Primal

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
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  1. Game Over Online
    73
    A pretty face may get you in the door, but interactive ignorance will get you thrown out the window.
  2. Yahoo!
    70
    Pure action-junkies may lose patience with Primal (if the prolonged, "enforced tutorial" beginning doesn't outright kill them), but those who like to sit back and soak in atmosphere are in for one hell -- one Hell -- of a moody ride.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    Doesn't hold up in the areas that count the most: Its combat is mindlessly repetitive, its puzzles aren't very inventive, and there are often long, boring stretches between the action. [May 2003, p.126]
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  5. TotalGames.net
    69
    We’d recommend Primal to those of you who like games to act as a dictator rather than an instigator. And those who find fetching cups off coffee comparable to the heroic tasks undertaken by the heroes of Greek mythology.
  6. Game Informer
    68
    In the end, this would-be epic is nothing more than a series of lock-and-key puzzles - the same outdated concept that developers have been shoving down our throats since the first "Prince of Persia." [May 2003, p.80]
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  7. GameNow
    67
    A really nice looking game, and the environments feel like actual places (as opposed to game levels), so exploring them isn't aways that painful. [June 2003, p.53]
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  8. G4 TV
    60
    Looks good and plays well, though you have to accept that a tough puzzle or vague objective can bring your progress to a screeching halt at any moment.
  9. Gamestyle
    60
    To get any satisfaction from Primal takes a great deal of effort and compassion, and this price will be too high for some of us.
  10. GamePro
    60
    Too bad the slow pace of the gameplay hobbles the cool concept.
  11. Game Revolution
    58
    Reminds me of Sony's own "The Getaway" - a game rich in atmosphere with gameplay that doesn't keep up.
  12. Eurogamer
    50
    A rank combat system, quirky camera and a lack of inspiration at the game's exploration/puzzle core make playing the game hard work.
  13. GMR Magazine
    50
    At worst, it's a standard adventure game that wastes good graphics, competent voice acting, and an engaging plot. [May 2003, p.71]
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best PS2 Game of 2003
76
#76 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
27
#27 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 74
  3. Negative: 5 out of 74
  1. phz
    Jan 3, 2014
    10
    this game was one of the best i played when i was young on ps2
    still love it and i hope a sequel is in progress i dno what other ppl had in    this game was one of the best i played when i was young on ps2
    still love it and i hope a sequel is in progress i dno what other ppl had in the past but this game is awsome    … Full Review »
  2. Axebrossia
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    Primal universe is gorgeous !!! amazing history and deep fantasy, you spend time playing at 13 hours! very big game, Primal deserved a sequel!Primal universe is gorgeous !!! amazing history and deep fantasy, you spend time playing at 13 hours! very big game, Primal deserved a sequel! come on people!!… Full Review »
  3. Rox22
    Jan 24, 2013
    9
    Probably one of the most gorgeous games on the PS2. Lush visuals, great soundtrack, interesting and creatively designed characters, greatProbably one of the most gorgeous games on the PS2. Lush visuals, great soundtrack, interesting and creatively designed characters, great voice acting. To be honest though, I did find some the handling a little clumsy at times, but this is really just a minor point as the game keeps you engrossed enough to not notice. A real shame that it wasn't longer. It isn't a short game but it is just so well designed and so excellently paced that you just crave more and more. Overall: One of my favorite games on the PS2 and I hope that someday a worthy sequel gets made.… Full Review »
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