4x4 Evolution

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Hot Games
    90
    The tracks are in great number and you have the ability to change the time of day as well as the weather, ensuring the most brutal of settings for any off-road excursion.
  2. Game Over Online
    89
    Simply stated, 4x4 Evolution is a great looking game. Turn up all of the graphics options and you can almost feel the branches swatting against the side of your truck as you slice between the trees and into the lead.
  3. GamerWeb PC
    86
    The racing is tough (especially trying to navigate these monstrosities through those checkpoints), and finding all the right shortcuts will take some time.
  5. GameZone
    85
    A solid racing program. Great attention has been paid to the details of off-road racing, and you can enjoy every jolt and bump from a driver's perspective.
  6. GameSpot
    84
    If you like racing for the sheer thrill of it and don't need to have all the realism, then 4x4 Evolution is definitely recommended.
  7. Gamer's Pulse
    82
    Graphics for 4x4 Evo are gorgeous.
  8. IGN
    82
    A great career mode will keep you on the computer trying to get that extra part for hours but multiplayer didn't go so well for me.
  9. Sports Gaming Network
    82
    The cure for your sim racing obsessions -- smashing through junkyards and leaping over freight trains in a single bound will put a smile on even the most dedicated simulation junkie's face. It's not a great game, but you'll have a great time.
  10. Eurogamer
    80
    It has jaw-dropping graphics, gripping gameplay and if it weren’t for the stodgy AI and lack of damage skins on vehicles, the game would be untouchable.
  11. Electric Playground
    80
    It looks good, has some clever tracks and is peppy enough to stay exciting for some time.
  12. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    Deep gameplay and cross-platform online racing make 4x4 Evolution the best 4x4 game going.
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  13. PC Gamer
    78
    A few fouled spark plugs turn a potentially great off-road racer into a good one. [Jan 2001, p.126]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. GamePower
    75
    Draws from all that has come before, mixes it with cutting-edge graphics, and churns out a forgettably generic off-road racer.
    All this publication's reviews
  15. GameSpy
    75
    A game that manages to innovate in an already saturated racing market by offering fun gameplay, and a solid dosage of realism and options.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best PC Game of 2000
100
#100 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 4 out of 22
  1. BeckTheWolf
    Nov 25, 2020
    6
    Installed this on my computer and booted it up for the first time in years, and it's...eh? While the graphics were probably good for the timeInstalled this on my computer and booted it up for the first time in years, and it's...eh? While the graphics were probably good for the time and there's still some charm to be found in how realistic they tried to make them, the controls have aged so poorly. They're way too floaty; my hand started to hurt while playing this game. As a competitive racing game, given the poor controls it can be unbearable at times, making it difficult to get ahead of the opposition or navigate the track. Yes, I know it was probably done on purpose cause they're SUVs and trucks and it's supposed to be off-road, but shouldn't you make sure the controls are fun *and* realistic?

    The ambition put into each track is admirable, how there's props and sets and how you can go off the course and simply drive around the environment as you see fit, but the game has an overall feeling of...emptiness and cheapness. It can feel like a cold, heartless budget game. And don't even get me started on the music...

    In today's world the only real way you can get any sort of enjoyment out of it would be for nostalgia or if you don't have any other better off-road games around.    … Full Review »
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