Metascore - 78
If scores are missing, it's because the reviews are still in progress as they've decided to wait until multiplayer is under normal public stress conditions. Feel free to PM me when score updates happen.
Polygon - 8 (Provisional)
http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/9/8003383/evolve-review-xbox-one-PS4-PC
Evolve offers something different, even if it doesn't always succeed.
Evolve occasionally brushes against a real breakthrough for Turtle Rock, with its distinctive take on a different kind of multiplayer shooter. New territory always presents new problems, and Evolve doesn't always solve them. But it distinguishes itself from the pack of multiplayer options out there with the flair of something truly different.
PC Gamer -
http://www.pcgamer.com/evolve-review/#page-1
Evolve’s emphasis on skillful movement, spotting, and out-maneuvering your opponent make it an excellent competitive game. The Hunters and monsters have some of the most elegantly simple-but-deep mechanics I’ve laid hands on. And Evolve is one of the best-looking games on PC, blessed with splashy particle effects, smart UI, and monsters worthy of Pacific Rim.
But I’m concerned about Evolve’s longevity. At first touch, Turtle Rock’s 4v1 formula has tons of novelty. Over dozens of matches, though, the short, intense matches that it (usually) produces felt less memorable and remarkable. Without maps that bolster its replay value, or mod support to fill in, it’ll fall to paid DLC and Evolve’s planned free map releases to keep pace with players’ content fatigue.
Eurogamer -
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-02-09-evolve-thrills-but-for-how-long
Left 4 Dead's replayability was obvious even during the first run through of every level - the way it toyed with players and how its systems crafted drama with alarming regularity. Evolve maintains some of these qualities - especially when you're surprised by marauding wildlife - but its best ideas are already repeating themselves
Gamespot - 8
http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/evolve-review/1900-6416026/
As with Turtle Rock’s Left 4 Dead, Evolve is best when you play with buddies; getting matched with a novice can lead to ghastly results if your newfound friend constantly seeks out the nonexistent “I” in “team.” It doesn’t take long to whip a newcomer into shape, at least, meaning you can usually focus on Evolve’s unique brand of greatness: the suspense of the hunt, the exhilaration of battle, and the drive to dominate Shear. Even Sasquatch would shiver at the dangers.
IGN - 9
http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/02/12/evolve-review
It’s rare for a big multiplayer game like Evolve to feel so considered and intelligent. Everything – skills, mechanics, and design choices – seem to interlock in a way that’s both natural and purposeful. That it’s so mechanically rich and still conveys the raw energy and fun of duking it out with huge monsters and action-figure-esque hunters is a real design feat. Its progression system stifles it a bit early on, but regardless, Evolve is a deeply rewarding multiplayer experience that packs both brains and brawn.
Shacknews - 7
http://www.shacknews.com/article/88009/evolve-review-evolution-does-not-happen-overnight
Overall, it's a bit of a time investment, but after learning the ins-and-outs of hunting, Evolve starts to become a more engaging time-killer. Evacuation is a keen way to mix the game's otherwise uninspired game modes and its solid bot play means that I'll still be able to enjoy it even during down hours. The table for an enjoyable multiplayer session is set, whether jumping in with friends or getting more anti-social and devouring opponents as a lone monster. But considering some of the subpar game modes, I can't help but feel this package could have been something bigger.
MMGN - 8
http://mmgn.com/xboxone/evolve-review
There’s still time to evaluate Evolve on a matchmaking front, and so our final score could change once public servers go online. Having played alongside friends, the game excels with planned tactics and when communication is tight. But what will Evolve be purely as a matchmaking experience with random players? Can it hold up? We don’t know this yet. What we do know is that as a pure co-op shooter -- or as a single-player rampage simulator -- Evolve stands up as one of the genre’s best.
Stevivor - 7.5
http://stevivor.com/2015/02/review-evolve/
In the end, this one’s really a mixed bag. If you adore multiplayer, belong to a dedicated clan, thrive in competitive eSports-style play or simply turn your nose at the thought of single-player, this one’s for you. Pretending to have a single player mode is a cardinal gaming sin, and one that Evolve is guilty of. This game shouldn’t be played alone, and as such, lone wolves need not apply.
Gametrailers -
http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/v6opmt/evolve-pre-launch-report
Escapist - 4.5/5
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/art...views/12957-Turtle-Rock-Studios-Evolve-Review
Evolve is a strong co-op title that rewards good teamwork with an amazing experience. Plenty of variety in classes and game types makes every round something new.
Venturebeat -
http://venturebeat.com/2015/02/08/e...t-still-has-a-few-kinks-to-work-out/view-all/
What you’ll like
- It’s easy to learn and difficult to master
- The evacuation mode is a stroke of genius
What you won’t like
- The jump/climb mechanic still doesn’t work
- Like all multiplayer games, balance will be an issue at launch
Gamesradar - 3.5/5
http://www.gamesradar.com/evolve-review/
It's not a game you can boot up and enjoy casually, mind. Constant comminution is required to coordinate the Hunters different abilities effectively, meaning Evolve is much smoother when played with pals rather than randoms. My multiplayer matches so far have usually ended with battles against the Monster that devolve into massive clusterf**ks. But hey, they've been fun clusterf**ks.
Game Informer - 8.5
http://www.gameinformer.com/games/e...e/2015/02/11/evolve-review-game-informer.aspx
As it is, Evolve does its one thing remarkably well, and the few other gripes I have – including long, multi-stage load times and the inability to customize A.I. teammates when playing with friends – don't dampen my enthusiasm for playing more. Evolve's matchups offer a lot of replayability and competitive thrills, and I can see myself returning to it consistently in the following months – even if those play sessions do inevitably end with me lusting for more to do in the world.