You control the alien entirely with the left analog stick (the right moves the camera so you can plan your actions), which means you’ll need to look in the direction you’re about to teleport. That wouldn’t be such a detriment if the game offered a full range of motion, but it doesn’t. So instead of being able to make subtle adjustments you’ll watch as the warp reticule toggles between positions roughly 45 degrees apart. That’s good if your intended destination rests at one of those eight points; not so much when you’re trying to warp between lasers.

Of course, you’ve also got those wonderful demon arms, which are mapped to the shoulder buttons. The right is used in conjunction with the right analog stick for melee strikes while the left is reserved for grabbing objects (poles, doors, people, etc.) and whipping them across the screen. Suspended enemies can also be executed in a variety of brutal and satisfying ways. It starts off pretty basic, but as you gather dark essence, new moves can be purchased. Eventually you’ll have a different type of execution for each face button — one restores, another replenishes ammo and so on. Beyond just being visually cool, there is some element of strategy involved as you can address various needs with the executions.

Each of the controller’s buttons controls a specific aspect of fight or flight with the right analog stick reserved for evasive rolls (a Godsend). With grapples, pounces, counters, light and heavy melee strikes, and ranged attacks all at your disposal, the ability to unleash some truly hellacious combos become satisfyingly second nature as you progress.