

I really was looking forward to finally getting my true next-gen first person Alien experience with Colonial Marines, but this should pump up my anticipation level for both games with having to wait just a little bit longer.  I will be sure to abide my time waiting for A:CM pouncing on helpless Predators, as well as pulling the spinal cord of Marines that don’t even have a name.  Because as we all know from the movies, the nameless ones always die first.

Aliens vs. Predator is set to hit January 19th, 2010 for PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 with Aliens: Colonial Marines TBD in 2010.