Alien Isolation 2 sticks to survival horror roots with a new protagonist

Alien Isolation 2 is sticking to its pure survival horror roots, IGN reports. In an interview at the Lucca Comics and Games Festival, Creative Director Al Hope said the team feels there's still more to explore from the world of the original 1979 film. The sequel aims to transport players back to the terrifying experience of facing just one alien.

Hope confirmed players will not be returning as Amanda Ripley. Instead, they will control a new character named Blake, a manager for the Weyland-Yutani corporation who has never encountered the xenomorph before. According to IGN, Blake arrives on the planet LV-921 searching for a lab jettisoned from Sevastopol Station.

The developers are drawing heavily from Ridley Scott's original movie for the creature's design. Project Art Director Ana Sopikova told IGN the team has access to an archive of behind-the-scenes photos from the 1979 film to study materials and construction methods. She said they are "staying true to 1979" and not reinventing the iconic xenomorph, though they are adding more detail with modern technology.

Hope also commented on seeing the original game's save stations appear as an Easter egg in the recent film Alien: Romulus, calling it a privilege. When asked about the game's place in the official Alien canon, he said it's ultimately for fans to decide, but the team is focused on telling the next chapter.

The sequel is slated for release in 2027.