In a way, we can't help but feel sorry for Evolve. While it doesn't sound like the Turtle Rock shooter's going to have any crippling problems – of a technical nature, anyway – the four-versus-one affair has, in many ways, taken the fall for the failings of so many of last year's big games. The majority of reviewers are holding back their final impressions for a chance to play in a retail environment, and while it's certainly not 2K Games' fault, we reckon that it's the right move. Of course, we'd have loved to have given you our thoughts in a timely manner, too – but, naturally, we don't have access to the game. Quelle surprise.
Polygon - 8/10 (Provisional)
Evolve occasionally brushes against a real breakthrough for Turtle Rock, with its distinctive take on a different kind of multiplayer shooter. New territory always presents new problems, and Evolve doesn't always solve them. But it distinguishes itself from the pack of multiplayer options out there with the flair of something truly different.
GameSpot - 8/10
As with Turtle Rock's Left 4 Dead, Evolve is best when you play with buddies; getting matched with a novice can lead to ghastly results if your newfound friend constantly seeks out the nonexistent "I" in "team." It doesn't take long to whip a newcomer into shape, at least, meaning you can usually focus on Evolve's unique brand of greatness: the suspense of the hunt, the exhilaration of battle, and the drive to dominate Shear. Even Sasquatch would shiver at the dangers.
Shack News - 7/10
Overall, it's a bit of a time investment, but after learning the ins-and-outs of hunting, Evolve starts to become a more engaging time-killer. Evacuation is a keen way to mix the game's otherwise uninspired game modes and its solid bot play means that I'll still be able to enjoy it even during down hours. The table for an enjoyable multiplayer session is set, whether jumping in with friends or getting more anti-social and devouring opponents as a lone monster. But considering some of the subpar game modes, I can't help but feel this package could have been something bigger.
Euogamer.net - No Score
Left 4 Dead's replayability was obvious even during the first run through of every level - the way it toyed with players and how its systems crafted drama with alarming regularity. Evolve maintains some of these qualities - especially when you're surprised by marauding wildlife - but its best ideas are already repeating themselves.
IGN - No Score
Overall, I'm very impressed with Evolve. It's a smart, unique multiplayer experience, and the asymmetrical design gets me thinking about new creative tactics that don't even apply to any other game. I crave that kind of incentive and opportunity for inspiration, and I can tell that I'll be playing Evolve, and watching streams of it for quite some time.
Have these pre-release appraisals done enough to convince you to stomp into battle, or will you be sleeping on this until you hear some final thoughts? Tiptoe into the comments section below.
Comments 18
I just don't see that its addictive enough to keep going back to as the 'go to game' in the online shooter catalogue. Whilst I'm sure the reviews are more or less accurate I'm not sure the game is going to be good enough to keep peoples attention for prolonged periods, I wouldn't be surprised if this game was forgotten about in a months time.
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi Yeah, you're pretty much mimicking my thoughts. We'll have to see. Certainly for me, though, I'm not a big competitive multiplayer guy, so it's never going to be the type of title that appeals to me.
About what I expected. Seems like a solid 8/10. Its not going to replace CoD as the top multiplayer FPS, but a good new IP nonetheless.
I was right with my prediction about Evolve reviewing around an 8/10, I see this game getting a following because of its unique Co-op/competitive gameplay. Being both a online & offline game but mainly an online one, it was a wise move to be able to play the game with bots totally offline. I'll be able to learn the maps and characters/classes before jumping online, & then destroy everyone as one of the monsters online. Also be able to play Co-op with friends as a team with the hunters, looking forwards to picking Evolve up come Friday.
I don't like multiplayer game so much so I won't buy it. But it looks fun to play for an hour or two.
I honestly never even considered this game. I think when I got the Game Informer with it on the cover I skimmed the cover story. Just didn't grab my interest I guess.
Left 4 dead was my fave last gen game so I am hyped for this
I've been craving a left 4 dead type of situation. It might not be the greatest game ever but I think iI will find it enjoyable.
Played it in beta, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Plays nicely, actually plenty of strategic depth, looks great, sounds great etc. It just didn't really set my world on fire.
I played the beta and got bored very quickly. It got tedious chasing a monster over and over again. I know the maps will be more varied as will the monsters and options within the classes but the basics don''t really change enough. If you have a good team of friends it may prolong the experience a bit longer but even hen there is a limit to how many times you can chase a monster and kill it....
Everything I have read has been very positive. I loved left 4 dead as well and it's nice to see someone doing something new. I think this will be very good.
Is there any mechanic to punish people who ragequit when losing like in left 4 dead?
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi That might be part of the reason they're putting bots in, and allegedly making them pretty good, so if the game doesn't have that many people playing it sooner than they're hoping (or else anyone playing it is too good to compete with) in a couple of years, people won't feel burned by the purchase.
Managed to get into the Alpha & Beta, yet didn't even get a single game as the servers were so pish. Might wait this one out & see how it fares in a few months
@MadchesterManc You and me both.
Looks pretty cool, at least it's something a bit different
Online only means no purchase for me.
Besides, Left 4 Dead was one of the most overrated pieces of trash on Xbox 360.
L4D 1/2 are some of the best multiplayer games, but i just could not get into Evolve.
It felt much more "normal" trying to get to the next safe house than killing the monster all through the map
Will give it a try and wait for its price to drop
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