What Game is Predator In? The Ultimate Guide to Predator Video Games
If you‘re a fan of the iconic Predator movies, you may be wondering what video games feature everyone‘s favorite dreadlocked alien hunter. From side scrollers in the 90s to recent online shooters, the Predator creature has stalked through dozens of virtual worlds over the past three decades.
In this guide, we‘ll highlight the most notable video game appearances of the Predator franchise and provide the ultimate overview of interactive Predator experiences. Whether you‘re a hardcore fan or just casually interested, read on to learn about the best and worst Predator games!
A Brief History of Predator Video Games
The Predator made its debut in the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, and it didn‘t take long for the ferocious alien hunter to leap onto gaming systems as well.
The first Predator video game emerged in 1989 for home computers like Commodore 64. This side scroller by Activision let players control Major Dutch Schaefer through jungles filled with aliens.
Through the 1990s, Predator games were typically movie tie-ins featuring side scrolling or top-down action. Titles like Predator 2 (1990) and Predator (1994) on Super Nintendo followed the plots of the respective films.
The quality of Predator games dramatically improved in the 2000s. Titles like Predator: Concrete Jungle (2005) and the Aliens vs. Predator series positioned the Predator as a playable character in more immersive action settings.
2010 saw the release of Predators, coinciding with the film of the same name. This game marked a shift towards online multiplayer Predator experiences.
Most recently, IllFonic‘s Predator: Hunting Grounds (2020) fully embraced the competitive online realm with its 4v1 asymmetric battles. Players can finally live out their fantasies of playing as the Predator and outwitting human foes.
Now let‘s jump into the specific noteworthy Predator video game titles over the years!
Notable Predator Video Game Appearances
Predator (Mobile Game)
- Released in 2006 for mobile phones
- Side-scrolling action game
- Lets players control a Predator hunting humans
- Developed by Vivid Image Inc
Predator (NES Game)
- Released in 1989 for NES
- Side-scrolling platformer based on first film
- Play as Major Dutch Schaefer through alien jungles
- Published by Activision
Predator 2 (1990)
- Side-scrolling action for DOS and Commodore 64
- Based on the 1990 Predator 2 movie
- Control Mike Harrigan fighting gangs and Predator
- Developed by Teeny Weeny Games
Predator 2 (1992)
- Overhead run and gun shooter for Sega Genesis
- Also based on Predator 2 film
- Published by U.S. Gold
Predator (1994)
- Side-scrolling action platformer for SNES/Super Famicom
- Follows plot of first Predator film
- Play as Dutch Schaefer defeating aliens
- Published by Activision
Predator: Concrete Jungle (2005)
- Action game developed by Eurocom for PS2 and Xbox
- Set on the planet Ryushi
- Players control a Predator completing hunting challenges
- 18 different weapons and hunting modes
- Well-received for its atmosphere and range of play
Aliens vs. Predator Series (Early 2000s)
- Multiple games featuring crossovers between the Alien and Predator franchises
- Allowed players to control the Predator and hunt humans and aliens
- Titles include AVP (1994), Aliens versus Predator (1999), AvP2 (2001)
Predators (2010)
- Tie-in to 2010 Predators film
- Third person shooter for PS3 and Xbox 360
- Published by Activision
- Received mixed reviews
Mortal Kombat X (2015)
- Predator appeared as playable guest fighter
- Could perform signature moves like cloaking and plasma caster blasts
- Added highly anticipated crossover for fans
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
- Predator was featured as field order reward in multiplayer
- Players became a Predator-like figure who could blast enemies
- Limited time event that was popular among fans
Fortnite (2020)
- Predator included as unlockable skin in Fortnite
- Players had to track down and defeat Predator to unlock
- Added ability to cloak and use other Predator weapons
Predator: Hunting Grounds (2020)
- Latest main Predator video game release
- Developed by IllFonic for PS4 and Windows
- 4v1 online multiplayer battles
- Play as Predator or human soldiers with various classes
- Received mixed reviews but delivered on fantasy experience
Top 10 Best Predator Video Games Ranked
Based on popularity, reviews, and overall Predator experience, here are my picks for the top 10 best Predator games of all time:
- Predator: Concrete Jungle
- Predator (NES Game)
- Aliens vs. Predator 2
- Mortal Kombat X
- Fortnite
- Aliens vs. Predator
- Predator: Hunting Grounds
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Call of Duty: Ghosts
- Predators
Predator: Concrete Jungle stands out as the peak of solo Predator gameplay, with its immersive hunting mechanics and variety of weapons. Of course nothing beats the original NES game that started it all. And Mortal Kombat X and Fortnite deserve credit for successfully incorporating the iconic creature in creative ways.
The Future of Predator Gaming
While not every Predator game has been a smash hit, the franchise clearly has strong gaming potential. Playing as the ultimate hunter and outsmarting human prey delivers a unique thrill no other games can offer.
Hopefully Predator: Hunting Grounds marks just the start of a Predator video game resurgence. With the creature‘s return to prominence in films like Prey, it‘s the perfect time to deliver new interactive hunting experiences. Just imagine an open world Predator RPG, or a Predator/Alien asymmetric multiplayer title in the vein of Dead by Daylight.
If developers play to the Predator‘s strengths, there‘s no limit to the amount of creative and intense Predator games we could see in the future. With the right vision, the Predator could return as the Apex gaming franchise it was destined to be.
So get ready to continue honing your hunting skills and mastering alien technology! The Predator‘s journey through the virtual worlds of video games is far from over.