Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest

 PC
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. PC Zone UK
    71
    If you want a simple game that doesn't require you to devote the whole of your brain or your evenings, can buy into the game's modern-retro visuals, and can forgive a few flaws; it's undeniably worth a spin. [Dec 2008, p.76]
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  2. Boomtown
    70
    The nagging doubt about Multiwinia is that it is possibly too simple and short term – fun to drop into in the odd quiet half-hour, but with no visible form of progression, nothing that you will stick with in the long term.
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  3. DarkZero
    70
    There’s a lot to like, and equally as much to dislike.
  5. VideoGamer
    70
    As a game to please fans Introversion probably has another hit on its hands, but Multiwinia is unlikely to broaden its fanbase too considerably.
  6. GamingXP
    64
    The confusing title hides a solid strategy game. Gamers who enjoy graphics should avoid this game though, strategy fans should play the demo-version before buying Multiwinia.
  7. Worth Playing
    63
    There isn't all that much to Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest, unfortunately. The gameplay is short, and necessarily so, because any single match can drag on very quickly, and once a clear lead is established, it is quite difficult to break.
  8. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    60
    Prepare for an extremely abstract experience. Nicely done multiplayer for renowned "Darwinia". A bit too straightforward for a strategy game though. [Nov 2008]
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  9. Gamers' Temple
    60
    It isn't a bad game, not at first, and surely it will find some fans out there. Before you do, try the demo, and even then it would be best to tread carefully.
  10. 1UP
    58
    And speaking of multiplayer, that's about all you'll want Multiwinia for. Repetitive maps, exploitable A.I., and a lack of any backstory or plot whatsoever hamper the single-player mode. That said, the game does have "multi" in its title, and for the price (about $20), you could do worse for an online time-waster.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best PC Game of 2008
55
#55 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
84
#84 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 72
  3. Negative: 5 out of 72
  1. tech-noir
    Feb 2, 2012
    6
    Even though Multiwinia is mostly a multi player upgrade to Darwinia, it is an immensely better game than its predecessor. Nearly all aspectsEven though Multiwinia is mostly a multi player upgrade to Darwinia, it is an immensely better game than its predecessor. Nearly all aspects of the game have been improved to the point of near greatness in short bursts. In this iteration of the series, the focus is placed on multi player style game modes, which could also be played against the CPU. Multi player servers are available, but the amount of people playing in public games is scarce to none. This is not a problem, as the single player mode provides much entertainment, challenge, and excitement. Unit placement, movement, and orders have been polished beyond comparison to the nearly broken Darwinia. Everything is fluid, fixed, and sleek. There are also many power-ups and surprises that enhance the game play to the extent of limitless replay ability. In everything Darwinia went wrong, Multiwinia corrected and got right. There are so many maps to play in, and several game modes that will guarantee the almost permanent installation of Multiwinia on your system. You will go back to this game time and time again. The fun and excitement it provides is timeless. There is no reason to play the defective Darwinia if you have Multiwinia. The controls are outstanding, especially when you compare them to the controls and path finding disasters of Darwinia. Each game plays differently, as the variety in maps, game modes, random power-ups, and AI will change your experiences throughout. All difficulty levels are challenging and fun to play, even if you lose. Each match takes between five and twenty minutes, and time flies by quickly, as you are constantly paying attention to your enemies, your units, and ordering them around the map. The action is non-stop. Unfortunately, Multiwinia does not keep track of your personal statistics besides Steam achievements (which I do not care for). There is also a lack of leaderboards of any kind because of the non-inclusion of statistics keeping. It would have been extremely nice to have access to both, even if it were for single player only. Sometimes, you may be losing by a considerable amount, and you will still be able to pull off the win. Power-ups are important at times, depending on the luck of the draw. You will develop a liking to some of them, and apathy for others. While Multiwinia is a short-lived gaming experience, it is Introversion's best effort so far. This game is a perfect example of something you keep installed for years to come, always going back to it for quick matches action packed with fun and entertainment.… Full Review »
  2. PeterR
    Oct 13, 2008
    7
    The gameplay itself is great. A little hard to micromanage, but practice makes perfect. I had no choice but to knock off a few points because The gameplay itself is great. A little hard to micromanage, but practice makes perfect. I had no choice but to knock off a few points because Introversion has taken their minimalist approach a little too far with this one. You can't chat with players until you've started the game (i.e. there's no talking while waiting for a game to start) and many other basic features, like server passwords, are non-existent. Supposedly they're going to patch these things into the game soon. Let's hope they're true to their word.… Full Review »
  3. PaulB.
    Sep 17, 2008
    10
    Like most of introversion's games, this smashes the borders between genres. Truly innovative.
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