- story is set some 17 weeks after the film
- the Sulaco that was thought destroyed has mysteriously re-emerging in orbit
- Syd Mead's been involved in some small capacity
- Lance Henriksen reprises his role as Bishop
- multiplayer features objective-based modes
- Extermination is an open-ended skirmish that has aliens working to protect egg nests while marines work to destroy them
- XP system that goes towards armor unlocks
- lurkers that linger in the shadows and are quick to strike
- soldiers that excel close-up
- spitters that are more of a ranged threat
- weapons like the pulse rifle, shotgun and smart gun