List of references to Aliens in the Halo series

There are numerous similarities between the Halo and Aliens universes. Bungie has even admitted to being inspired by the movie. Examples:

Aliens and the Flood

 * The Facehuggers resemble Flood Infection Forms, and both implant or inhabit a host with a parasite.


 * The Alien Xenomorphs were created/ discovered by beings known as Space Jockeys, Pilots, or other names. This is just like the Flood's connection with the Forerunners.


 * The Aliens and Flood live in a distinct life cycle and operate under a hivelike system (a Queen/Brain Form/Gravemind at the top).

Marines/Humans

 * The Marines' combat armor in Halo: Combat Evolved and Aliens are very similar.


 * In the unforgettable mission log of PFC Jenkins during the level 343 Guilty Spark, SSgt. Johnson yells at Private Mendoza to identify a noise the squad hears, foreshadowing the coming of the Flood. This is much the same as the scene in which Sgt. Apone yells at PFC Hudson before the encounter with the Alien. Similarly, Mendoza and Hudson both start out cocky and confident, but start to break down and panic.


 * Marines in both Halo and Aliens have mission log cameras installed in their helmets.


 * Hudson's panicked "game over, man!" speech is included in Halo: Combat Evolved. It and other variations can sometimes be heard in gameplay by Naval personnel and Marines.  One variation is heard aboard the Truth and Reconciliation by a Marine before being hushed by Captain Keyes.


 * Bungie admits Johnson is based on Apone.


 * The Pelicans are based off of Alien's dropships.


 * Dr. Halsey could be based on Ellen Ripley, but if so, the parallels are not obvious.

The Pillar of Autumn's Billboard

 * "Lost: calico cat. Answers to Jonesy".  Jones was the name of the Nostromo's crew's cat.


 * The "Attention Marines: South Pacific Duty..." notice is said to be another reference to Aliens.

Space Jockeys and the Forerunner

 * As stated above, the Aliens were created/discovered by beings known as Space Jockeys, Pilots, or other names. This is just like the Flood's connection with the Forerunners.  The Jockeys' and the Forerunners' technological and possible sociological superiority to Humans are evident.

Gameplay

 * During Flood levels in both Halo and Halo 2, most notably 343 Guilty Spark and High Charity, when visibility is limited and close quarters fighting is common, the player is forced to keep an eye on the motion tracker, forcing homage to Aliens. This was pointed out in The Art of Halo.