Alien Isolation was one of the big hits of 2014, not just because it sold well and was extremely well received, but because it revived the Alien franchise as a viable gaming property, after those hopes were dashed by Aliens: Colonial Marines just over a year before.
It really is a truly terrifying experience being hunted by the Xenomorph, partly because you spend a lot of the time having no idea where it is, ducked under desks or hiding in cupboards and lockers, watching through slits as it stomps about trying to sniff you out. But that wasn't always the case. Initially, Creative Assembly made it a third person experience.
Fortunately they didn't opt for it, as in this footage shown at GDC, the original prototype - which was designed with a Resident Evil, Silent Hill feel - isn't anywhere near as fear inducing as the eventual first person product.
As well as creating a bit of disconnect with the character by not putting you in Amanda's shoes, this sort of perspective simply gives you way too much of a view of what's going on. Half the fear in Isolation is only really being able to see snippets of the alien as you hide from it.
Also seeing her wearing sneakers while she crouch-walks around the station just looks a bit silly.
