I found a little online boardgame to jumpstart your day – it’s a Flash version of the Aliens boardgame. Based on the 1986 classic sci-fi movie of the same name (yes, the one done by James Cameron, way back before his Avatar, Terminator 2 and Titanic days), it’s actually an extremely slick and faithful rendition of the original boardgame, complete with sound effects and all.

The online boardgame plays out the key setpieces of the movie, right from the time the hapless Colonial Marines run in and out of the reactor room, to the desperate fighting retreat through the operations room, till the rescue for a little girl named Newt.

It would help immensely if you watched the movie first (if you have not), in order to fully capture the feel and look the game designers were going for. The graphics are basically souped up from the original boardgame, and are so cheesy two-dimensional (hey it ain’t Avatar OK), but brilliantly simple animation.

Here’s one of the favourite bits of mine: if a Marine kills an Alien with his Pulse Rifle standing right next to him/her, there’s the added bonus of accidental acid splash, which may or may not be deadly. Are you feeling lucky?

It’s not all click and destroy: some rudimentary strategy does help. For example the two machine gunners Vasquez and Drake can take up to two Aliens that are adjacent on one another. The flame units will be perfect to avoid acidic baths, while Apone and Hicks’ 3-melee abilities serve as useful countermeasures against the touchy-feely Aliens.

So what are you waiting for, do check it out now. Simple time-wasting brilliance at its best! Just watch the ammo counters and acid splash – do read the tutorials for maximum survivability. Stay frosty!