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{{distinguish|Area 51 (1995 video game)}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = Area 51
{{short description|2005 video game}}
| image = [[Image:Area51.jpg|200px|]]
{{Infobox video game
| developer = [[Midway Austin | Midway Studios Austin]]
| title = Area 51
| image = Area 51 cover art.jpg
| developer = [[Midway Studios Austin]]
| publisher = [[Midway Games|Midway]]
| publisher = [[Midway Games|Midway]]
| producer = Zach Wood<br>Daryl Allison
| designer =
| designer = James Stiefelmaier
| engine =
| artist = Peter Franco<br>Mookie Weisbrod
| released = [[April 25]], [[2005]] (NA)<br> [[May 27]], [[2005]] (EU)
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| composer = [[Chris Vrenna]]
| engine =
| modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer]]
| ratings = [[ESRB]]: Mature (M)
| series = ''[[Area 51 (series)|Area 51]]''
| released = '''PlayStation 2''' & '''Xbox'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|April 25, 2005|AU|May 26, 2005|EU|May 27, 2005}}'''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|June 8, 2005|EU|July 1, 2005}}
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]], [[IBM PC clone|PC]]
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| requirements = Controller, Xbox Live, Windows. Direct 3D/X
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| input =
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]<br />[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]<br />[[Microsoft Windows]]
}}
}}
'''Area 51''' is a [[first-person shooter]] developed in tandem for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]], and [[IBM PC clone|PC]], and is loosely based on the [[1996]] [[light gun]] video game ''[[Area 51 (video game)|Area 51]]''. Players control Ethan Cole, a HAZMAT operative voiced by [[David Duchovny]] sent to the infamous [[Area 51|base]] to investigate some manner of viral outbreak.
'''''Area 51''''' (stylized as '''''Area-51''''') is a [[science fiction]] [[first-person shooter]] video game that was released in 2005. It was developed by [[Midway Studios Austin]] for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], and [[Microsoft Windows]]. A Nintendo [[GameCube]] version was also in development but was silently canceled. It is a loose [[remake]] of the 1995 [[light gun]] [[Area 51 (arcade game)|video game of the same name]],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Drury|first=Paul |date=December 2016 |title=More from Area 51 |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=163|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|page=52}}</ref> and was followed in 2007 by the loosely related ''[[BlackSite: Area 51]]''. The player controls Ethan Cole, a [[HAZMAT]] operative sent to the [[Area 51|Area 51 base]] to assist in the cleanup of a [[Mutagen|mutagenic virus]].


Notable among the voice actors are [[David Duchovny]] as Ethan Cole, [[Marilyn Manson]] as Edgar the ancient and powerful [[Grey alien|Grey]], [[Powers Boothe]] as Major Bridges, [[Nolan North]] as McCan, and [[Ian Abercrombie]] as Dr. Winston Cray.
{{spoiler}}


==Gameplay==
Taking cues from contemporaries like ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''Area 51'' sees the player partnered with a squad of [[Artificial intelligence|artificially intelligent]] team members for the earlier portions of the game.
''Area 51'' is a [[first-person shooter]], played from the perspective of the [[protagonist]], Ethan Cole. The game features operable machinery, including artillery turrets, besides the player's inventory of weapons.
However, certain twists happen in the story, and the player is granted the ability to use alien powers.
This shares parallels with another recent [[Midway Games|Midway]] first-person shooter, namely ''[[The Suffering (game)|The Suffering]]''. Also notable among the voice actors are [[Marilyn Manson (person)|Marilyn Manson]] (as an ancient and powerful [[Greys|grey]]), [[Powers Boothe]] (as Major Bridges), and Ian Abercrombie (Dr. Cray).


Throughout the game, the player uses a variety of weapons, both human and alien in origin, to defeat their adversaries. Most weapons can only be wielded one handed, however the player can [[dual wield]] some weapons, such as the Shotgun and the Sub-Machine Gun. Each weapon can also be used as a [[melee]] weapon for close quarter combat. Each weapon has two modes of firing, the first being the primary method, while the second is of a much higher power level, at the cost of ammunition and accuracy to the player. The player can also use explosive grenades.
== Characters ==
The main character Ethan Cole is the speacialist for the HAZMAT team. Supporting characters include
*Mitch "CRISPY" Chrisman- an annoying, obnoxious member of HAZMAT, Crispy just wants to add some comic relief to the serious atmosphere of his team members. He even jokes while he is dying: during a spot in the game, he turns into a mutant and laughs at it over the radio to the player.
*Jack McCan
*Anthony Ramirez (leader of HAZMAT team Bravo)
*Major Douglas Bridges (military commander)
*Edgar The Grey
The enemies in the game include:
*Gray - A mysterious race, they came to Earth to conduct studies and create weapons that would help them win a civil war back on their home planet.
*Mutant Scientist - Scientists who were working with the virus. They got more of the virus than anyone, and therefore have developed to a higher mutagenic stage,
*Mutant Leaper - An example of the final stage of the mutagenic virus,these beings have lost all their humanity, and maintain an animalistic state.


Midway through the game, Ethan Cole becomes infected with the mutagen, and the option to turn into a [[mutant (fiction)|mutant]] temporarily is obtained. Mutating offers a variety of benefits, such as increased strength, [[endurance|stamina]], as well as the initial ability to fire health-replenishing parasites as well as the later ability to [[contaminate]] enemies, both at the cost of mutation time reduction. While in a mutant form, players can easily spot enemies, which would otherwise be cloaked to the regular human eye, albeit with a slight ocular defect.
== Weapons ==
Different weapon will be used through out the game, in order to survive. This weapon takes place from a Pistol to alien tech weapons. Each army weapon is attached with a Flashlight while an Alien Bio Tech weapon isn't.
*M11 "SCORPION" PISTOL
[[Image:Area-51-gp_3.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dual Viper]]
*XM-32 "VIPER" ASSAULT RIFLE
*M-170 "HAMMER" COMBAT SHOTGUN
*SR-125 "WRAITH" SPECIAL PURPOSE RIFLE
*M-25 FRAG GRENADE
*JB GRENADE
*BBG
*MESON CANNON


Players can replenish health and mutagen either through the use of medical syringes found throughout the game or by using parasites, and mutagen by melee combat or "using" infected corpses, or by finding mutagen syringes.


A notable aspect of [[gameplay]] is the ability to scan and analyze various objects in the game environment. This is possible by using the scanner present on the player's suit, worn throughout the game. While using a scanner, the player has no access to weapons, and must switch to an available weapon in order to fight (though they could still melee). Scanning provides detailed information on a player's surroundings, as well as combated enemies.


The scanner, when equipped, adds a translucent bar to the player's [[HUD (video gaming)|HUD]], which changes in color and height from light blue, to deep red. This bar indicates how near or far a player is, to one of many scannable clues, such as file folders or personal digital assistants. The scanner can collect information from the items without it being touched. The HUD shows red when the player is very close, and blue when very far. Items which are scanned are viewable in-game, providing insight into the workings of Area 51, as well as proving necessary to unlocking secret videos made by Dr. Cray or Mr. White.
== Enemies ==
The game features multiple enemies. These include:
Mutant: The mutant is an infected human. It can kill and infect others. They are very easy to kill.


==Plot==
Leaper: The leaper is the second stage of the virus, it becomes more agile.
In July 1947, an alien spacecraft [[Roswell Incident|crashed]] near [[Roswell, New Mexico]] in the United States. The craft was recovered by the U.S. Air Force and taken to [[Area 51]] in [[Nevada]], where the lone survivor of the crash, a powerful [[Grey alien|Grey]] named Edgar ([[Marilyn Manson]]), was held captive by the U.S. military. Eventually, the Greys opened a dialogue with the [[Illuminati]] led by the ominous Mr. White ([[Phil Proctor]]), and struck a deal with them. The Illuminati would give the Greys a research base 3 miles below the surface of Area 51, the use of the base as a landing site, and give them human test subjects where they, along with human scientists, would research a [[mutagen|mutagenic virus]] to use in a war on their homeworld. In return the Greys would give the Illuminati exclusive access to Grey technology. The Illuminati used some of this technology to spy on the population.


The Greys and the human scientists eventually developed a powerful alien being - known as the "Theta", which spread the [[virus]]. Unbeknownst to many of the scientists working on the project, the Greys and the Illuminati were also planning to use the virus against the Earth population and dominate the planet. When Dr. Winston Cray ([[Ian Abercrombie]]) found out about the plan, he let loose the "Theta" and the mutagenic virus throughout Area 51, in an effort to slow them down. This prompted the military to send in a [[Quick reaction force|Quick Reaction Force]] led by Major Bridges ([[Powers Boothe]]) to quarantine and contain the virus. [[HAZMAT]] Team Delta, the first team initially sent into Area 51 are ambushed by the "Theta" creature, sustaining casualties, before withdrawing deeper into the base. HAZMAT Team Bravo, composed of team leader Ramirez, McCan, Crispy, and mission specialist Ethan Cole ([[David Duchovny]]) is sent to find Delta.
Illuminati: The Illuminati are a group of elitists who help the grays for eventual world domination.


After initially encountering the [[mutant]]s, McCan is killed when a mutant decapitates him. Deeper into the base, Crispy and Ramirez are both ambushed by the Theta and killed, leaving Cole on his own. Cole manages to locate the rest of Delta, however they are attacked again by the Theta, and all but Cole and Lieutenant Chew are killed. Making their way topside, the Illuminati disables the cargo elevator, killing Chew and leaving Cole bitten by one mutant, partially mutating him. Able to switch between human and mutant form, Cole is guided deeper into the base by Edgar reanimating corpses to deliver information [[telepathy|telepathically]]. Cole is guided to Dr. Cray's bio labs, where Cray claims there is time to [[decontamination|decontaminate]] Cole, and rid him of the virus. Before he can be cured, the Illuminati attack, killing Cray and stopping the process.
Mr. White: Mr. White and his clones posess no weapons, however, in their presence is usually many enemies.


Cole proceeds deeper underground into a cave system, where he eventually gets reacquainted with the Theta. He manages to kill the creature, avenging both his team and HazTeam Delta. He meets Edgar miles beneath the surface who reveals the scientists used his DNA to create the virus, and the nature of the experiments at the base, which killed dozens of his species to harvest it. He then tells Cole the history of the Greys and Area 51. Edgar gives Cole the cure to the mutagenic virus, and instructs him to destroy the Grey's ship, that is leaving with dozens of Theta duplicates. Cole locates the vessel and destroys it by overloading its reactor, and uses a [[Teleportation|teleporter]] to escape into the Nevada desert. He lands by the "White Mailbox" area and watches Area 51 being destroyed by the exploding ship in a tornado like explosion. Cole watches as a truck drives past, with a green, alien-like container on board with unknown contents inside and walks away from the site. He reflects upon his original purpose at Area 51 and recognizes that while he and Hazmat Team Bravo had failed, their sacrifices may have saved mankind.
Theta: The theta is basically a killing and infecting machine. It is very hard to kill and can kill humans in one swing of it's fist. It also posses a plasma launcher.


==Reception==
Grays: The grays defend themselves by throwing blue bubbles at you, which will soon spawn an illumati soldier.
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS2 = true
| XBOX = true
| na = true
| Edge_PC = 6/10<ref name=Edge>{{cite magazine | title=Area 51 | author=Edge staff | issue=151 | date=July 2005 | page=92 | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref>
| Edge_PS2 = 6/10<ref name=Edge/>
| Edge_XBOX = 6/10<ref name=Edge/>
| EGM_PS2 = 8/10<ref name=EGM>{{cite magazine | title=Area 51 (PS2, Xbox) | author=EGM staff | issue=192 | date=June 2005 | page=96 | magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref>
| EGM_XBOX = 8/10<ref name=EGM/>
| EuroG_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_area51_ps2 | title=Area 51 (PS2) | author=Kristan Reed | date=June 20, 2005 | website=[[Eurogamer]] | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223142313/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_area51_ps2 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 8.5/10<ref name=GI>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CB6F3C20-EF3B-42E5-BED0-C3D2DCC0E035.htm | title=Area 51 (PS2, Xbox) | author=Andrew Reiner | issue=145 | date=May 2005 | page=108 | magazine=[[Game Informer]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080104060339/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/CB6F3C20-EF3B-42E5-BED0-C3D2DCC0E035.htm | archive-date=January 4, 2008 | url-status=dead | access-date=December 22, 2015}}</ref>
| GI_XBOX = 8.5/10<ref name=GI/>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/44648.shtml | title=Area 51 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com | author=Fart of War | date=April 25, 2005 | magazine=[[GamePro]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050426105935/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/44648.shtml | archive-date=April 26, 2005 | url-status=dead | access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GameRev_PS2 = C+<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/area-51 | title=Area 51 Review (PS2, Xbox) | author=JP Hurh | date=June 7, 2005 | publisher=[[Game Revolution]] | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223235940/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/area-51 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameRev_XBOX = C+<ref name=GameRev/>
| GSpot_PC = 6.9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/area-51-review/1900-6127343/ | title=Area 51 Review (PC) | author=Alex Navarro | date=June 10, 2005 | website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=March 13, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313085132/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/area-51-review/1900-6127343/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 7.2/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/area-51-review/1900-6122917/ | title=Area 51 Review (PS2, Xbox) | author=Alex Navarro | date=April 25, 2005 | website=GameSpot | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=June 7, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607152625/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/area-51-review/1900-6122917/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot_XBOX = 7.2/10<ref name=GSpot/>
| GSpy_PC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/area-51/629786p1.html | title=GameSpy: Area 51 (PC) | author=Jamie Madigan | date=June 28, 2005 | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111141/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/area-51/629786p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/area-51/607918p1.html | title=GameSpy: Area 51 (Xbox) | author=Will Tuttle | date=April 26, 2005 | publisher=GameSpy | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191704/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/area-51/607918p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| GT_PS2 = 7.3/10<ref name=GT>{{cite web | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=98 | title=Area 51 | date=May 5, 2005 | publisher=[[GameTrailers]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610025006/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=98 | archive-date=June 10, 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GT_XBOX = 7.3/10<ref name=GT/>
| GameZone_PC = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/area_51_pc_review | title=Area 51 - PC - Review | author=Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi | date=June 26, 2005 | publisher=GameZone | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225175015/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25868.htm | archive-date=December 25, 2008 | url-status=live | access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GameZone_PS2 = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/area_51_ps2_review | title=Area 51 - PS2 - Review | author=Nick Valentino | date=May 10, 2005 | publisher=GameZone | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230033427/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25868.htm | archive-date=December 30, 2008 | url-status=live | access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GameZone_XBOX = 8.2/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/area_51_xb_review | title=Area 51 - XB - Review | author=Eduardo Zacarias | date=May 10, 2005 | publisher=GameZone | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023084000/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r25868.htm | archive-date=October 23, 2008 | url-status=live | access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref>
| IGN_PC = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/09/area-51 | title=Area 51 (PC) | author=Ivan Sulic | date=June 9, 2005 | website=[[IGN]] | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=December 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224154153/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/09/area-51 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/21/area-51-3 | title=Area 51 (PS2) | author=Ivan Sulic | date=April 21, 2005 | website=IGN | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=December 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224154159/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/21/area-51-3 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN_XBOX = 8/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/22/area-51-2 | title=Area 51 (Xbox) | author=Ivan Sulic | date=April 21, 2005 | website=IGN | access-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-date=December 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224154155/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/22/area-51-2 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Area 51 | magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] | date=March 2005 | page=86}}</ref>
| OXM_XBOX = 6.8/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Area 51 | magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] | date=April 2005 | page=78}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 73%<ref>{{cite journal | title=Area 51 | journal=[[PC Gamer]] | date=September 2005 | page=68}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]''
| rev1_PC = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_9811.html | title=Area-51 (PC) | author=Scott Steinberg | date=May 23, 2005 | magazine=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050728142854/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_9811.html | archive-date=July 28, 2005 | url-status=dead | access-date=December 22, 2015}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''
| rev2_PS2 = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Artful-design/2005/06/14/1118645815118.html | title=Artful design | author=Jason Hill | date=June 16, 2005 | newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=July 16, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716170301/http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Artful-design/2005/06/14/1118645815118.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2_XBOX = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=Sydney>{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Were-not-alone/2005/05/18/1116361602002.html | title=We're not alone | author=Mike Wilcox | date=May 21, 2005 | newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=December 8, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208155331/http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Were-not-alone/2005/05/18/1116361602002.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PC = 67/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/area-51/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Area 51 for PC Reviews | website=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=February 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207220630/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/area-51 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 75/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/area-51/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 | title=Area 51 for PlayStation 2 Reviews | website=Metacritic | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=January 27, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127084426/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/area-51 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 72/100<ref name=MCXB>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/area-51/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox | title=Area 51 for Xbox Reviews | website=Metacritic | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=September 17, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917193241/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/area-51 | url-status=live }}</ref>
}}


The [[PlayStation 2]] version received "generally favorable reviews", while the PC and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] versions received "average reviews", according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCPC/><ref name=MCPS2/><ref name=MCXB/>
Alien Parasite: Alien parasites are very hard to kill, and are best dealt with with JB grenades. Take extreme caution.


{{clear}}
Supertheta: The supertheta is an improved version of the theta. It is improved in all ways.


==Film==
In 2004, ahead of the game's release, [[Paramount Pictures]] announced that they had reached an agreement concerning the film rights for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.about.com/od/moviesinproduction/a/area51083104.htm | title="Area 51" the Game Set to Become "Area 51" the Movie | author=Rebecca Murray | date=August 31, 2004 | publisher=[[About.com]] | access-date=April 4, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203113946/http://movies.about.com/od/moviesinproduction/a/area51083104.htm | archive-date=December 3, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2007, [[comic book]] author [[Grant Morrison]] was hired to adapt the game as a screenplay.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/comicbook-author-to-write-area-51-2-1117962479/ | title=Comicbook author to write 'Area 51' | author1=Pamela McClintock | author2=Dave McNary | date=April 3, 2007 | magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=December 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223081509/http://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/comicbook-author-to-write-area-51-2-1117962479/ | url-status=live }}</ref> This project is unrelated to the movie ''[[Area 51 (film)|Area 51]]'' by [[Oren Peli]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2595480/what-does-paranormal-activity-directors-area-51-movie-mean-for-grant-morrisons-area-51/ | title=What Does 'Paranormal Activity' Director's 'Area 51' Movie Mean For Grant Morrison's 'Area 51'? | author=Rick Marshall | publisher=[[MTV]] | access-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-date=December 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224122631/http://www.mtv.com/news/2595480/what-does-paranormal-activity-directors-area-51-movie-mean-for-grant-morrisons-area-51/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Trivia==
*A playable [[game demo]] was included in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]''.


==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}
== Story ==
The story begins with the main character, Ethan Cole, and his Hazmat team Bravo, sent to find out what happened to Hazmat team delta. The team gets on an elevator and descends into the base seeing many secrets. After they get off they meet 2 soldiers holding off a raiding team of mutants. The team survives the raid and moves on fighting more mutants. Eventually the power is rerouted and one of the team's members, McCan, has his head ripped off. Crispy is angered by the death of McCan but the team moves on. They keep moving on, meeting other soldiers who help find team delta. At one point in a large firefight, and engine explodes killing all the soldiers and mutants and Crispy and Ramirez are stuck behind the fire doors. Cole races towards them but the doors close and Ramirez and Crispy are separated from Cole. Crispy goes to investigate a large explosion but is knocked back by a ruthless killer called the Theta. The theta kills Ramirez and infects Crispy. Crispy begs for Cole to find a way around to help him, but by the time Cole reaches him, Crispy has already mutated. Cole is forces to kill Crispy. Cole moves further down the base on an elevator and eventually meets up with HazTeam Delta. They keep fighting mutants until the theta arrives once again. The entire team is killed leaving only Cole and Chew. As they make their way to a large shaft, they see a pair of strange soldiers. They ignore them and move on. On the ride up, a bomb goes off and the elevator crashes. Both fall into a room infested with mutants and leapers. Chew is eaten alive by the leapers while Cole is infected by a mutant. Cole gains control over it and sets off to find Dr.Cray, who promises him a cure. He reaches cray's lab and is only partially disinfected because Cray is killed during the process. Cole once again tries descends further into the base, intent on stopping the Illuminati and Mr. White. He finds the theta and manages to kill it. Edgar, a bloated and mutated gray, speaks to Cole through dead bodies. Cole gets into a strange transport pod and is transported to the very bottom of the base, where aliens have established their own outpost. He fights the grays and eventually kills the supertheta and stops the virus.



==External links==
==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/area-51_|name=''Area 51''}}
*[http://www.area51-game.com/ Official website]
*{{moby game|id=/area-51_|name=''Area-51''}}
* [http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/searchresult.asp?term=area+51&itemid=925830 GameRankings PC reviews]
* [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/562075.asp?q=area%2051 GameRankings PlayStation 2 reviews]
* [http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/searchresult.asp?term=area+51&itemid=562074 GameRankings Xbox reviews]
* [http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/08/30 [[Penny-Arcade]] parody]

[[Category:2005 computer and video games|Area 51 (first-person shooter)]]
[[Category:First-person shooters|Area 51]]
[[Category:PC games|Area 51]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games|Area 51]]
[[Category:Xbox games|Area 51]]


{{Area 51 series}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Area 51 (2005 Video Game)}}
{{shooter-cvg-stub}}
[[Category:2005 video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled GameCube games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Video game reboots]]
[[Category:Video games about alien visitations]]
[[Category:Video games about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Rod Abernethy]]
[[Category:Video games set in Nevada]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Video games designed by Harvey Smith]]
[[Category:Midway Studios Austin games]]
[[Category:Video games about Area 51]]

Latest revision as of 07:42, 8 November 2024

Not to be confused with Area 51 (1995 video game).
Area 51
Developer(s)Midway Studios Austin
Publisher(s)Midway
Producer(s)Zach Wood
Daryl Allison
Designer(s)James Stiefelmaier
Artist(s)Peter Franco
Mookie Weisbrod
Composer(s)Chris Vrenna
SeriesArea 51
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
Xbox
Microsoft Windows
ReleasePlayStation 2 & Xbox
  • NA: April 25, 2005
  • AU: May 26, 2005
  • EU: May 27, 2005
Windows
  • NA: June 8, 2005
  • EU: July 1, 2005
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Area 51 (stylized as Area-51) is a science fiction first-person shooter video game that was released in 2005. It was developed by Midway Studios Austin for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. A Nintendo GameCube version was also in development but was silently canceled. It is a loose remake of the 1995 light gun video game of the same name,[1] and was followed in 2007 by the loosely related BlackSite: Area 51. The player controls Ethan Cole, a HAZMAT operative sent to the Area 51 base to assist in the cleanup of a mutagenic virus.

Notable among the voice actors are David Duchovny as Ethan Cole, Marilyn Manson as Edgar the ancient and powerful Grey, Powers Boothe as Major Bridges, Nolan North as McCan, and Ian Abercrombie as Dr. Winston Cray.

Gameplay

[edit]

Area 51 is a first-person shooter, played from the perspective of the protagonist, Ethan Cole. The game features operable machinery, including artillery turrets, besides the player's inventory of weapons.

Throughout the game, the player uses a variety of weapons, both human and alien in origin, to defeat their adversaries. Most weapons can only be wielded one handed, however the player can dual wield some weapons, such as the Shotgun and the Sub-Machine Gun. Each weapon can also be used as a melee weapon for close quarter combat. Each weapon has two modes of firing, the first being the primary method, while the second is of a much higher power level, at the cost of ammunition and accuracy to the player. The player can also use explosive grenades.

Midway through the game, Ethan Cole becomes infected with the mutagen, and the option to turn into a mutant temporarily is obtained. Mutating offers a variety of benefits, such as increased strength, stamina, as well as the initial ability to fire health-replenishing parasites as well as the later ability to contaminate enemies, both at the cost of mutation time reduction. While in a mutant form, players can easily spot enemies, which would otherwise be cloaked to the regular human eye, albeit with a slight ocular defect.

Players can replenish health and mutagen either through the use of medical syringes found throughout the game or by using parasites, and mutagen by melee combat or "using" infected corpses, or by finding mutagen syringes.

A notable aspect of gameplay is the ability to scan and analyze various objects in the game environment. This is possible by using the scanner present on the player's suit, worn throughout the game. While using a scanner, the player has no access to weapons, and must switch to an available weapon in order to fight (though they could still melee). Scanning provides detailed information on a player's surroundings, as well as combated enemies.

The scanner, when equipped, adds a translucent bar to the player's HUD, which changes in color and height from light blue, to deep red. This bar indicates how near or far a player is, to one of many scannable clues, such as file folders or personal digital assistants. The scanner can collect information from the items without it being touched. The HUD shows red when the player is very close, and blue when very far. Items which are scanned are viewable in-game, providing insight into the workings of Area 51, as well as proving necessary to unlocking secret videos made by Dr. Cray or Mr. White.

Plot

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In July 1947, an alien spacecraft crashed near Roswell, New Mexico in the United States. The craft was recovered by the U.S. Air Force and taken to Area 51 in Nevada, where the lone survivor of the crash, a powerful Grey named Edgar (Marilyn Manson), was held captive by the U.S. military. Eventually, the Greys opened a dialogue with the Illuminati led by the ominous Mr. White (Phil Proctor), and struck a deal with them. The Illuminati would give the Greys a research base 3 miles below the surface of Area 51, the use of the base as a landing site, and give them human test subjects where they, along with human scientists, would research a mutagenic virus to use in a war on their homeworld. In return the Greys would give the Illuminati exclusive access to Grey technology. The Illuminati used some of this technology to spy on the population.

The Greys and the human scientists eventually developed a powerful alien being - known as the "Theta", which spread the virus. Unbeknownst to many of the scientists working on the project, the Greys and the Illuminati were also planning to use the virus against the Earth population and dominate the planet. When Dr. Winston Cray (Ian Abercrombie) found out about the plan, he let loose the "Theta" and the mutagenic virus throughout Area 51, in an effort to slow them down. This prompted the military to send in a Quick Reaction Force led by Major Bridges (Powers Boothe) to quarantine and contain the virus. HAZMAT Team Delta, the first team initially sent into Area 51 are ambushed by the "Theta" creature, sustaining casualties, before withdrawing deeper into the base. HAZMAT Team Bravo, composed of team leader Ramirez, McCan, Crispy, and mission specialist Ethan Cole (David Duchovny) is sent to find Delta.

After initially encountering the mutants, McCan is killed when a mutant decapitates him. Deeper into the base, Crispy and Ramirez are both ambushed by the Theta and killed, leaving Cole on his own. Cole manages to locate the rest of Delta, however they are attacked again by the Theta, and all but Cole and Lieutenant Chew are killed. Making their way topside, the Illuminati disables the cargo elevator, killing Chew and leaving Cole bitten by one mutant, partially mutating him. Able to switch between human and mutant form, Cole is guided deeper into the base by Edgar reanimating corpses to deliver information telepathically. Cole is guided to Dr. Cray's bio labs, where Cray claims there is time to decontaminate Cole, and rid him of the virus. Before he can be cured, the Illuminati attack, killing Cray and stopping the process.

Cole proceeds deeper underground into a cave system, where he eventually gets reacquainted with the Theta. He manages to kill the creature, avenging both his team and HazTeam Delta. He meets Edgar miles beneath the surface who reveals the scientists used his DNA to create the virus, and the nature of the experiments at the base, which killed dozens of his species to harvest it. He then tells Cole the history of the Greys and Area 51. Edgar gives Cole the cure to the mutagenic virus, and instructs him to destroy the Grey's ship, that is leaving with dozens of Theta duplicates. Cole locates the vessel and destroys it by overloading its reactor, and uses a teleporter to escape into the Nevada desert. He lands by the "White Mailbox" area and watches Area 51 being destroyed by the exploding ship in a tornado like explosion. Cole watches as a truck drives past, with a green, alien-like container on board with unknown contents inside and walks away from the site. He reflects upon his original purpose at Area 51 and recognizes that while he and Hazmat Team Bravo had failed, their sacrifices may have saved mankind.

Reception

[edit]

The PlayStation 2 version received "generally favorable reviews", while the PC and Xbox versions received "average reviews", according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[25][26][27]

Film

[edit]

In 2004, ahead of the game's release, Paramount Pictures announced that they had reached an agreement concerning the film rights for the game.[28] In March 2007, comic book author Grant Morrison was hired to adapt the game as a screenplay.[29] This project is unrelated to the movie Area 51 by Oren Peli.[30]

Trivia

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ Drury, Paul (December 2016). "More from Area 51". Retro Gamer. No. 163. Future Publishing. p. 52.
  2. ^ a b c Edge staff (July 2005). "Area 51". Edge. No. 151. p. 92.
  3. ^ a b EGM staff (June 2005). "Area 51 (PS2, Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 192. p. 96.
  4. ^ Kristan Reed (June 20, 2005). "Area 51 (PS2)". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  5. ^ a b Andrew Reiner (May 2005). "Area 51 (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 145. p. 108. Archived from the original on January 4, 2008. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  6. ^ Fart of War (April 25, 2005). "Area 51 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on April 26, 2005. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  7. ^ a b JP Hurh (June 7, 2005). "Area 51 Review (PS2, Xbox)". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  8. ^ Alex Navarro (June 10, 2005). "Area 51 Review (PC)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  9. ^ a b Alex Navarro (April 25, 2005). "Area 51 Review (PS2, Xbox)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 7, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  10. ^ Jamie Madigan (June 28, 2005). "GameSpy: Area 51 (PC)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  11. ^ Will Tuttle (April 26, 2005). "GameSpy: Area 51 (Xbox)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  12. ^ a b "Area 51". GameTrailers. May 5, 2005. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  13. ^ Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi (June 26, 2005). "Area 51 - PC - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  14. ^ Nick Valentino (May 10, 2005). "Area 51 - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  15. ^ Eduardo Zacarias (May 10, 2005). "Area 51 - XB - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 23, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  16. ^ Ivan Sulic (June 9, 2005). "Area 51 (PC)". IGN. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  17. ^ Ivan Sulic (April 21, 2005). "Area 51 (PS2)". IGN. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  18. ^ Ivan Sulic (April 21, 2005). "Area 51 (Xbox)". IGN. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  19. ^ "Area 51". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. March 2005. p. 86.
  20. ^ "Area 51". Official Xbox Magazine. April 2005. p. 78.
  21. ^ "Area 51". PC Gamer: 68. September 2005.
  22. ^ Scott Steinberg (May 23, 2005). "Area-51 (PC)". Maxim. Archived from the original on July 28, 2005. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  23. ^ Jason Hill (June 16, 2005). "Artful design". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on July 16, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  24. ^ Mike Wilcox (May 21, 2005). "We're not alone". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  25. ^ a b "Area 51 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  26. ^ a b "Area 51 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  27. ^ a b "Area 51 for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  28. ^ Rebecca Murray (August 31, 2004). ""Area 51" the Game Set to Become "Area 51" the Movie". About.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. Retrieved April 4, 2007.
  29. ^ Pamela McClintock; Dave McNary (April 3, 2007). "Comicbook author to write 'Area 51'". Variety. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  30. ^ Rick Marshall. "What Does 'Paranormal Activity' Director's 'Area 51' Movie Mean For Grant Morrison's 'Area 51'?". MTV. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
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