TL;DR
Evolve boasts an innovative 4v1 monster hunt premise and impressive graphics, offering intense, tactical matches. However, its novelty fades quickly, leaving a desire for more depth. The game lacks a compelling solo mode and suffers from a reliance on online servers, with limited replayability. While technically sound, it feels incomplete and may not justify its full price. Discover if Evolve's unique gameplay loop is enough to keep you hooked by reading the full review.
2K and Turtle Rock generated significant anticipation for their multiplayer action game Evolve, particularly at GamesCom 2014 where it was recognized as “most anticipated game.” Now that it’s released, the crucial question is whether it lives up to the pre-release expectations.
It’s often argued that the nature of hype sets expectations that are inherently difficult to satisfy. This was evident with Fifty Shades of Grey, and Watch Dogs. Similarly, Evolve, while possessing noteworthy qualities and a compelling premise, ultimately feels somewhat incomplete. While technically proficient, its novelty diminishes relatively quickly, leaving the player desiring more depth.
Evolve distinguishes itself with 4 vs 1 multiplayer matches. A team of four hunters (comprising a hunter, medic, trapper, and support role) pursues a colossal monster. This monster can devastate the environment in a manner reminiscent of Godzilla and evolve into more powerful forms by consuming local wildlife. The game features modes such as Evacuation, Hunt, Defend, and Nest, which, while conceptually similar, challenge the monster to strategically leverage its initial advantage to level up and overcome the pursuing team. This creates an initially engaging and intense experience.
Evolve‘s graphics are commendable, leveraging Crytek’s CryEngine 4, previously showcased in titles like Ryse: Son of Rome. The game delivers stylish animations and detailed environments within its sci-fi settings. The PlayStation 4 version exhibits slightly sharper detail compared to the Xbox One, attributed to its native 1080p resolution versus the Xbox One’s 900p. However, the difference is subtle. A more significant drawback is the 30 fps cap on consoles, contrasting with the 60 fps achievable on high-end PCs. The procedurally generated levels feature varied terrain, including mountains, water, and destructible/consumable flora and fauna. Players control the monster from a third-person perspective, while the human characters utilize a first-person shooter (FPS) view. The sound design is effective, although not exceptional. Of particular note are the environmental details and the surround sound implementation, which heightens tension by allowing players to track the monster’s heavy footsteps or the sounds of fleeing wildlife. Initial encounters escalate into chaotic life-or-death struggles, which, while initially intense, can become overwhelming. Voice acting is adequate, but the script lacks depth, and the character archetypes feel somewhat clichéd.
Similar to Destiny, Evolve requires a persistent online connection, echoing a problem first highlighted in 2012 with Diablo III. While internet infrastructure has improved, server outages remain a recurring issue. During a recent six-hour PSN outage, gameplay was impossible, even in single-player. Evolve lacks a dedicated solo or campaign mode, relying instead on multiplayer matches (computer-controlled bots are available for players without online friends). This reliance impacts its long-term appeal. While moments of emergent gameplay, such as a monster strategically hiding, can be enjoyable, the repetitive nature of hunting or being hunted eventually leads to fatigue. The game also incorporates a substantial amount of downloadable content (DLC). Even with modes like egg-saving, the overall variety remains limited. The absence of offline play or a workaround for server issues further detracts from the experience.
In conclusion, Evolve represents a commendable effort to innovate within the multiplayer action genre, providing initial entertainment. However, the absence of a robust solo mode significantly impacts its longevity. While future updates may introduce new planets, monsters, and avatars, the lack of a compelling narrative or sense of progression is a notable drawback. Currently, Evolve is a technically sound product that arguably lacks sufficient content to justify its full retail price.
