The world of video games has introduced players to countless memorable alien races. These extraterrestrial beings are often meticulously crafted with attention to detail, incorporating fascinating designs, complex backstories, and extraordinary abilities. They become an integral part of the gaming experience, leaving a lasting impression on players and becoming iconic within the gaming community.
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Each alien race possesses unique traits and qualities that define them within their respective game universes. These characteristics range from physical appearances to cultural aspects, technological advancements, and even their roles in shaping the game’s narrative. As players embark on their virtual journeys, they encounter these alien races, forging alliances, engaging in battles, and unraveling the mysteries that lie within.
10Turians (Mass Effect)
The Turians fromMass Effect, are known for their militaristic and disciplined culture. Hailing from the planet Palaven,Turians are renowned for their militaryprowess, and no-nonsense attitude. Furthermore, their victory over the hostile Krogan during the Krogan Rebellions earned them their seat as the third race on the Citadel Council.
They command respect for their commitment to public service, having been the initiators of the proposal to establish C-Sec and their contributions of soldiers and starships to the Citadel Fleet. Known members of their race include Nihlus Kryik, Saren Arterius, and Garrus Vakarian, Commander Shepard’s most loyal friend.
9Cabal (Destiny)
There are some incredible alien species in theDestinyuniverse. InDestiny 2, players will fight and find allies with some of these races. The Cabal, Vex, Hive, Fallen, and now the dreaded threat of The Witness, all of these races have intricate and dedicated lore that makes them an incredible enemy, or a worthy ally against the coming fight with the Darkness and the Pyramid forces of The Witness.
However, perhaps the best alien species to be introduced to players inDestiny 2is the Cabal. The base game fleshed out the Cabal thanks to the Red War campaign. Players have since found allegiance with the Cabal with Empress Caital. The Cabal has an interesting culture, dedicated to war and victory. It’s great to see the Cabal inDestiny 2, and the might of their Empire. The Cabal has weapons that can eradicate solar systems, and a history of murderous and usurping leaders, such as the talented greed of Emperor Calus.
8Necrons (Warhammer 40K)
The Necrons are a race of mechanical warriors created from the Necrontyr, an ancient xenos civilization inWarhammer 40K. They sought to conquer other planets due to their hostile environment. Physically, Necrons resemble skeletal beings with green energies and possess superior strength and endurance. They have auto-repair systems and can phase out for repairs or new bodies.
They have advanced technology, including living metal called “Necrodermis” and devastating weaponry like Gauss Weapons. Also, Necrons have Chronosense, which lets them control their perception of time, allowing them to glimpse possible futures, and modify recent actions accordingly. The Necron hierarchy includes the Triarchy, Phaerons, Overlords, Lords, and Royal Courts.
7Zerg (StarCraft)
Exemplifying the pinnacle of biological advancement, the Zerg Swarm embodies genetic perfection inStarCraft. With their intricate and sophisticated biology, the Zerg possess a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve at an astonishing pace. This extraordinary trait allows them to swiftly develop new traits and abilities, granting them an unparalleled advantage on the battlefield. No obstacle is insurmountable for the Zerg, as they effortlessly overcome challenges through their rapid evolution, easily formingnew types of units.
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Operating as a unified collective known as the Swarm, the Zerg exhibit an awe-inspiring level of swarm intelligence. Every individual Zerg creature is intricately connected to a hive mind, enabling the seamless sharing of information and facilitating remarkable coordination. This hive-mind intelligence grants the Zerg a significant edge in strategic planning and tactical execution making them an incredibly formidable and unpredictable adversary in any conflict.
6The Ceph (Crysis)
Originating from the Triangulum Galaxy, The Ceph, are an advanced alien species that arrived on Earth about 65 million years ago in theCrysisseries. They are hostile towards humanity, possibly due to their aim of preventing human degradation of the environment and collecting scientific data. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and the mysterious “Ceph Energy”, comprising powerful energy-based weaponry, advanced armor, and sophisticated machinery.
Additionally, the Ceph employs autonomous or semi-autonomous machines such as the Gunship and Scout for various purposes. The Alpha Ceph serves as the hivemind for the invasion force and is capable of opening wormholes to summonmore warriors to Earth. Visually, the Ceph’s design captivates with its distinctive blend of organic and mechanical elements, forging an alluring and memorable alien species.
5Vortigaunts (Half-Life)
The Vortigaunts, are sapient aliens in theHalf-Lifeseries. They were forced to flee their homeworld when it was invaded by the Combine. After the death of their master, the Nihilanth, they allied themselves with the human-led Resistance. They have a humanoid appearance, they possess an additional arm protruding from the chest, mottled green-brown skin, sharp teeth, clawed hands, and a face that is dominated by a large eye.
They are intelligent and social creatures, often seen in pairs or groups, and display strategic thinking by retreating from stronger enemies. They hold a belief in the “Vortessence,” a binding life force granting them powers like electricity generation, telekinesis, temporal and spatial awareness, and telepathy. They perceive death as an oscillation and possess the ability to reincarnate or preserve their consciousness within the Vortessence. Vortigaunts can enhance their connection to it, transcend space and time, interact with transcendent beings, and regenerate organic tissue.
4The Flood (Halo)
Originating from a different galaxy,Halosees the Flood infests and assimilates other species as a means of reproduction and survival. Their adaptability and intelligence allow them to infect and mutate both Humans and other species, transforming them into deadly Combat Forms. They are capable of surviving extreme environments and can modify their surroundings according to their needs.
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A Gravemind intelligence can develop within the Flood, granting them control over all other organisms. Infection forms selectively target species with sufficient biomass and intelligence, seizing control of their bodies. Combat Forms, resulting from the mutation of infected species, possess decentralized organs and heightened physical abilities. They exhibit the growth of tentacles, increased strength, and adept climbing capabilities.
3The Locust (Gears of War)
They are a race of humanoid creatures who inhabit the subterranean regions of the planet Sera known as the Hollow. Their defining characteristics include aggression, organized military structure, and an unwavering pursuit of domination, making them iconic enemies inGears of War. The Coalition of Ordered Governments genetically modified them during the Pendulum Wars using Emulsion-infected children and DNA from Hollow creatures.
Under the leadership of their Queen, Myrrah, theLocust waged a genocidal waragainst humanity, nearly pushing them to the brink of extinction. They established their civilization, developed a military infrastructure, and embraced a religious system known as the Trinity of Worms.
2Metroids (Metroid)
Originating from planet SR388, Metroids inMetroidundergo complex life cycles, resulting in changes to their body structures and sizes. A distinctive feature of all SR388 Metroids is a translucent membrane that encloses a red nucleus, crucial for their survival. Remarkably, Metroids feed on the life energy of their prey without inflicting physical damage. Being at the top of the food chain on SR388, they lack natural predators.
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Metroids display the ability to feed on various forms of energy, including cyborgs and technological machinery. Victimskilled by Metroidsexperience a loss of life energy, often leading to the formation of brittle remains. Additionally, Metroids produce a substance similar to webs, which they utilize to construct durable structures. Although lacking sapience, Metroids demonstrate the ability to recognize and preemptively attack threats, as evidenced by their strategic targeting of vulnerabilities.
1The Zin (Saints Row)
The Zin, an intergalactic empire led by Emperor Zinyak inSaints Rowwho hail from the distant planet called Zin. In their culture, all their youths are obligated to serve in the military. Driven by conquest, they travel to different planets, abducting exceptional individuals from sentient civilizations. These captives are then subjected to simulations of their deepest fears to break their spirits and ensure their submission to the Zin Empire. With a formidable military force, the Zin can swiftly conquer Earth and other targets.
The Zin possess highly advanced technology and are capable of planetary destruction and time manipulation easily making them one of the mostintimidating alien racesout there. Distinguished by their slender appearance, dark skin, shoulder armor, and distinctive red markings on their bodies, Super Powered Zin embodies their distinct traits and serves as formidable soldiers in their quest for dominance.
