Alien Syndrome C64 box art

Commodore 64 · Action

Alien Syndrome

Co-op

SystemCommodore 64
Released1988 (originally 1987)
GenreAction
DeveloperSega
PublisherSega
Players1–2 players (co-op)
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesAlien Syndrome
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 4

Alien Syndrome is an action game released in 1988 for the Commodore 64, developed by Sega. This C64 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.

It landed about 6 years into the C64's life. Other notable C64 releases from 1988 include Armalyte, 720° and MacArthur's War.

It is part of the Alien Syndrome series. The series also appears on other systems with Alien Syndrome (Master System) and Alien Syndrome (NES). Sega also made Golden Axe, Altered Beast and Zaxxon for the C64.

Alien Syndrome supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you want a game to beat together with a friend

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests

What playing Alien Syndrome is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Alien Syndrome gameplay screenshot on C64
In-game screenshot (C64)

Alien Syndrome walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Alien Syndrome.

If you like Alien Syndrome, the Matrix also picks…

Kaboom! box art
Kaboom! 2600 · 1981 · Action Classic

Playing C64 games today

C64 games loaded from cassette or floppy disk, and many reward patience and practice. The THEC64 reissues make original-style play easy on modern TVs, and Rec0m88 supports the C64 if you own your games.

Alien Syndrome FAQ

When did Alien Syndrome come out on the C64?

Alien Syndrome was released for the Commodore 64 in 1988; the original game dates back to 1987.

Who made Alien Syndrome?

It was developed by Sega.

Is Alien Syndrome multiplayer?

Yes. Alien Syndrome supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.

How long does Alien Syndrome take to play?

As an action game, Alien Syndrome typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Alien Syndrome on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you