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.

• The Aliens and Flood both reproduce in a way that could be described as parasitic, though the Flood seem to modify existing biomass (or create their own in the case of the Pure Form, while the Xenomorph 'chestbursters' only develop inside the host up to a certain point, at which time they erupt from the victim's chest and presumably make up the rest of their mass by food consumption.

• The Alien Xenomorphs were created/ discovered by beings known as Space Jockeys, Pilots, or other names (the famous scene in Alien in which the Xenomorph eggs are discovered takes place on the derelict 'Space Jockey' ship on LV-426). This is analogous to the Flood's connection with the Forerunners, though they were not created.

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.

• During the level Crow's Nest in Halo 3 a marine advises the player to attack the drones above the barracks using "Short, Controlled Bursts." This is a reference to a line from the movie Aliens.

• While landing the drop-ship, the female pilot can be heard saying, "We're in for some chop." Halo 3 has an achievement called, "We're in for some chop."

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.

Structures and Vehicles

• Some structures and vehicles in the game are very reminiscent of those seen in the 'Alien' series. For example, the Pelican dropship bears a striking resemblance both in form and function to the craft used by the crew of the Sulaco to descent to the surface of LV-426. In Halo 3, when the Forward Unto Dawn arrives at the Ark, the process of launching Pelicans from the frigate's hold is practically identical to that of launching the single dropship from the hold of the Sulaco.

• Similarly, the 'fins' that rise from the ground upon activation of the Portal on earth very much resemble similar structures that can be seen surrounding the enormous atmospheric processing unit used for terraforming purposes on LV-426.

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.

Story

• The novelizations of Alien and Halo say that people go into cryosleep naked, though the films and game show them clothed.
• Ripley begins and ends both Alien and Aliens in cryosleep much like the Chief's overall story throughout the three games.
• Both Ripley and Master Chief begin Alien and Halo in a large ship with other people and end up alone in a smaller shuttle.
• In the sequels Ripley and the Chief leave behind their fellow survivor from their first adventure, Jones on (presumably) Earth and Cortana on High Charity.

Miscellaneous

• In the Halo 2 level Outskirts, there are several posters showing what appears to be the head of one of the aliens.