Predator video games have been steadily released since the original movie debuted in 1987, and though fans of the franchise have not had much to look forward to game-wise in recent years, there is a dense library of past titles to choose from. The first Predator video game, which saw ports for several Commodore 64-era computers and the NES, was released in the same year as the film. Since then the alien has appeared in beat 'em ups, first-person shooters, survival horror titles, and more. The most famous of these is the Aliens vs Predator games, but no new AVP games have released over the last decade.
The Predator franchise centers around a race of technologically advanced aliens who kill humans and other species for sport. Though the five-movie series has drastically fluctuated in quality, it is considered an iconic piece of action/sci-fi media. Predator was later connected to the Alien franchise, and as a result, an overwhelming portion of this list consists of Alien vs. Predator games.
In addition to the more mainstream games, there is a long list of online- and mobile-only titles with no available information. It may come as no surprise that most Predator games are considered lackluster movie tie-ins, but there are some standout entries, and few games are bad enough to be labeled abhorrent. To celebrate Prey's recent success, here's every Predator game (worth mentioning), ranked by quality.
16. Predator: Concrete Jungle Is The Worst Predator Game
This is arguably the only Predator game that fully manages to be terrible. From the story to the gameplay mechanics, everything it offers falls flat; it clearly faded into obscurity for a reason. Hardcore franchise fans can find joy in every other Predator game - and granted, there are a few fans who see redeeming value in this one - but despite its comic references and Alien Easter eggs, Predator: Concrete Jungle is a chore to play.
15. Alien vs Predator (1993)
This subpar beat 'em up takes place on an extrasolar planet colonized by humans which becomes a battleground for the titular alien races. Despite the fact that players control the Predator, AvP quickly got a reputation for being one of the SNES's most disappointing action titles. Every aspect is below average, and though it falls short of being terrible, the mishandling of its coveted intellectual properties attracted lots of ire from critics.
14. Alien vs Predator: The Last of His Clan
This Game Boy AvP side-scrolling action/platformer has good music, but that's its only real strength. It shares many of the SNES Alien vs Predator game's faults, but considering its platform, its poor quality is a bit more excusable. Apart from unresponsive controls and unoriginal features, the game's biggest crime is that it's just plain boring.
Both 1993 pre-movie Alien vs Predator fights are best forgotten. Their poor reputations are due primarily to high expectations; until their release, the crossover existed only in comic books. These games mark the first time the sci-fi icons appeared on-screen together, so their lackluster designs hit fans hard.
13. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
This PSP movie tie-in game marks Rebellion Developments' fall from grace after a killer 2001 entry. Multiple critics used slight variations of the phrase "not terrible, but not good." It's repetitive, mundane, and frustratingly easy, and though the Predator is represented well, this game is otherwise a shining beacon of mediocrity.
12. Predator 2 (1992)
Unlike the 1990 Predator 2, this Sega-only title has very little going for it. Generous critics called the game average, but some were far harsher due to unoriginal gameplay and unappealing audio/visual presentation. One sentiment was nearly universal: this game is worth skipping.
11. Predator: Hunting Grounds Needed More Polish
Predator: Hunting Grounds, IllFonic's highly criticized multiplayer shooter, pits a team of soldiers against a Predator. It does capture the spirit of the franchise - it just does so with poor execution. The game's mix of raw entertainment and absurdity is what the film is known for, but it has far too little content, too many technical issues, and is extremely unbalanced to the point where it seems like an unfinished product.
Hunting Grounds arguably deserves to be lower on the list, but playing with friends is admittedly fun. Occasionally, there are some satisfying action sequences, though they are far too brief and sporadic. Despite the game's many flaws, if players don't take the objective too seriously, it's an amusing game to run around in.
10. AVP: Evolution
Fox Digital Entertainment's mobile Aliens vs Predator shooter game is just below average, but it is entertaining. Despite some technical issues, it could have been a much greater product if only the action was designed better, and it's certainly not bad. However, its initial appeal is offset by a lack of longevity, so it ended up being yet another forgettable mobile game.
9. Predator 2 (1990)
Oxford Mobius and Arc Developments' Predator 2 is the first and better of the film's two video game adaptations. Some critics did pan the PC-exclusive rail shooter, but it generally garnered middling reception. Though its gameplay is entertaining, it's shallow and repetitive, but the title is graphically impressive for its era.
8. Aliens Versus Predator: Extinction Can't Get RTS Right
This unorthodox title sporting the Aliens vs Predator moniker was developed by Zono, who decided to bring the AvP franchise to the real-time strategy game genre. The result is a wholly unexceptional product; though its control scheme and mechanics are decent, nearly every other aspect is subpar, and there is far too little content. All told, it's not a terrible video game - and it deserves credit for taking the series in a bold new direction - but it's not quite good.
7. Aliens vs. Predator (2010) Never Lived Up To Its Potential
In 2010, Rebellion Developments attempted to reboot their excellent AvP series after a lackluster PSP entry. This might not be the worst Predator game, but it is the most disappointing one; the AvP reboot is a starkly average first-person shooter. It effectively captures the franchise's terrifying atmosphere, but that's its only exceptional quality.
Despite its moderate grade, it definitely appeals to fans of the crossover franchise. Alien vs Predator video games were somewhat rare at that point, so the 2010 FPS earned itself a respectable cult following. That said, without its affiliation to the Predator and Alien action horror franchises, this game probably would have gotten far less attention.
6. Predators Is Mobile Predator Done Right
Of the three Predators mobile games to come out in 2010, Chillingo's is the only one worth placing on the list. It's a pretty decent mobile title for its time, and it allows players to mow down soldiers and criminals as the Predator itself. The action is satisfying, but it's very repetitive and limited. Though it is better than Hunting Grounds considering its platform, it's definitely not as gratifying.
5. Predator (1987)
This movie adaptation is the very first video game to feature the Predator, and it's a strong title for its time. The side-scrolling action/platformer game is known for its impressive graphics and controls, but it is somewhat boring, and its mechanics are limited - though these are understandable shortcomings considering its age. It's nothing extraordinary, but it's good for its genre, and it includes all the perks and flaws that define later Predator games.
4. Aliens Versus Predator (1999)
Rebellion Developments proved itself to be an authority on Predator-adjacent games with this PC FPS title. While the story is unremarkable, AvP creates a terrifying atmosphere and plays well. It is nearly as good as its 2001 sequel, and though it's not the best AvP game, it is well above average.
3. Aliens Versus Predator 2
This PC FPS is the third AvP Rebellion Developments title, and like the first two, it is well-regarded. It didn't make as deep an impression as the 1994 entry, and it didn't see as much acclaim, but its reviews are universally positive, and it's a great first-person shooter game. Its gameplay and sound are both selling points, and it had a fun online mode that its community helped support after it was officially shut down.
Unfortunately, Rebellion Developments went downhill after AvP 2, but the company was exceptional in its heyday. Its first three games not only did the comic books justice but brought the crossover franchise to a new audience. In many ways, they are truer adaptations than the Alien vs. Predator movies, and they're still a blast to play.
2. Alien vs Predator (1994)
Though Rebellion Developments' first AvP title was released in the same year as the 1994 arcade game, it is not a home console port; it is a separate first-person shooter exclusively for the Atari Jaguar. Critical reception is unique in that reviewers generally either loved it or hated it, though most reviews were extremely positive. The fact that this video game has not been remade is a crime; it won multiple awards and is largely considered one of the Jaguar's best games, and it was a massive commercial success. From its terrifying atmosphere and presentation to its unique, rock-solid gameplay, Alien vs Predator does everything right.
1. Alien vs. Predator (1994) Is One Of The Best Beat 'em Ups
This Capcom arcade beat 'em up is not just the best Predator game; it is also one of the most incredible beat 'em ups of all time. It looks cool, it plays fantastically, it received stellar reviews, and it's been featured in multiple best-of lists. It's one of the best retro beat em' ups ever, making it by far the number one Predator game.