Primal Carnage

 PC
  • Publisher: Reverb
  • Release Date: Oct 29, 2012
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 133 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 133
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 133
  3. Negative: 18 out of 133

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  1. MrSnaztastic
    Dec 2, 2013
    8
    It's been a long time since I've played a good dinosaur game, let alone played AS a dinosaur. Despite its flaws, Primal is the best dino game to come out in years, and it's getting better all the time.

    This is a seriously intense, fast-paced FPS that is both exhilerating and often terrifying as you're hunted by dinosaurs with the intelligence of humans. Small matches lead to nail-biting    It's been a long time since I've played a good dinosaur game, let alone played AS a dinosaur. Despite its flaws, Primal is the best dino game to come out in years, and it's getting better all the time.

    This is a seriously intense, fast-paced FPS that is both exhilerating and often terrifying as you're hunted by dinosaurs with the intelligence of humans. Small matches lead to nail-biting tension as you watch the bushes for signs of raptors moving through the jungle, while large matches have tonnes of epic moments as multiple Tyrannosaurs go head to head with flamethrower-wielding Scotsmen.

    The main draw of the game, of course, is that you can play as a wide variety of dinosaurs (and Pterosaurs!). Each has their own special skills, and have simply beautiful models and animations. The widely different play-styles of each dinosaur (and human) makes it a lot of fun to switch between them There's a variety of ways to counter your enemies, but it's never 100% balanced. They try to respond to fan feedback, but kinda seem to overreact, buffing and nerfing classes way too much. Luckily it never stops being awesome stomping around as a T.Rex, or pouncing someone as a raptor, netting a Pteranodon at the last second as it tries to grab you...

    When it released, there really wasn't much to the game. Just a fairly fun team deathmatch mode. But the developers have been steadily adding new game types and classes. Remembering that they're an indie team, this is pretty good value for money, but it's far from perfect. The last patch fixed some problems but it also broke a number of things, and introduced annoying balance changes. For better or worse, they're now recoding the game to be a lot more stable. Hopefully once the next update hits the niggling issues with performance and class tweaks will be resolved. More updates further down the line with additional game modes and classes have been promised, so the future seems bright for Primal.

    While it might not be a game you'll play every day, dinosaur lovers will have a blast, and for anyone who's into multiplayer FPS, it'll make for a real fun night with some friends every once in a while.    … Expand
  2. kaotikrys
    Nov 1, 2012
    9
    This game is great. They did an absolutely amazing job at making the dinosaurs scary as hell, yet not overpowered. Playing each of them feels great, intuitive and natural. Playing the humans is truly a tense experience. Many times the games will end up with the humans huddled around an ammo crate fending off the dinosaurs as they try to break up the group. The thing is, when you getThis game is great. They did an absolutely amazing job at making the dinosaurs scary as hell, yet not overpowered. Playing each of them feels great, intuitive and natural. Playing the humans is truly a tense experience. Many times the games will end up with the humans huddled around an ammo crate fending off the dinosaurs as they try to break up the group. The thing is, when you get picked off from the group (which will inevitably happen), you will spawn away from the group. Now all of a sudden you are out in the open alone, heading toward the same point on the map as all of the dinosaurs, this is where the real fun begins, as invariably a dino (or multiple) will be hard on your tail before you make it back to the group.

    I'm loving this game, and I can't wait for more maps and a new mode or two. Definitely worth the price of admission; I'll get more hours out of this game than most of the blockbusters in the last year combined.    … Expand
  3. DB1000
    Nov 30, 2013
    10
    its cheap and really funny to play i also gonna buy all the DLC
    So if i were you ask your mom your dad (parents) to buy this awesome game
    and see waht you can do
  4. MeGaZ
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    it very fantastic game i'm buy it 5 dollar and it worth to buy this with powerfully graphic
    and co-op with 1000 hours game play. very funny when playing with friend
  5. simonkvamm
    May 19, 2013
    10
    This is a wonderful wonderful game, with many opportunities. It is extremely entertaining and offers hours and hours of fun and enjoyment. If you are looking for a dinosaur game, this is the game you want.
  6. neckromancing
    Nov 5, 2012
    8
    I'm sure you're thiniking oh, just another dinosaur game.

    Yes, *JUST* TEAM FORTRESS 2 Meets Jurassic Park! Those words were all it took for me. You might need further convincing. Here's a pro/con list: Pro: -T-Rex and velociraptor and pterodactyl and dilophosaurus. -Unique Niche classes on both sides. -Very very low cost. -Well-balanced gameplay -Team-focused -Recreates that "I    I'm sure you're thiniking oh, just another dinosaur game.

    Yes, *JUST* TEAM FORTRESS 2 Meets Jurassic Park! Those words were all it took for me. You might need further convincing. Here's a pro/con list:

    Pro:
    -T-Rex and velociraptor and pterodactyl and dilophosaurus.
    -Unique Niche classes on both sides.
    -Very very low cost.
    -Well-balanced gameplay
    -Team-focused
    -Recreates that "I must get to homebase and safety!" feeling you get from watching Jurassic Park as the characters try to get out of the wilderness and into fortified structures with others.
    -Strong resemblance to both TF and JP brands.
    -Simple but rewarding gameplay.

    Cons:
    -Limited Playerbase -Single Deathmatch game mode (which will be fixed on first free update with objective modes...hoping for a car chase).
    -Asymmetrical classes (which is a nice refresher)
    -Gameplay is simple, no progression/perks.

    In short, it is a simple, well-balanced asymmetrical deathmatch game at present, and depending on how much updates and gamemodes are added, may grow into a more replayable experience. For $15, it can't be beat, though... if you love gameplay and dinosaurs and Team Fortress 2, this is your game.    … Expand
  7. Tal_Kalon
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    This game is fun as hell. Each class fits a role, and counters something else. It feels great to see how the classes work together. The levels are gorgeous and well set up. Playing as the humans is a tense experience and who doesn't love dinosaurs. I hope it continues to get support and maintains a healthy population, because I honestly enjoy this more than Team Fortress, Counterstrike orThis game is fun as hell. Each class fits a role, and counters something else. It feels great to see how the classes work together. The levels are gorgeous and well set up. Playing as the humans is a tense experience and who doesn't love dinosaurs. I hope it continues to get support and maintains a healthy population, because I honestly enjoy this more than Team Fortress, Counterstrike or Call of Duty.… Expand
  8. RuedR5566
    Jun 3, 2013
    6
    the ideal of this game is fine, but the control is very bad, you can't reload while sprinting, you need reload first...
    and the sniper rifle is troublesome to use with scope, the balance is bad, you can hardly see the flame gay and sniper character in a role. yet it's great to play as the dinosaur.
  9. Jimeng
    May 12, 2013
    9
    Primal Carnage is the step that really captures dinosaur gaming. Not only is this the few dinosaur based game but it is really fun in many ways. The classes are amazing and all of them have a role in the game play and none of them are overpowered. In fact many of the classes have another weakness from a different class. The Tyrannosaurus can't take far ranged classes. But if there arePrimal Carnage is the step that really captures dinosaur gaming. Not only is this the few dinosaur based game but it is really fun in many ways. The classes are amazing and all of them have a role in the game play and none of them are overpowered. In fact many of the classes have another weakness from a different class. The Tyrannosaurus can't take far ranged classes. But if there are short ranged it would be a easy kill. Now the game has two types of teams. Dino and Human, The human team plays in a first person few while the dinosaurs play in a third person few. Now let's talk about the classes.
    Humans:
    Pyro- Has a flamethrower and a chainsaw and can deal lots of damage. Just don't attack a T'rex or a Carnotaurus with this class or your dead.
    Commando- A heavy tank that can enflict massive damage yet isn't that well with agility. Pteranodons can pick this one up and drop him to the floor.
    Trapper- Does exactly what the name tells. It traps small dinosaurs and kills them. Big dinosaurs can only be trapped by there mouths and even then they can still trample you.
    Pathfinder- This class is most likely the supportive class. It can blind dinosaurs and them kill them with his shotgun. Yet the shotgun isn't that big of a range weapon.
    Scientist- The only female character in the game and can do some damage with her sniper. She can also use her trank dart.

    Dinosaur:
    Novaraptor- One of the fastest classes in the game. Can lunge onto the humans and will kill them instantly. The pyro can kill this dinosaur with his chainsaw so keep a eye out.
    Pteranodon- Yeah so this is the hardest of the classes. It really doesn't work well and I couldn't pick up one human so yeah. You may need practice with this one.
    Dilophosaurus- Can spit poison in enemy's eyes ans can bite with a punch.
    Carnotaurus- This one replaced the Compy in the game so yeah that was somewhat a let down but it really is fun to play with this class. This class can charge a enemy and ram it in the air as it falls and splats to the ground.
    Trex and Spinosaurus- Now the reason why I am doing them at the both time is because they play the same. Both of them have tons of health yet they are slow. Snipers can take these guys out so be carful with these guys.

    Now the game types don't varry that much you have your standered death match and get to the place. So there really isn't that much of creativity in this part.

    In conclusion this game is great. I will give it a 8.5 out of ten.    … Expand
  10. Gunz101
    Oct 31, 2012
    10
    I think they really hit this one on the head its a perfect dino game and it seams that everything is well balanced it was done with a small team of developers and i think they did a wonderfull job.
  11. Kill_Hammer
    Nov 2, 2012
    9
    Lets start off buy saying that the game is alot of fun, its pros far out weighs its cons. There are a few bugs, i have had some glitching and it could use more polishing. I can say that it is very enjoyable.
  12. rammcconnell
    Nov 4, 2012
    9
    This game is bad ass. The graphics are amazing. The combat is fluent and Every class is unique and fun to play. With a few bug fixes and free map and game mode dlc (as promised), this game deserves an almost perfect score. I hope to see the serves stay active.
  13. lmnzZ
    Jun 13, 2013
    10
    Well thought out game well designed maps beautiful artwork crazy awesome gameplay. Some time needed to master attacks of each character one flaw you can't always be on the DINO team.
  14. Pureray
    Feb 8, 2013
    9
    This is a cool game, but it still needs to add some more features into the game that I look forward to. The dinosaurs are so fun to play as, some of them take alot or some pratice in order to master, same goes for the humans. Also a ton of hilarious moments occur while playing which brings a good feeling. I highly recommend you get this game since it's also at a decent price and if youThis is a cool game, but it still needs to add some more features into the game that I look forward to. The dinosaurs are so fun to play as, some of them take alot or some pratice in order to master, same goes for the humans. Also a ton of hilarious moments occur while playing which brings a good feeling. I highly recommend you get this game since it's also at a decent price and if you enjoy dinosaurs then you will surely enjoy this.… Expand
  15. schneider707
    Jun 26, 2013
    9
    They did amazing job but as well as theres bad stuff such as Glitches !
    the game is all abt glitches and 2 possible mods DeathMatch and GTTC...
    however it really deserve 7 out of 10 because its first of its kind and the dinos looks awesome as well as humans team
  16. nharzhool
    Mar 13, 2013
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game! Despite being in South Africa and having to deal with 200+ ping to servers, the game compensates for the lag superbly. The teams are very balanced with the smaller dinosaurs having to rely on pack-work or stealth to take down single enemies whereas the humans have some very powerful arsenals at their disposal. The maps are beautifully designed and the game flowsAbsolutely fantastic game! Despite being in South Africa and having to deal with 200+ ping to servers, the game compensates for the lag superbly. The teams are very balanced with the smaller dinosaurs having to rely on pack-work or stealth to take down single enemies whereas the humans have some very powerful arsenals at their disposal. The maps are beautifully designed and the game flows very nicely. Should get an even higher rating because this is an indie game. The dinos are intimidating and very powerful but the humans have the advantage of weaponry and maneuverability. There are bugs and it is a bit short on content but that doesn't take away from the fact that you can play as a massive T-Rex that runs over or eats people up! How is that NOT awesome? Plus, it is only $15. Also, I got it on special so only paid $5. WIN!… Expand
  17. Jaleeni
    Apr 20, 2013
    10
    I absolutely love this game. It may not have a wide variety of game modes, but it's still pretty addicting. I mean, come on...dinosaurs, lol. You really have to have good team work in order to survive...or kill. In the end you'll be satisfied either way. Just try it out.
  18. Damanxxx
    Oct 31, 2012
    10
    Primal Carnage is everything Dino beat down isPrimal Carnage is everything Dino beat down is not..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
  19. lefiath
    Nov 14, 2012
    7
    A promising indie title that still needs a lot of work, to be exact, more content. So far, only deadmatch mode is available and it soon becomes clear how limited this game is right now (they promise other modes for free, but we don't know when). Plus, people in the game are overpowered and it usually ends up with gang of people that dinosaurs are trying to break. This is not a perfect gameA promising indie title that still needs a lot of work, to be exact, more content. So far, only deadmatch mode is available and it soon becomes clear how limited this game is right now (they promise other modes for free, but we don't know when). Plus, people in the game are overpowered and it usually ends up with gang of people that dinosaurs are trying to break. This is not a perfect game by any means, but people are obviously thrilled by another decent dinosaur game after long time (especially after horrible Dino beatdown, after playing that, I would call anything masterpiece), so they rate it better than it deserves. Also, it's basically L4D ripoff, if you compare dinosaur classes with zombie classes there.… Expand
  20. killer55
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    Wow i really did not expect it to be as good as it is. It really has that jurassic park movie feel to it. the teams are well balanced the raptor is the best class for the dino side and the sniper and tranquilizer is the best on the human side. So far iv only seen one bug and it was a graphical glitch that has gone away, from what i have played it is well worth the 15 dollars. I give it aWow i really did not expect it to be as good as it is. It really has that jurassic park movie feel to it. the teams are well balanced the raptor is the best class for the dino side and the sniper and tranquilizer is the best on the human side. So far iv only seen one bug and it was a graphical glitch that has gone away, from what i have played it is well worth the 15 dollars. I give it a solid 8.5 out of 10 and thats just becouse it needs some polishing and will be more like a 9… Expand
  21. destruction33
    Oct 31, 2012
    8
    Fun game hands down, great gameplay ,and a solid idea. Needs a few fixes here and there and it will be good to go. If you have 15 dollars its a must buy.
  22. Roco45
    Apr 21, 2013
    0
    Incredibly unpolished game. If the technical and graphical glitches don't make you pull your hair out then the unbalanced classes will. On top of that the devs take months to come out with updates such as fixing two problems and two new maps, but every time an update comes out there are even more bugs added to the current list. It's appalling that the devs comes out with skin packs youIncredibly unpolished game. If the technical and graphical glitches don't make you pull your hair out then the unbalanced classes will. On top of that the devs take months to come out with updates such as fixing two problems and two new maps, but every time an update comes out there are even more bugs added to the current list. It's appalling that the devs comes out with skin packs you have to pay for, but cannot release a patch to fix the constant crashing that most of the primal carnage community is plagued with. I bought this game for the dinosaurs and because it was unique, most of the positive scores on here are from people that are like "OMG DINOSAURS,OMFG WHO DOESN'T LOVE DINO's", truth is this game could of offered something fresh and new to the mp scene, but it didn't. The engine they built it upon cannot even support what they were trying to do, that much is clear (Example is any dino is able to stick his head through walls, thus killing humans in spots that are suppose to provide shelter). I would of gave this game at least a one, but the primal carnage community is why I gave it a zero. There is a forum section where people can post problems and feedback on the game. If a person were to go and post about some major bugs in this game and expose how unpolished it is then they will surely be attacked by the community. This is an indie game, but that's no excuse for the poor work done here. I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone, save your money and buy one the many amazing triple A titles coming out in the coming months.… Expand
  23. kotay
    May 31, 2013
    0
    Game is so bad, servers are laggy, whilst I am not one to care for graphics they look like you are watching the game on a 480p youtube video. Gameplay is dull, dinosaurs handle terrible, shooting mechanics are terrible. So many bad points I cannot be bothered to list them all, good idea, terrible execution, don't waste your money on this one.
  24. redzzzzzza
    Nov 1, 2012
    9
    OK, so I've played this game since release and have a few hours of gameplay under my belt now. First, excellent job on Primal Carnage; it is well made and extremely fun, good job team. Also you should give your modeler a higher percentage for doing such an awesome job. Now there are a few things I'd like to bring up that I found problematic. One major issue I have is the auto-team balance.OK, so I've played this game since release and have a few hours of gameplay under my belt now. First, excellent job on Primal Carnage; it is well made and extremely fun, good job team. Also you should give your modeler a higher percentage for doing such an awesome job. Now there are a few things I'd like to bring up that I found problematic. One major issue I have is the auto-team balance. I have played 2 full rounds as dinosaurs out of roughly 130 games and all but those 2 times I have been auto switched to humans. I do not know if people are taking advantage of some team switching glitch or something, but it's annoying and irritates me to no end. I understand that everyone wants to play as dinosaurs but don't quit the server every time you have to be human. Other than the auto team balance issue, nothing remains. It's a great game that I recommend everyone picks up. Few things can match being a pterodactyl picking up a human and taking them to the top of the map before dropping them; it's like built-in trolling, I love it.… Expand
  25. the_sprawl
    Feb 18, 2013
    7
    I previously rated this a 3 due to lack of content but the developers have worked hard and added the new Get to the Chopper mode which has finally added some purpose to the game. The barebones team deathmatch mode was always just a contest to see who could switch to the dinosaur team fastest when one of them got bored and stopped playing, but with Get to the Chopper mode there's a reasonI previously rated this a 3 due to lack of content but the developers have worked hard and added the new Get to the Chopper mode which has finally added some purpose to the game. The barebones team deathmatch mode was always just a contest to see who could switch to the dinosaur team fastest when one of them got bored and stopped playing, but with Get to the Chopper mode there's a reason to play the human team and actually work together.… Expand
  26. Sennekaul
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    This game was a great deal at $15. There is only deathmatch right now, but considering it is a small indie game studio, it is understandable that the game is still under development. That said, what I've played has been extremely enjoyable. There is a lot of detail in the maps gives the battlefield great atmosphere, and the different classes have a lot of diversity and character. JustThis game was a great deal at $15. There is only deathmatch right now, but considering it is a small indie game studio, it is understandable that the game is still under development. That said, what I've played has been extremely enjoyable. There is a lot of detail in the maps gives the battlefield great atmosphere, and the different classes have a lot of diversity and character. Just playing T-Rex and charging into battles, trampling players and eating them whole, was well worth the price of admission. I love to roar as I'm chasing down a lone human player, as they try to avoid this monster bearing down on them. Seldom do they escape... but with great power also comes certain vulnerabilities.

    There is free DLC on the way to add more to the multiplayer experience, such as objectives, as well as skins for the dinos. This game was an instant favorite, and I'm looking forward to what new features are developed.    … Expand
  27. chipthemonk
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    Primal Carnage was bought for me as a gift, and when I received it I said to myself "Oh crap, now I have to play this terrible game with my friend because he bought it for me." Well, I was completely, absolutely and incredibly wrong. This game is the most fun I've had playing with my friends since my LAN party days with Warcraft 3. It's not a AAA title with a great story or incrediblyPrimal Carnage was bought for me as a gift, and when I received it I said to myself "Oh crap, now I have to play this terrible game with my friend because he bought it for me." Well, I was completely, absolutely and incredibly wrong. This game is the most fun I've had playing with my friends since my LAN party days with Warcraft 3. It's not a AAA title with a great story or incredibly large beautiful environments that will pull you in. What it does though, it does very well. The maps are designed well, and the game looks very good (much better than I expected). The controls are precise and pretty easy to get a handle on (take a look at the keyboard layout and you can figure it out pretty well). There are different classes to play for both humans and dinos, giving you different ways to play. The game may not be up for any awards, but it is 100% fun.… Expand
  28. LadiesMan217
    Feb 7, 2013
    6
    It's pretty fun but the balance seems favored highly towards the dinos. Probably worth the cost and a few hours of your time. Playing as a TRex is so fun it might justify buying this. Anyway, good work for an indie-ish game.
  29. Brosman
    Jul 6, 2013
    7
    Super fun game, there just isn't much to it really. Its fun to get on and play for an hour or so just to kill some time and have some fun, But when it comes down to it, you get bored after a little time playing just because of the lack of content.
  30. electricspit
    Jun 16, 2013
    7
    This game is every multiplayer team game mixed with Jurassic Park. The dinosaurs are terrifying if you're a human but they aren't really overpowered. I've had a lot of fun so far playing it, and I will continue to play it in the future.

    The only thing I can see wrong with the game and why I gave it 7/10 was because of the lack of customizability. They need more guns! More options for    This game is every multiplayer team game mixed with Jurassic Park. The dinosaurs are terrifying if you're a human but they aren't really overpowered. I've had a lot of fun so far playing it, and I will continue to play it in the future.

    The only thing I can see wrong with the game and why I gave it 7/10 was because of the lack of customizability. They need more guns! More options for human players to choose from. It makes sense that dinosaurs only have certain abilities, but humans should be able to at least pick from a selection of weaponry.

    Other than that, it's a fantastic game and I recommend purchasing it (if it's on sale for the time being)!.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
69
#69 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 5, 2013
    60
    An interesting subject of humans and dinosaurs pitched against each other is the only unique thing this game has to offer. [CD-Action 03/2013, p.68]
  2. ZTGD
    Feb 20, 2013
    80
    Lukewarm Media set out to do one simple thing with Primal Carnage: let people play, as and fight, dinosaurs. They hit that mark and then some. Even with no level progression, I still come back to it just to eat some humans. For $15, you get the closest thing there is to a Jurassic Park multiplayer game, and it also happens to be a lot of fun.
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  3. Vandal
    Feb 7, 2013
    68
    Just fun in a straight-forwarded way. Having dinosaurs is one of the key elements that makes it different and enjoyable, however, we think there's no enough content to keep us playing after a few hours.
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