Aliens in the Attic takes the classic premise of a family vacation gone horribly wrong and throws in a bunch of aliens with questionable motives. Developed by Revistronic and released in 2009 as a video game tie-in to the not-so-critically-acclaimed family film, this game is as fun as it is confusing. If you've ever wanted to battle little green men using your wits and a balance of classic childhood nostalgia, this one's for you.
Gameplay involves players taking control of different characters from the movie-Tom, Hannah, Jake, and others-each bringing their unique abilities to the table. Expect to navigate through 15 missions that have you completing various tasks, such as crafting makeshift weapons, solving puzzles to outsmart the aliens, and, of course, the standard jump-and-run action that plagued many PS2 games of the era. The game also dabbles in the glories of cooperative play, allowing the switch between characters to optimize your chances of beating Tazer (or 'Spike' in the game for some reason) and his alien buddies. The controls are basic and reminiscent of the glory days of 3D platformers, with an emphasis on simplicity over complexity, which is appreciated in times of frantic UFO encounters.
Visually, the game doesn't reinvent the wheel. The graphics take us back to the late 2000s, employing a somewhat flat design and textures that feel they've been pulled from the bottom of a cereal bowl. Character models are cartoonish and quite charming, which almost makes you forget you're playing a game that's essentially a marketing tool for a mediocre movie. While it lacks the polish of more recent titles, there's a nostalgic charm to the art style that recalls the simpler graphical era. The environments-while not the best-do reflect the suburban horror vibes of the movie, making you feel right at home (or should I say the attic?) as you battle pesky aliens.
In conclusion, Aliens in the Attic is not going to win any awards but it's best taken with a grain of salt. If you're in the market for a lighthearted adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously, you might just find it to be a guilty pleasure. It's like the snack food of video games: not necessarily nutritious or critical for life, but it's got enough flavor to justify a few hours of your time. Just don't expect an earth-shattering experience; maybe just a moderately enjoyable one.