Whilst Gearbox are at the reigns for the 'proper' version of Aliens Colonial Marines for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, the little brother version of
ACM will be worked on by someone else entirely.
WayForward, an independent game developer located in Valencia, CA, is probably best known for the 2D side-scrolling shooter, Contra 4. Aliens Colonial Marines DS is being considered by many to be the spiritual successor to Contra 4.
Contra 4 won IGN's 'Best of E3' Best Action Game Award in 2007.
"Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree."
So it seems Aliens Colonial Marines DS has a well established development house behind it. Let's hope it is as well recieved by the handheld market as we
know Aliens Colonial MArines will be by the console/pc market.