Revisit the Invasion in Destroy All Humans! (2020)

The cult classic returns with a vengeance. Destroy All Humans! (2020) is a faithful, high-definition remake of the legendary 2005 action-adventure title. Players step back into the skin of Crypto-137, an evil alien operative tasked with a singular, destructive mission: terrorize the people of 1950s Earth, harvest human DNA, and dismantle the US government piece by piece. This reimagining brings the iconic alien invasion experience to modern hardware, offering a polished way to enjoy one of the most beloved "guilty pleasure" titles in gaming history.

Gameplay Mechanics and Alien Arsenal

At its core, Destroy All Humans! is an arcade-style shooter that blends chaotic combat with psychological manipulation. The gameplay revolves around utilizing both advanced Furon technology and powerful psychic abilities to achieve total planetary domination. Players can navigate the mid-century landscapes using a jetpack or take control of a massive flying saucer to reduce entire cities to rubble.

The toolkit available to Crypto is as diverse as it is devastating. On the technological side, players can deploy weaponry such as:

  • The Disintegrator Ray: Turn unsuspecting humans into nothing but dust.
    • Permeate the battlefield with an Electric Ray to zap targets.
  • The Ion Detonator: Create massive, explosive devastation.
  • Anatomical Probes: Engage in the classic, irreverent combat hallmark of the series.

Beyond raw firepower, Crypto possesses terrifying psychic abilities (PK) that are essential for infiltration and chaos. You can use telekinesis to hurl objects and humans through the air, or utilize the Holobob to take on a human appearance, allowing you to move through guarded areas without raising suspicion. Other mental powers include mind-wiping guards, forcing humans to follow your commands, and even extracting brains to upgrade your arsenal.

A Retro B-Movie Aesthetic

The 2020 remake features a stunning visual overhaul by Black Forest Games. The art style leans heavily into a 1950s B-movie aesthetic, with updated textures that make Crypto’s grey, oily skin and pulsating gills more detailed than ever before. The environments have been given fresh depth and color, transforming the classic invasion grounds into vibrant, destructible playgrounds.

While the remake focuses on a "1:1" faithful recreation of the original's flow, it introduces much-needed quality-of-life improvements. Modernized controls allow for more fluid movement, and a significant update enables Crypto to use different abilities simultaneously while firing weapons—a massive departure from the limitations of the original release. The game also includes a brand-new mission that was famously cut from the 2005 version.

Who is This Game For?

Destroy All Humans! appeals strongly to fans of retro-themed action and players who enjoy the "power fantasy" of overwhelming destruction. If you enjoy the campy, satirical tone of classic sci-fi cinema and want a gameplay experience that prioritizes arcade-style fun over realism, this invasion is for you. It is an ideal pick for those looking for a nostalgic trip reimagined with modern visual flair and smoother combat mechanics.

Technical Details

  • Genre: Action-Adventure / Shooter
  • Developer: Black Forest Games
  • Publisher: THQ Nordic
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Release Date: July 28, 2020