When comparing Cortex Command vs Alien Swarm, the Slant community recommends Alien Swarm for most people. In the question“What are the best 4-player local multiplayer games on Steam?” Alien Swarm is ranked 26th while Cortex Command is ranked 39th. The most important reason people chose Alien Swarm is:
The game consists of tried-and-true top-down shooter mechanics that will be familiar to most players; it is reminiscent of older arcade and console shooters.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Extremely detailed physics engine
The physics engine allows for fully destructible environments.
Pro Endless mods
An in-game mod editor and Steam Workshop compatibility mean that there’s loads of content available.
Pro Easy to pick up and play, even for beginners
The game consists of tried-and-true top-down shooter mechanics that will be familiar to most players; it is reminiscent of older arcade and console shooters.
Pro Anyone can download and play the game as it is free-to-play and open-source
The game is completely free and has no microtransactions or ads.
The source code is also free and accessible, so the game can be easily modded.
Pro Easily play with up to 4-players in online co-op
Alien Swarm allows for up to 4-player online co-op, which makes for an easy way to play with a small group of friends or strangers.
Pro Convenient offline LAN support
Alien Swarm offers offline LAN (local area network) support, meaning that the game can be easily played locally with each machine connected together in the same place.
Cons
Con Expensive for what is on offer
While the game has endless community content, the in-game content is lacking and may not be worth the sticker price of $19.99.
Con Can get a bit repetitive
The gameplay doesn't change much from mission to mission; you’re generally just shooting aliens over and over again.
Con Gameplay is too short
The main story only takes about three or four hours to complete, which means you could beat the game in one sitting pretty easily.