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Review: Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 (PS5) – A Deeply Disappointing Downgrade of a Sequel
Push Square's review of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 for PS5 delivers a harsh verdict, calling the co-op shooter sequel "one of the most frustrating fumbles of 2026." The reviewer, a self-professed fan of the Alien franchise and the original Fireteam Elite, argues the sequel represents a significant step backwards rather than a natural progression, with poorer environmental design, a weak story and technical performance issues undermining what should have been an improvement.
The review highlights several specific failings: environments feel repetitive and interchangeable compared with the atmospheric visuals of the first game, the Weyland-Yutani-focused plot is predictable and handles franchise lore (including Prometheus references) with unexpected lightness, and hub-area NPC dialogue is poorly written and voiced. Performance is also flagged as a major issue on both base PS5 and PS5 Pro, with frame rates dropping sharply during combat despite running smoothly elsewhere. On the positive side, squad size has increased from three to four players, retaining some "brainless" co-op fun, though AI companions are described as tactically inept and matchmaking can be slow.
In short
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 reviewed as a major disappointment on PS5
- Repetitive environments, weak story and poor performance criticised
- Squad size raised to four, but AI companions and matchmaking are flawed
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A sequel can reasonably be judged by whether it improves on the original, and the review argues that repetitive environments, a weak story and combat slowdowns undermine the atmosphere and reliability that suit a co-op shooter. For players who value polished performance and thoughtful use of the Alien setting, the reported problems may make the larger squad and familiar action feel like a poor trade-off.
The case against
A player who mainly wants accessible co-op action may still find value in taking on alien swarms with a four-person squad, even if the environments and story are less compelling. Reviews also reflect particular priorities: those who care more about moment-to-moment shooting and playing with friends than lore, presentation or occasional performance dips may see the sequel as enjoyable rather than a major downgrade.
Explained simply
The Alien franchise is a science-fiction series about people encountering deadly creatures known as Xenomorphs. Weyland-Yutani, a powerful corporation in the series, often features in stories about attempts to exploit alien technology. Prometheus is a film in the franchise that explores the origins of humanity and the alien life in the series.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite was a co-operative shooter in which players teamed up to fight Xenomorphs. Its sequel builds on that format, with squads now able to include four players; people can also play alongside computer-controlled companions. Co-operative play and the franchise’s setting are central to what the games offer.
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