Destroy All Humans! Launched a Decade Ago, Still Waiting for a Great Sequel

A Unique Take on Alien Invasion Games

Alien invasion games have long been a staple of the gaming world, offering players the chance to fight against extraterrestrial threats. From classics like Duke Nukem to Half-Life, these games often place players in the role of human heroes battling against alien forces. However, in 2005, a game called Destroy All Humans! took a different approach by allowing players to step into the shoes of an alien invader. This unique twist set the stage for a memorable experience that still resonates with gamers today.

The Origins of Destroy All Humans!

The concept for Destroy All Humans! was initially conceived by Matt Harding, who would later become an internet celebrity through his YouTube videos. Instead of following the typical action-adventure formula where players take on the role of a human hero, Pandemic Studios created an open-world game where players could "kill everyone." This bold decision led to a game that was both entertaining and unconventional, even if it wasn't a masterpiece.

Despite its imperfections, the original game spawned three sequels and two remakes, none of which captured the magic of the first. The question remains: what made this game so unique, and could we see Crypto, the game's protagonist, make a return in the future?

The Furon Menace

In Destroy All Humans!, players take on the role of the Furons, a race of aliens that are clones of their past selves. This cloning process is necessary because their mutation from using too many atomic weapons has made them unable to reproduce. To survive, they need to harvest human brain stems, leading to a conflict with Earth's inhabitants.

The game's narrative is filled with humor and satire, poking fun at both the United States of the late 1950s and the Furons themselves. The joke is that every intelligent species tends to make dumb mistakes due to hubris, and the Furons are no exception. While they may not be the smartest, their technological achievements are used for twisted science and brutal warfare.

Clash of Conspiracies

Crypto, the game's main character, can be seen as a parody of the 'brawn over brains' action hero. His journey begins with a mission to liberate another clone, but he quickly gets sidetracked, causing chaos with a flying saucer. The game also introduces the mysterious organization called Majestic, which is revealed to be manipulating world governments. The Furons, in turn, act as the universe's version of the Men in Black, covering up their real intentions.

The game's humor and satire were not always well-received, especially in the 2020 remake, which faced criticism for its dated writing and humor. However, the game's satirical take on mid-20th-century North American society feels more relevant than ever, highlighting how real-life events can mirror the absurdity of the game's narrative.

Imperfect Future

The sequel to Destroy All Humans! takes players to the late 1960s, introducing new challenges with the KGB as the main enemy group. The game's international setting adds a new layer of complexity, making Crypto's domination plans more difficult. The 2022 remake is just as recommendable as the original, offering a fresh look at the game's content.

After the IP left Pandemic Studios, it passed through several hands, eventually leading to the release of Path of the Furon in 2008, which was met with mixed reviews. Despite its short-lived success, the game left a lasting impact on the gaming world with its distinct take on the open-world action-adventure genre.

A New Era for Open-World Games

Alongside other offbeat video games from the PS2/Xbox era, Destroy All Humans! helped pave the way for the sandbox action-adventure genre. Its focus on devastation and power fantasies offered a unique experience that is rare in today's gaming landscape. As open-world fatigue sets in, the remakes of the game serve as a reminder of the potential for innovative gameplay.

With the availability of the 2020 and 2022 remakes on multiple platforms, there's never been a better time to experience the world of Destroy All Humans! Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, the game offers a unique blend of humor, satire, and action that is sure to entertain.