Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Shooter
Alien Syndrome
Deep cut Co-op
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Action, Shooter |
| Developer | SEGA |
| Publisher | Tengen |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Alien Syndrome |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 4 |
Alien Syndrome is an action game released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by SEGA and published by Tengen. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987. It blends action and shooter elements.
It landed about 3 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1988 include Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Final Fantasy II.
It is part of the Alien Syndrome series. The series also appears on other systems with Alien Syndrome (Master System) and Alien Syndrome (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 an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
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 cheats & codes
21 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Time | SZUNYXVK |
|---|---|
| Set Timer To 440 | GUONPPLL |
| Both Players (1 Life) | PAOGPIGA |
| Both Players (8 Lives) | AAOGPIGE |
| Start With Flame Thrower | PAVKGIAA |
| Start With Fireball | ZAVKGIAA |
Alien Syndrome walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Alien Syndrome.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Alien Syndrome FAQ
When did Alien Syndrome come out on the NES?
Alien Syndrome was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Alien Syndrome?
It was developed by SEGA and published by Tengen.
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 "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. 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.