Take the 2010 top-down shooter DEAD NATION – a simple little game developed by Housemarque for the PlayStation 3. In in, you or you and a buddy could tackle a futuristic world that has been over-run with zombies.

It remains an absolute favourite for many gamers, this one included. The premise was simple – a two-stick shooter that cashed in on a great look and wall-to-wall zombie killing action.

Turn the clock forward six years and Housemarque has jumped back in to the top-down shooter market with another exquisite release, ALIENATION.

Alienation takes the amazing aspects of Dead Nation and brings them kicking, gnarling and screaming on to the mighty PS4.

There’s still that top-down shooter appeal with a hint of RPG thrown in for good measure. But the hordes of zombies have now been replaced by hordes of alien monsters. And what an incredibly vast, varied and marvellous array of alien creatures there are.

The excellent weapon system of Dead Nation has been greatly upgraded and improved, although the differing effects of the weapons aren’t as pronounced as they were previously. The upgrade system has been revamped as well but still keeps those same elements of increased firepower, rate of fire, larger clip size etc.

Alienation’s heroes have been rejuvenated and now you can take on the campaign with up to four players while choosing from three different classes.

There’s the self-explanatory tank – a large, robust character full of gusto. His special abilities include a shield as well as the ability to unleash incredible bursts of energy. There’s the bio-specialist, who can heal fellow team-mates, while the saboteur can become invisible and provide aerial attacks to the team.

Visually, the game is spectacular, while the gameplay is sharp, fast-paced and extremely demanding at times – although you never get the feeling that it’s impossible.

WE RATE IT

Graphics: 8.5

Gameplay: 9.5

Playability: 8

OVERALL: 85%