The long-awaited Pathogen update has arrived for Aliens: Fireteam Elite and brings a new campaign to the game for players to enjoy.

Set over three chapters, the new campaign involves the exploration of Engineer ruins that are overrun with aliens. Along the way, new species are discovered who have likely reacted to the pathogen and are involved in open combat with the Aliens giving the team a new set of enemies to face.

From new mutations to pathogen exposure, the challenges abound and like the base game, players can select a difficulty setting that is best for their style of play and ability. There is also a new Nightmare mode for players to enjoy.

The update offers new weapons and cosmetics but the drawing card is an addition to the story as prior updates had offered new gameplay modes and cosmetics but this is the first content since launch that has expanded upon the core story for the game.

The gameplay is the same as before with endless waves of enemies coming at players frequently but there are some nice touches such as demolition charges, signal boosters, door drills, and such that have to be located and defended as the hordes attack.

Following an epic finale battle, players are teased about a pending response from the Company which indicates what a future expansion for the game will offer. Hopefully, the wait will not be as long as it was for the Pathogen update as aside from launch day, I did find it hard to find players to join my team in random matchmaking and frequently had to rely on A.I. Bots to complete the team.

That being said, if you are a fan of the game and are eager for new content, then the Pathogen update delivers what you have been waiting for as long as you are not expecting radical changes to the base game.

4 stars out of 5

[Reprinted by permission from SKNR.NET]

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