Evolve

 PC
User Score
4.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 975 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 281 out of 975
  2. Mixed: 156 out of 975
  3. Negative: 538 out of 975
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  1. Aendel
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Evolve is one of those very controversial games of recent years in regards to how it was marketed, both with its $60 price tag + the confusing DLC that they have implemented in.

    Looking at the game as a whole, it is a fantastically well made experience with great graphics, balanced gameplay, and one of the most adrenaline fueled co-op, or solo experiences if you are the monsters, that    Evolve is one of those very controversial games of recent years in regards to how it was marketed, both with its $60 price tag + the confusing DLC that they have implemented in.

    Looking at the game as a whole, it is a fantastically well made experience with great graphics, balanced gameplay, and one of the most adrenaline fueled co-op, or solo experiences if you are the monsters, that I've had the pleasure of enjoying for some time.This review is completely based upon of course my own opinions but primarily the quality of the game at launch. As above it is extremely well polished, gun-play feels fantastic, and playing as the monsters is simply one of the most exhilarating experiences I've had with new-gen games. Each hunter class is very unique and each have special abilities that must be utilized together with the others to beat down the monster successfully. That is one of Evolve's biggest strengths, is the co-op gameplay is simply superb. However to quote the Escapist review, it is also it's biggest weakness, as with any game relying on others, if you get matched with a poor team, and lose a few games in a row, it can be frustrating for some.

    On the concern of the amount of content available comes down to preference on game types and what you personally like. If you like a good story with good multiplayer, then this isn't for you. However if you like shooters, but also enjoy things like DOTA 2 or Leauge of Legends, this is a very well crafted in a sense first person MOBA on the idea of 4 v 1. I enjoy MOBA's very much which may explain why I feel there is more than enough content with 16 maps, multiple modes etc. compared to something like Leagues which when it came out had 5v5 and 3v3 modes, one map for each mode, it is a lot more content.

    I realize League of Legends and DOTA 2 are F2P which does change perceptions on things, as Evolve is a $60 retail game with optional DLC on top of it. The marketing this game deployed is something that has shown a light on how poorly publishers plan and how money grab they are, however I do not believe this detracts from what Turtle Rock Studios has made, as they have made an extremely well crafted, beautiful game, with fantastic gameplay that will at least keep myself and my friends entertained for months to come.    … Expand
  2. ici_chacal
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    I played the game for about 5h now on PC MSI Laptop. Tech performance very good, graphic very good (Cry Engine), Audio good, gameplay/cooperation good, content average - I was expecting more here in terms of unlocking skills, characters, guns. The game type can be both hide and seek or fast shooter, it all depends how good you are as monster or Hunters. I think 8/10 is good score for me.
  3. MiniDigger
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Great Game. Played alpha, beta and a lot of games after the release and I am still enjoing it. Due to the bonues for winning in evacuation, each game feals different.
    I don't understand, why people are raging so much about the dlcs. Yes, you can spend money on a triple-a title. But all maps will be free and most of the dlcs are just skins nobody realy needs.
    Some people say, that this    Great Game. Played alpha, beta and a lot of games after the release and I am still enjoing it. Due to the bonues for winning in evacuation, each game feals different.
    I don't understand, why people are raging so much about the dlcs. Yes, you can spend money on a triple-a title. But all maps will be free and most of the dlcs are just skins nobody realy needs.
    Some people say, that this game isn't fun to play. This is mostly due to the fact, that this players don't play with thier teams. If you play solo, better get cod. But if you are a team player, just get a few friends or get matched with some random people and enjoy the game.    … Expand
  4. JoshR1370
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    So far I am having a blast. Monster controls took a little bit getting used to but totally worth it. The maps are gorgeous, I had fun playing every class. Gameplay for me is everything and this just about sets the standard. No match is the same. I have played matches that were short, some took a while. This game is an exception to my preference to have a compelling story. This gameSo far I am having a blast. Monster controls took a little bit getting used to but totally worth it. The maps are gorgeous, I had fun playing every class. Gameplay for me is everything and this just about sets the standard. No match is the same. I have played matches that were short, some took a while. This game is an exception to my preference to have a compelling story. This game makes me not care. I just want to hunt. I can see why people may think this game isnt worth 60 bucks as is, but i have played many games that had a TON of stuff to do that were just terrible. God knows if i could get my 60 bucks back from Unity i would. :-). If you are a multiplayer kind of gamer its a must have. Even if you are not i would still highly recommend. 2k, and turtle rock have created something really unique. I truly believe gamers will be talking about this game for years to come.… Expand
  5. Lock
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    Awesome and very fun game. Better play with friends. Don t listen school-boyz with wooden pc's, it worth every dollar. Finally something fresh in multiplayer shooters.
  6. Hegelol
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    Look it is an amazing game.

    Don't listen to the ppl complaining it's too pricey or whatever. It is exactly what gamers expect of a shooter game to be - it is brutal, epic and to the point.

    The first people to come complain here are usually the ones who did not understand what they are getting into or what the game is supposed to be like.

    It is the top shooter of 2015! Mind my words.
  7. Kingbung
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Evolve is a very fun game. The whole premise of a 4 person team against a monster is a welcome breath of fresh air for the multiplayer fps genre. I was bored with playing all the call of duties and battlefields out there. Although the initial learning curve is a bit harsh especially as the monster it is an extremely fun game. Making yu actually talk with the people in your game to work asEvolve is a very fun game. The whole premise of a 4 person team against a monster is a welcome breath of fresh air for the multiplayer fps genre. I was bored with playing all the call of duties and battlefields out there. Although the initial learning curve is a bit harsh especially as the monster it is an extremely fun game. Making yu actually talk with the people in your game to work as a team is vital and fun. The graphics are cool although the animals and killer plants blend in with the back ground a little too well at times and most of the maps look alot alike. The games runs excellent on ps4. With the whole progress system i feel like there's definitely alot to do. Most of the dlcs are just skins so who really cares. Peace out… Expand
  8. peterson2k4
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    Turn the game on and playing it is a blast. Beat game ezpwrience ive had in a very long time. Yea their is a lot of DLC but ita not like a free to play game where buying the DLC is the only way you can win. Without spending more than $60 you could have fun for years. The reat is for the rabid fan.

    Play it and judge the gameplay for itself.
  9. Shumongous
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    I really enjoy playing as the monster and trying to level up as quickly as possible. The suspense of the hunters maybe being near by as you evolve is also very intense. Lastly, the battles once you are completely leveled up are so insane I almost doodoo my pants.
  10. TheNinjaAce
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    Let me start off by saying...I don't pre-order games. This is the only exception I've had.
    Evolve's a 4v1 multiplayer-oriented FPS game that focuses on a team of hunters that have been sent in to the planet Shear to deal with the planet's rather nasty non-native monster problem. It's been described as "A videogame boss fight, in which the boss is player-controlled". This really changes    Let me start off by saying...I don't pre-order games. This is the only exception I've had.
    Evolve's a 4v1 multiplayer-oriented FPS game that focuses on a team of hunters that have been sent in to the planet Shear to deal with the planet's rather nasty non-native monster problem. It's been described as "A videogame boss fight, in which the boss is player-controlled". This really changes things from traditional boss fights, making the game a whole lot more fun.
    There are 4 distinct hunter classes: Assault, Medic, Support, and Trapper. The hunters must rely on teamwork and coordination to take down the monster, which is able to "evolve". This "evolution" ability allows the monster to, essentially, get bigger and stronger. Matches start in favor of the hunters at monster Stage 1. Things shift to become balanced at Stage 2, and once the monster gets to Stage 3, it has the advantage (this doesn't at all mean that the Monster is overpowered at Stage 3).

    Evolve is an experience that can be described by the phrase "Easy to learn, difficult to master". There is a learning curve, mainly that deals with proper movement management for the Hunters and Monster, as well as teamwork. It is absolutely necessary that the hunters work together, at least outside of fights with inexperienced monsters. Once you learn the basics (and over the course of the first few hours of playing, you'll know what's necessary), the game becomes a whole lot more fun. The game deals less with having fast reflexes and powerful guns to kill your opponent, and more with executing a careful plan, on both sides of the fight. Sneaking up on your opponent, surprising them, doubling-back, etc. are all strategies the monster is able to employ to shift the balance in his/her favor. Hunters can use item combinations, such as the famous "Beam Team" employed by the support Hank and medic Val to heal a teammate and keep them invincible for a short time (Hank has an invincibility beam, and Val has a traditional-style MedGun).

    There's a lot of depth in Evolve. Different combinations of hunters and their respective items/weapons/abilities make for a lot of different strategies. Even with the individual hunters, some pretty cool ideas have been formed: for example, the Trapper, Abe, has a tracking dart pistol that can track the monster if it's shot at it directly, or if the monster eats wildlife that has been tracked. I played in a match during the beta in which the hunters and I (I was running Abe, then) ran with a strategy known as the "War of Attrition", which is basically killing all wildlife and tracking it. The match got really interesting, since we were employing this strategy whenever possible.

    The characters themselves are fantastic. Each of the hunters has their own fun bits of dialogue, and their designs are fantastic. All characters (monsters included) have a distinct personality. Lazarus is a stubborn, grumpy old man; Markov's a jolly, optimistic man who's obsessed with dying a glorious death in battle; and Cabot's the optimistic, great leader of the group (just to name off a few).
    Graphics are fantastic; this runs on Cryengine, so that's no surprise there. Even on lower-end hardware like the PC I use, I have next to no complaints. Anyone who's complained about the graphics really doesn't have any justification, in my opinion. Audio as well; great music, great sound effects.

    There's a lot of controversy surrounding the game for its DLC, and instead of explaining why this isn't an issue, I'll just leave you with this final point: you don't have to buy DLC.
    Happy hunting.    … Expand
  11. jedi5diah
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    shame on those who gave 0, is an obvious trolling/spamming.

    lets put the big elephant aside first, i bought this game knowing what exactly i'm getting, an arena game. i don't care about the dlcs as long there's no pay to win model, i'm cool with dlc, they explicitly tells you what contents you are getting on evolvethegame website. FYI future maps n modes are free back to the game    shame on those who gave 0, is an obvious trolling/spamming.

    lets put the big elephant aside first, i bought this game knowing what exactly i'm getting, an arena game. i don't care about the dlcs as long there's no pay to win model, i'm cool with dlc, they explicitly tells you what contents you are getting on evolvethegame website. FYI future maps n modes are free

    back to the game

    there's no reason to fault this game on for being like some other games, which games does not take forms and shapes of existing games? To me this is a fresh take an interesting idea which i have doubts of my own that it will not hold your interest for long also for being straight-out repetitive.

    the good

    Monsters
    Evolve! the monster mechanic is simple and intuitive, i just like the simple hunt n eat and evolve concept. it has its learning curve and its really not for everyone as the pressure to survive and evolve is sky high the moment you start. the tutorials are the best tips and i can tell you no other games explains the game to you for success like evolve does. when i got the combo right when caught in the frantic assault from the hunters, i managed to swipe the hunters at lv1. after unlocking the second monster kragen and using it was an entire new experience, needing to understand and play to your monsters strength.

    Hunters
    i have yet to unlock the second tier and i'm already excited on the prospect of using them, simple straight forward skills and rewards you when the combo is right, ambushing circling monster is really satisfying. Very distinctive combat role (so what its like team fortress?) which many players are getting the hang of it online which the experience from day 1 to 2 is really encouraging. i'm quite pleasantly surprised to know that there are 12 characters on default as i was expecting a rip off of just 4 and others as paid dlcs.

    VFX
    fantastic sound effects, booming sound on my steel series, i have no problem with the soundtrack which a review mention was stale, guess i'm overwhelmed by the intense battles and escapes going on to notice. graphics wise are good but nothing spectacular, its an average next gen looking game.

    Gameplay
    playing to your role is essential, loving it, nothing is overpowered and everything can be counter with environments and strategies. Really solid gameplay which is the core of every game, the weight and hard hitting moves are on spot. as i have mention i can't wait to play with the new weaponry of the other tiers of characters. Very helpful bots which i don't find in other game, keeps the flow going at all times.

    the bad

    lacking in monster evolving both in terms of design and skills, greatest down side of a game call evolve, its basically levelling up. i feel there's more dynamic to the hunters instead...i believe there should be at least a second tier of skills to each monster after evolving to lv 3. what a waste of concept...    … Expand
  12. Eswin17
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    This game is what I hoped it would be. A fun, engaging, progressive co-op / competitive multiplayer game. There is a lot of negativity around the DLC, which is expensive when totaled up, but will add necessary replayability to the game over the course of the next 2-3 years. However, the base game's content is easily worth the $60 entry fee, and no DLC is pay-to-win. In fact, all new mapsThis game is what I hoped it would be. A fun, engaging, progressive co-op / competitive multiplayer game. There is a lot of negativity around the DLC, which is expensive when totaled up, but will add necessary replayability to the game over the course of the next 2-3 years. However, the base game's content is easily worth the $60 entry fee, and no DLC is pay-to-win. In fact, all new maps and game modes are announced to be free - only new Hunters, Monsters, and skins will cost more. And only if you want to play as them, you can play with them or against them for free.

    The game itself has launched smoothly. Very few bugs, and all matchmaking issues in beta have been ironed out. I enjoy playing as both Hunter and Monster, and the variation between each round is immense, and is what makes the game enjoyable. I highly recommend it, whether or not someone plans on paying for any DLC.    … Expand
  13. Avman32107
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    This game is a complete blast! There is a bit of a learning curve as it it a strategy game in the first person perspective (as Hunter) or 3rd person (as Monster). It is not a typical Rambo style run and gun FPS.
    Hunters must communicate and work as a team. Utilizing their current characters strengths to cover their teammates weaknesses. Monsters must use stealth and hit and run tactics    This game is a complete blast! There is a bit of a learning curve as it it a strategy game in the first person perspective (as Hunter) or 3rd person (as Monster). It is not a typical Rambo style run and gun FPS.
    Hunters must communicate and work as a team. Utilizing their current characters strengths to cover their teammates weaknesses. Monsters must use stealth and hit and run tactics as they see fit. Bring the fight to the Hunters where and when you want it, and on your terms.

    Most of the negative reviews are not a fault of the game. They are the confusion of the customer not knowing how to read, or how to play a strategy game vs a COD style arena shooter.

    Also don't worry about getting the DLC. Just get the base game. You won't miss out on any game types, maps or fun! This game differs from COD and Battlefield, and most other games with DLC that end up dividing the user base. Wait for the Monster add on, or Hunter add on to go on sale. No point in getting them now as they are not even out yet.    … Expand
  14. YroPro
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    Fantastic game, unfortunately there's a ridiculous amount of misinformation on the game. Anyways, very solid gameplay, amazing graphics, and an immense amount of depth and strategy due to the PVP nature of the game.
  15. VinnyofTheG
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    Evolve is a game that when it's turning on all cylinders is an amazing online romp. The concept is fairly simple, you are a group of hunters, tracking, hunting and attempting to kill a bloodthirsty beast to save a colony from its wrath. As a monster, you are one of those said beasts trying to hunt prey to gain armor and energy to (you guessed it!) evolve.

    The gameplay is rewarding on    Evolve is a game that when it's turning on all cylinders is an amazing online romp. The concept is fairly simple, you are a group of hunters, tracking, hunting and attempting to kill a bloodthirsty beast to save a colony from its wrath. As a monster, you are one of those said beasts trying to hunt prey to gain armor and energy to (you guessed it!) evolve.

    The gameplay is rewarding on both ends, as a hunter it's all about the teamwork. A good trapper to keep the monster from running away when it's armor is depleted, a medic to keep on the bounce and make sure the team stays alive, support offers boosts to damage and defensive boons and the assault grinds away on the beast until it is no more. Each class has three different hunters which offer their own unique way of performing their roles.

    The monster's game is far different, you start as a neonate creature looking to gain power and strength. You spend your first part of the game evading the hunters, hunting wildlife to raise your armor and eventually go from stage 1 to stage 3, gaining ability points to add into one of four moves. Each of the three monsters has a unique play style, the Goliath is a brawler with good armor and does solid damage. The Kraken is all about distance and precision attacks and the Wraith is stealth whirlwind of death at close range. Add in the environmental hazard like aggressive wildlife, man eating plants and pools of acid and you have a solid arena for combat.

    With only two modes at launch and a few connectivity issues, the game does fall short of a loft score of 9+, but is a solid experience online all the same. Lack of a true story mission does leave you wanting of what is an outstanding setting and back story, and while you do get some of that through pre launch banter and idle conversation from the hunters, you're left feeling more like an outsider that immersed in this fantastic world. As the monster you don't need to know your origins, you know you're hungry and that you don't like being shot at.

    It's refreshing that the micro transactions on this game are limited to cosmetic upgrades rather than content itself. However it's clear that this could become similar to games like League of Legends as new monsters will be through paid DLC(unless you pre-ordered the game.), no word if hunters will come after as well.

    Frustrating connectivity issues that occurred during the open beta last month are somewhat taken care of, but they still exist, but they seem now to be occasional hiccups rather than game breaking hour long disconnect-fests of January 2015.

    All in all this is a game that I found myself enjoying for hours upon hours with a random party who must have played a good dozen matches with me online. It's great fun working with your teammates and hearing them react to close calls and epic moves on the part of the monster or your fellow hunters and hardly worth the harsh criticisms that users seem to place upon it for one reason or another. While not game of the year material, a solid game through and through and will likely get better once the last few connection bugs are dealt with. I give this game an enthusiastic 8 out of 10, falling just short of a 9 only due to day 1 connection issues.    … Expand
  16. DANTE123
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    All negative reviews that can read are just rage kids, you notice that not even have the game.

    Tell me what is a lot of content for you? Call of Duty game with 12 game modes that are the same each year? a FIFA game?, a game remastered?, smash. battlefield, mario, zelda, halo............ Everything is fresh and innovative in evolve , in perspective has more new content than many    All negative reviews that can read are just rage kids, you notice that not even have the game.

    Tell me what is a lot of content for you?

    Call of Duty game with 12 game modes that are the same each year? a FIFA game?, a game remastered?, smash. battlefield, mario, zelda, halo............

    Everything is fresh and innovative in evolve , in perspective has more new content than many other games on the market, but you only see the DLC's in Store.

    the inovation costs, keep further the innovation and then dont cry for annual refried or remastered games    … Expand
  17. molaram
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Fantastic game. It has as much multiplayer content as e.g., a COD or a BF, but has less single player content, if you care about that. Graphically and stylistically impressive, lots of polish.

    If you want a mindless shooter that keeps you in the action at all times with quick respawns and tight maps, then don't buy this. But if you want a different kind of FPS, that introduces hunting    Fantastic game. It has as much multiplayer content as e.g., a COD or a BF, but has less single player content, if you care about that. Graphically and stylistically impressive, lots of polish.

    If you want a mindless shooter that keeps you in the action at all times with quick respawns and tight maps, then don't buy this. But if you want a different kind of FPS, that introduces hunting and tracking combined with assymetric versus play, and requires teamwork and skill, then you will like it! I like the slow build up of tension in chasing down a clever monster, others won't like the wait, they just want to blap stuff.    … Expand
  18. skrublord420
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    I never leave reviews but since so many ignorant people like to review games before they play it I have to. This game is not bad at all the "pay 2 win" is absurd. The DLC that is not out yet will have new monsters, hunters and maps as expected this age of games. The ONLY DLC that is out now are skins for hunters and monsters. If that's an issue well you clearly haven't played video gamesI never leave reviews but since so many ignorant people like to review games before they play it I have to. This game is not bad at all the "pay 2 win" is absurd. The DLC that is not out yet will have new monsters, hunters and maps as expected this age of games. The ONLY DLC that is out now are skins for hunters and monsters. If that's an issue well you clearly haven't played video games in a long time. The game it self is fantastic 3 characters per class 3 monsters with everything has a form of skill progression. If you just sit around play skirmish over and over it will get boring. Go play evacuation and play with some friends. Haven't seen any bugs yet game is great the graphics are really good not mind blowing but damn solid. Game is probably an 8 but since people like to QQQQ and leave uneducated reviews I have to boost it with a 10. Is it worth $60 to me yes to others maybe no but by no means is this game below an 8.… Expand
  19. soccerslam31
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Ever played games and wondered what it is like to be that huge hulking boss with multiple stages and takes a finely tuned strategy and skill to take down? EVOLVE finally gives players the opportunity to not only play as the human heroes trying to save humanity by killing that disgusting monster but the chance to FINALLY be the bad guy, and OH DOES IT FEEL GOOD! EVOLVE is a game that madeEver played games and wondered what it is like to be that huge hulking boss with multiple stages and takes a finely tuned strategy and skill to take down? EVOLVE finally gives players the opportunity to not only play as the human heroes trying to save humanity by killing that disgusting monster but the chance to FINALLY be the bad guy, and OH DOES IT FEEL GOOD! EVOLVE is a game that made large promises and did nothing but fulfill them. Chasing down the monster and working together with a team of four unique hunters that have synergy in hugely varying ways is fun and exciting. While playing as the monster is a completely different and unique experience ranging from paranoia and fear of being caught early at stage 1 to evolving to stage 3 and feeling like a god raining down rock and electricity on unsuspecting humans, and its FUN the whole time.

    The complaints about pricing are based on the grounds of a traditional game but evolve not falling into the traditional game category is what makes it so beautiful. No hold your hand story is present here but through the conversation pieces and short, and cool cut scenes the setting of Shear and the hunters role their is fleshed out. The hunters personalities are as varied as their skill sets with all of them having varying reasons for their being in this elite team of hunters.

    The three available monsters are hugely different with each one playing completely different. The first available monster is the Goliath who is all about jumping in and pummeling as many humans as possible and then getting out fast. By playing this monster the Kraken can be unlocked, which is my personal favorite of the three. This monster floats above the battlefield dishing out electric shocks aplenty with its skill set but once it is pinned down it is relatively weak. Finally the wraith is unlocked which playing against its toolbox of tricky escapes and stealthy tactics makes this monster extremely difficult to pin down and deal with but with its weak armor is the easiest to weaken early and throughout the game.

    for $60 dollars this game is going to keep me busy for a long time and I know for me and the rest of the hunters and monsters out their it was well worth dishing out the cash to learn all these new characters and master killing a monster, or FINALLY playing as that unstoppable boss and shredding four poor human players.    … Expand
  20. Shock4ndAwe
    Feb 12, 2015
    9
    To conduct this review properly we need to go through a little bit of disambiguation: First and foremost, you need not purchase anything other than the base game to currently enjoy Evolve to it's fullest. A lot of reviewers have been incorrectly stating that without buying the Deluxe or PC Monster Race editions you are essentially locked behind a pay-wall. That is completely false. AllTo conduct this review properly we need to go through a little bit of disambiguation: First and foremost, you need not purchase anything other than the base game to currently enjoy Evolve to it's fullest. A lot of reviewers have been incorrectly stating that without buying the Deluxe or PC Monster Race editions you are essentially locked behind a pay-wall. That is completely false. All twelve hunters and three monsters are available in the base game so long as you are skilled enough to unlock them.

    Second, the only DLC that is currently available for Evolve are Monster and Hunter skins. The same exact thing that is sold in almost every game that allows you to customize your character. Also, the skins do nothing but alter certain portions of your character. They do absolutely nothing else. So, really, there is no meaningful day one DLC. Certainly nothing as nefarious as Ubisoft's attempt to split the game depending on who you preordered from.

    With that out of way lets get into the actual review of the game:

    Evolve is a multiplayer, action/FPS hybrid. You play either as a ghastly Monster trying to survive as hunters track you, or a colorful assortment of hunters trying to put the boot down on some ugly critter. You will get the most bang for your buck by playing with friends and diving into the multiplayer portions, though there are solo modes in which you can practice playing as the Monster or the hunters.

    Evolve shines with it's frenetic multiplayer action. Fights are generally fast paced, but this isn't your typical arena shooter. The monster can---and will---try and trick you. Games can last anywhere from a few minutes, to thirty, depending on the skill of the Monster and the players you're grouped with. The flagship mode Hunt is probably where you'll spend most of your time. Your objective is simple: If you're the Hunter, find the Monster and eliminate him...or survive until the time runs out. If you're the Monster, your objective is normally to destroy the power generator, though I find it much more delightful to turn the tables on my would-be hunters and turn them into oddly shaped blood sprays on the wall.

    A headset is a MUST, and if you don't believe me, try getting eaten by a plant---or being grabbed by one of Shear's nasty non-Monster critters---and having your entire team run away because they couldn't hear your character's death warble. You simply will NOT be effective when trying to communicate by using text chat. Games are won and lost by the communication of the people playing them. If you're not comfortable using a microphone, THIS GAME IS NOT FOR YOU. You're doing a huge disservice to your teammates by being incommunicado.

    Game performance is excellent: You don't need a monstrous(pun intended) rig to play this game, though every little bit certainly helps.

    There are a few bugs which I'd be remiss by not mentioning, however. The cursor can sometimes be visible when playing a game. Spamming the Steam overlay sometimes gets rid of it, as does deactivating it in the Steam settings entirely. Bucket's UAV drone controls are still as bad as they were in the beta, though I'm unsure whether this is a bug or by design. Certain character actions can bug out and show as not working when, in fact, they are. For instance, Hyde's flamethrower animation sometimes doesn't enable, even though he is in fact spraying flames.

    Matchmaking, for the most part, works flawlessly. A few games you might be chosen as the Monster even if you're in a party with friends. When that happens just cackle gleefully into the microphone as you eviscerate them and gulp down their corpses.

    Is this game for you? Ultimately you are the deciding factor when purchasing a game. Do you like multiplayer games where you MUST work as a team to win? Do you like being outnumbered, outgunned and on the run as you try and turn the tables on the people hunting you?

    Despite the minor issues listed above, this game truly is fantastic. It combines a novel idea with fantastic, synergistic gameplay in a way that hasn't been done before. Don't let the reviews of petulant children, who are often misinformed about the title they are bashing, dissuade you from playing a game where you DON'T need any of the offered DLC to enjoy it.    … Expand
  21. Greatwhite194
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you're looking for an enthralling story, heroes, and plot twists, try a good RPG. This is a hunting game, and then name of the game is kill or be-killed. Evolve really taps into that primal sense of fear humans have burned into our genetic memory from millions of years of, you guessed it, evolution. Nothing gets your heart going more than crouching in a choice hiding place, praying that the hunters who've tracked you down will keep moving straight past. And when you finally consume and destroy enough wildlife to evolve into a level 3 monster, and it's time to take the fight to the humans, the pure chaos and destruction of the final battle just can't be topped.

    Some people won't be excited because you can't buy better weapons or shoot all the things and win instantly, but in terms of replay value and game growth, this one is a multiplayer winner. The requirement for teamwork and coordination is unparalleled, and after getting hammered into the ground a couple of times, you might find that setting up your mic and talking to your teammates might keep you alive a little longer.

    All in all, Evolve is all about cat-and-mouse; running and hiding from the cat until the mouse eats enough cheese to separate the cat from its spine in a satisfyingly gory fashion.    … Expand
  22. Krajnak82
    Feb 11, 2015
    8
    This game is a very fun TEAM oriented experience. If you play as a team it can be really awesome and rewarding to play. However, if you decide to be a 80's action star, then you are going to die and screw your other hunters over. This game is not perfect but it is an awesome multiplayer experience that i highly recommend to players looking for a team base game unlike COD.
  23. fdruid
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    This is a great, fun game which is pure gameplay, with lots of atmosphere and a unique cast of distinct characters and monsters.
    The hunt matches are tense but really enjoyable, it's like a game of cat and mouse.
    The graphics are really good, helping create the tense, alien atmosphere thanks to the combination of terrain and industrial elements, all giving way to a hostile futuristic,    This is a great, fun game which is pure gameplay, with lots of atmosphere and a unique cast of distinct characters and monsters.
    The hunt matches are tense but really enjoyable, it's like a game of cat and mouse.
    The graphics are really good, helping create the tense, alien atmosphere thanks to the combination of terrain and industrial elements, all giving way to a hostile futuristic, alien world in which the hunts take place.
    The graphics engine delivers a fluid experience, filled with special effects and sophisticated models and scenery.
    The game is varied enough in its ffering of monsters, hunters, maps, and game modes, with several expansions coming up. But the core game is really engaging, thanks in no small part to the unlockeable achievements and perks.

    There's been a controversy regarding the DLC marketing scheme, and this has caused a lot of forum users to bash it. There's nothing about that that's related to how good or fun the game is. IMHO it shouldn't be a part of a review, but I bring this point to relevance because it wouldn't be fair to bash or not play this great game just because you think "it should be free" (sic), or that "the publishers are soulless moneygrubbers".

    If you buy it you will enjoy a great multiplayer game with enough original elements and personality to instantly hook you and keep you coming back for more.    … Expand
  24. Honelith
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Looking past the DLC debacle, it's still alot of fun to play offering up plenty of tactics if you're into that sort of thing, best coop game to have come out in years.
  25. Applecrow
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    -Boring-ass Hiking simulator. I landed and the monster wasn't even there to fight. Probably a bug. I swear even some of the wildlife wasn't even armed and would just run from a fight.
    -Day 1 DLC is ruining the industry. The fact that TRS didn't lay off its art department to save money and has the audacity to charge the standard price for their game at launch is just astounding in today's    -Boring-ass Hiking simulator. I landed and the monster wasn't even there to fight. Probably a bug. I swear even some of the wildlife wasn't even armed and would just run from a fight.
    -Day 1 DLC is ruining the industry. The fact that TRS didn't lay off its art department to save money and has the audacity to charge the standard price for their game at launch is just astounding in today's gaming economy.
    -Multiple package deals are too hard to understand for people who refuse to read them and assume they come with everything.
    -DLC skins did not make me feel OP enough, even though I bought them all. My wallet feels violated by these shady business practices.
    -Not enough content in the single hunter skin packs.
    -Toxic community where the other players only used chat to tell me how to play the game and called out they could see the monster when the monster was clearly no where to be seen.
    -Tutorial lied, the tracks never lead to the monster.
    -Plants are OP. I kept mashing 'E' but couldn't break out. A teammate finally caught up with me enough to kill it. It died in one hit so obviously I was about to break out.
    -Monster is too hard to solo. I'm going back to CoD where at least the boss fights are done with QTE.
    -Other players are too slow, and won't heal themselves. They kept asking me to heal them just because I was smart enough to play a medic. One even demanded I come and help him up and whined about strikes. I told him "3 strikes you out noob". I think he ragequit after that, definite noob move. No loss, he wasn't even trying to DPS he just kept throwing out this stupid blue dome.
    -Fairly certain killshot and KDR reporting is broken. The other hunters didn't congratulate me for getting the killshot. I certainly didn't get any XP for it.

    Kidding aside, I love the game. It feels like a lot of people just want to hate on it because they heard DLC and went rabid, and never bothered to check facts. Neither did any of the gaming news sites, who probably loved all the clickbait the DLC controversy caused.

    Is it for everyone? no. I'm sure 80% of the people who found it 'boring' wanted something that was guns blazing from the tutorial on.    … Expand
  26. happymealer
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    This is my first review. I like to use metacritic to get an idea of what everyone thinks of an item. Unfortunately, the reviews are often skewed by the general trend of opinions from the public or something else. I just feel the need to say that this game is fun. I played the Alpha with a buddy on his PC. At the time, the PS4 version was not working properly. It looked okay from what I wasThis is my first review. I like to use metacritic to get an idea of what everyone thinks of an item. Unfortunately, the reviews are often skewed by the general trend of opinions from the public or something else. I just feel the need to say that this game is fun. I played the Alpha with a buddy on his PC. At the time, the PS4 version was not working properly. It looked okay from what I was able to see, but the PC version was gorgeous. The rating here is based on the Alpha.

    I took turns with a friend. We played as hunters and we played as the monster. The game has cool features, like the replay of character positions on the map. The entire asymmetric multiplayer concept for this game is a great addition to the monotony of games that are currently available. The game felt balanced enough during the Alpha. I was able to win on either side.

    Replay value may come into question here. But then again, the same happens with a game like COD or BF also. As long as you're interested in playing online with people, you're good. This game is one of those rare cases where you can talk to your friends about that ONE game that was crazy because x, y, and z happened... Each round plays out differently - unlike a COD match where you do well or not and win or not.

    Give it a try if it sounds interesting. I'll probably buy this on PS4 so maybe I'll write a thorough review then.    … Expand
  27. PeligunGaming
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    I never write reviews but for this game I have to. It is NOT pay to win, unless you think skins and bonus characters under the season pass is "Pay to Win" I don't see how a skin can make you win. The game is tons of fun, tons of replay value and just plain a good time. Yes it has a day one patch that means they meet their deadline for release and just made a patch for the final QA testingI never write reviews but for this game I have to. It is NOT pay to win, unless you think skins and bonus characters under the season pass is "Pay to Win" I don't see how a skin can make you win. The game is tons of fun, tons of replay value and just plain a good time. Yes it has a day one patch that means they meet their deadline for release and just made a patch for the final QA testing after printing the master copy. The other option for them is to probably delay it another month. Most games have a day one patch, this isn't anything new. There is a story, it has a 5 day campaign with 800,000 possible outcomes of bonus effects and game modes so in that there are 800,000 campaigns. Each monster is completely different and unique, has strengths and weaknesses. Each hunter feels badass in it's own way.

    All in all, all the haters out there complaining about DLC and "Pay to Win" have not even played the game and are full of crap. The hype train is real my friends and they are just jealous!    … Expand
  28. Gravox
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    I have been playing games for approximately 35 years and I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what makes for a good game. Really good games are actually few and far between.

    In the last few days I have had more fun with Evolve that I have had with any other game in the last 10 years. It really is two games in one. You can play as a monster, solo, starting off rather weak, and    I have been playing games for approximately 35 years and I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what makes for a good game. Really good games are actually few and far between.

    In the last few days I have had more fun with Evolve that I have had with any other game in the last 10 years. It really is two games in one. You can play as a monster, solo, starting off rather weak, and by carefully navigating the maps, eating wildlife and avoiding the hunters you can grow into this tremendously strong beast that can smash your opponents - this is endlessly satisfying. Or you can join a team of four strongly typed hunters whose job is to hunt the monster down and take it out before it gets too strong.

    Unfortunately for Evolve, just like other "AAA" releases it seems in recent memory, there is some reason that "the people" are jumping on the negativity bandwagon, and in Evolves case the gripe mainly appears to be DLC and pricing.

    To me the pricing for new monsters and hunters does not seem too bad given that any new maps are going to be released for free. This means you are actually paying for a new character and part funding of the new map development - I much prefer this approach to DLC as it does not split the community - if you choose not to buy DLC but you still get new maps for free. The skins are plentiful and pricey but I keep telling myself I don't need them........

    Anyway, I would totally recommend this game if you enjoy first person shooters. And if you do try it, give it a good go - many of us are so used to the military shooter that they are easy to pick up but Evolve is something very different. You will need new skills to hunt or be hunted and once you have it down it is extremely, extremely fun.    … Expand
  29. Ocosu
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    As someone who actually bought the game and understands how they're going about DLC, let me just say this game was well worth the money in my opinion. It's fun and the different modes make for a nice get away from the traditional mode after thirty or so matches in a row. After simply taking a break or playing some of the other game modes, I was happy to come back to it. Each match playsAs someone who actually bought the game and understands how they're going about DLC, let me just say this game was well worth the money in my opinion. It's fun and the different modes make for a nice get away from the traditional mode after thirty or so matches in a row. After simply taking a break or playing some of the other game modes, I was happy to come back to it. Each match plays out differently and often requires you to actually consider going about your own play style differently from the previous match. It depends on their comp every time. I love that in a game. Some methods work better than others.

    DLC. The thing most of everyone is crying about. I'll start off by saying that you don't need to buy -anything- to enjoy the game's upcoming content. Even if you don't spend a single penny, the upcoming maps are free, the upcoming modes are free, and the thing that isn't free is actually playing the new monsters and characters. Get this though... You can still play alongside people who have the new characters and play against the new monsters! Yes, you can use them yourself, but you can at least play with the people who are playing as them. The DLC is optional and doesn't exclude you from anything except actually playing the upcoming characters.

    That said, the DLC content is pricey. So yes, that is a con in itself. The fact I'm not forced to buy it and can still play games that involve it though? That makes me happy... And again. Upcoming MAPS AND MODES ARE FREE. League of Legends is a good comparison. Even if you don't personally own the champions and skins, you still see them in game. Evolve works in the same manner.

    Overall? I'm happy with this game and while I can't say I'll be jumping on all of the DLC due to the price, it's nice to know it won't hinder my experience. I know this was helpful for anyone who may of been on the fence about getting this game.

    I'd recommend it.    … Expand
  30. Longbow
    Feb 11, 2015
    8
    First i wanna put to light some of all the many bad reviews here.

    Alright im getting tired of people here. The Valid complain they all have, is the games DLC plan. It is a pretty **** crap plan. But you can't judge a game purely on the DLC. Though i think 50% of people here do. Yes the hunters and monsters are overpriced like crazy, but you don't need em to play the game. All future    First i wanna put to light some of all the many bad reviews here.

    Alright im getting tired of people here.
    The Valid complain they all have, is the games DLC plan. It is a pretty **** crap plan.
    But you can't judge a game purely on the DLC. Though i think 50% of people here do. Yes the hunters and monsters are overpriced like crazy, but you don't need em to play the game. All future maps and game modes will be free.
    Everyone keeps talking about thousands of microtransactions from day one. The only thing you can purchase and use right now, is **** skins. Wow, what downer huh. That will surely break the game for all of you, that someone has a skin you don't have.
    Then i see some people down voting it, due to other peoples reviews. Get the **** out you little ****
    I think one of the other problems this game has is that, you have to put some thought into what you do. And people nowadays just wanna press buttons and see their victory happen. They don't wanna work for their victory. The fact that people buy unlock packs for Assissins Creed and Battlefied, proves that beyond a doubt. They don't wanna work for it, they just wanna recieve.
    Then some complain about the lack of story in the game. YOU WERE NEVER PROMISED ONE.. IDIOTS...
    Then we have the people that complain that they don't have time to play the game with their friends and blame the game for it. WHAT THE ****....

    And here comes my review of it.

    Firstly: This is not a game for everyone. If you only play fast paced games like CoD, Battlefield, Blacklight and the likes and don't wanna "work" too hard for your kills, then this might not be for you.

    Im not gonna go into what you actualy do in the game, since people should know that by now.
    Just know that it is not a fast paced ultra psycho shooter. It takes time, patience and brain (something alot of young people don't posses). Communication and humor are also welcome additions to what people bring to the game.

    The game takes time to learn, mostly as a monster. The learning curb might be a steep, but you'll get there, if you are willing to give the game more than 1 or 2 hours of time, before you start whinning like a cry baby. The game can be very diverse, but yes, at the same time it can also be repetetive. It all depends on your point of view. If all you see, is you and 3 others hunting a monster, then yes. You will be bored quickly. But if you look beyond that, and realize that you are hunting a monster, played by someone else, and appreciate , the way he plays and the way your hunter teammates play, then it will be a whole different ball game. It is diverse in the way that people go about being the monster or the hunters.
    The game could possibly get boring pretty soon, if you have only played it in offline mode. It's funny that people demanded Offline mode, then they get it and complain that it's boring. Ofcause it won't be as fun as the online mode. A game like Evolve shines the most when playing online. And it's bullcrap, that people say that, you can only play it with friends. I had some great times during the Alpha and Beta. Only played it with random people i didn't know and there were some great moments. (fun fact: Swedes seem to be most talkative people around and including my country) There are some great chaotic moments in there. Just had one today. We engaged the Goliath in a crevice. Lots of stuff was going on all around. Hard to see what was going on with explotions and shrapnel flying everywhere, and out of nowhere, a tyrant comes out of the water and almost eats two of our hunters, while the goliath is trying to beat the crap out of us and the Tyrant at the same time. Good times i tell you.

    All in all i say this is a very fun game. It is for people who likes teamwork, that have patience and likes a challenge. It most certainly most enjoyable online, but i can see how it would become boring if people don't talk, SO TALK PEOPLE, be chatty. It is so much more enjoyable.
    It is not for people who aren't teamplayers and people that wanna get results without work.

    Sorry for typos. Im tired, wrote all this in one go, and can't be bothered to check it through.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best PC Game of 2015
17
#17 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
78
#78 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Ten Ton Hammer
    Nov 1, 2015
    80
    Evolve is unquestionably one of the best multiplayer games to arrive in the last few years.
    Read full review
  2. Riot Pixels
    Apr 19, 2015
    67
    When Evolve plays nice and doesn’t annoy you with technical problems, it is kind of fun, provided you play not more than one campaign a day. But, really, you can get the same fun in any decent f2p shooter. Like Team Fortress 2, for example.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Apr 9, 2015
    71
    Imbalanced and repetitive to a disappointing degree, but when it hits the mark it can be great. [April 2015, p.56]
See all critic reviews »