Alien 3 (stylized A LIEN3) is a side-scrolling run-and-gun based on the 1992 film. Most versions were developed by Probe Software (the Game Boy version by Bits Studios) and released for Amiga, Commodore 64, Game Boy, Game Gear, Master System, NES, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, and Super NES with publishing handled variously by Arena Entertainment (Genesis/Game Gear), LJN (other console versions), Acclaim (C64) and Virgin (Amiga). The Master System version adds a two-player mode.
You play as Ellen Ripley inside the Fiorina 161 prison complex, armed far more heavily than in the film. Ripley can jump, climb, crawl through vents, use elevators and computer terminals, and fight Xenomorphs and Facehuggers with pulse rifles, flamethrowers and grenades. Missions are selected from terminals (which also show area blueprints) and typically involve rescuing prisoners, sealing doors, or clearing areas—always against a level time limit. Most versions end with a battle against the Alien Queen.
Initial versions launched in late 1992 (Genesis worldwide in October; Amiga in Europe in November). Further releases followed through 1993, including Game Boy (NA January), NES (NA March), SNES (NA June; UK July), Commodore 64 (EU November), and Game Gear (1993).
Contemporary reviews were broadly positive across platforms. Publications praised the moody graphics, smooth animation and tense action (with awards including GameFan’s 1992 “Best Movie Game” for the Genesis version), while recurring critiques targeted repetitive objectives and occasional control quirks. The SNES version’s audio/visuals and mission variety were often highlighted, and the Master System/Game Gear ports earned praise for capturing the 16-bit look on weaker hardware.