The Predator weapons are a bit difficult to use. You've got the Disc, Plasma caster, Mines and Combi-stick. The combi-stick and Disc require some practice. While you throw the Disc, it'll fly to wherever you look, so you can control it's flight path. It also ricochets off walls, so you could practically kill a corridor full of Aliens and Marines with one single Disc throw. The spear is only throwable and requires precise aim. The good thing about the spear is, it doesn't give your position away, because it doesn't activate your laser-sights.
The Plasma caster isn't recommended against Moving targets and it will only lock-on when you charge the shot. Mines don't require any explanation. But it's wise to drop them where Marines pick up their weapons.
While you target the enemy with any of your ranged weapons, you can cancel your action by tapping the focus button. So if your enemy went around a corner after you charged your shot, you don't have to waste it.
Close combat also requires tactics and a cool head, since you can't spam the attack button anymore.
Combat Trailer
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As for the darkness, that's partially the selling point of the game, to create a sense of fear and terror. Also, Alien's require the shadows to hide, otherwise Marines would spot them from a mile away and gun them down. As a Marine you need to learn to read your Motion Detector. That thing is your biggest advantage, if you can read it properly, no one will be able to sneak up on you. I've seen people fire blind, relying on their motion detector and often enough hit a Predator that was standing cloaked in the shadows.
