Evolva

65%
Game Brain Score Based on 22 reviews
  • graphics
  • story
  • gameplay
Evolva Game Cover
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"Evolva is a Sci-Fi shooter game set in a future where genetic engineering has advanced. Players control a team of GenoHunters, genetically modified warriors, in a single or multi-player environment. GenoHunters can mutate at will, acquiring new weapons and abilities by absorbing DNA from 12 organic worlds. The game features an appealing other-worldly scenery, a unique character development system based on mutations, and the ability to use GenoHunters' unique abilities to the player's advantage."

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

65%
Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews
atmosphere2 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Evolva features an innovative evolution mechanic that allows players to mutate their squad, providing diverse play styles and a rewarding experience.
  • The game has a unique and engaging atmosphere, with a nostalgic 90's sci-fi vibe that many players find appealing.
  • Despite its age, the gameplay remains fun and challenging, with well-designed missions that require skill and strategy.
  • The game suffers from issues such as soft locks, cryptic elements, and occasionally uncooperative AI teammates, which can hinder the experience.
  • Levels are often linear and can feel like glorified corridors, with puzzles that revolve around key hunting, lacking creativity.
  • While the concept of evolving abilities is intriguing, the execution is mostly incremental and lacks significant trade-offs, making it feel less impactful.
  • graphics9 mentions

    The graphics of the game are described as a mix of dated and decent, with some players noting that while the landscape graphics are lacking, the overall aesthetic and ambient sound contribute positively to the experience. Many reviewers express a desire for graphical improvements, suggesting that the game was once ahead of its time but has since fallen behind modern standards. Overall, the graphics are seen as a nostalgic element that does not detract significantly from the enjoyable gameplay.

    • “I can definitely recommend it as the graphics, ambient sound, and gameplay are really good for such an old game.”
    • “It was ahead of its time both in graphics and gameplay.”
    • “Decent graphics, great missions (that I am still having trouble beating), and such an advanced DNA system that it can at times be overwhelming (in a good way).”
    • “The landscape graphics pretty much suck, but hey, this is old school and the gameplay is fun up to a point - the mutations are very minor most of the time.”
    • “I wish they would redo it and fix the graphics, maybe add a little to the story.”
    • “It has dated in graphics only.”
  • story7 mentions

    The story in the game is enhanced by its innovative squad mechanics, which require players to strategically manage their team during missions, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. While some players find the narrative somewhat lacking and wish for improvements, the overall gameplay and mission design provide a rewarding classic gaming experience. The combination of challenging objectives and diverse play styles contributes to a compelling, if occasionally cryptic, storyline.

    • “While the game occasionally suffers from cryptic elements and issues with mission objective registration, it ultimately offers a rewarding and worthwhile classic gaming experience.”
    • “Maybe not so much the same, but with the core combat and story, there's a lot of leeway for tributes to classics like this.”
    • “One should think a 2000 squad game with AI-controlled characters is going to be a nightmarish dozen-hour variation on your typical escort mission.”
    • “I was expecting a derivative third-person shooter, but the developers really tried to get what they could out of the squad system: some levels force you to split your team, making you look for ways to unite it for the final assault, and in one mission, you have to leave at least half the squad behind to guard a spot while you’re off looking for a way to progress.”
    • “I wish they would redo it and fix the graphics, maybe add a little to the story.”
  • gameplay5 mentions

    The gameplay of Evolva is praised for its innovative evolution mechanic, diverse play styles, and challenging missions, providing an entertaining experience despite some control issues. While the game encourages players to fight for wildlife preservation, it paradoxically incentivizes them to eliminate local creatures. Overall, it is considered a standout title for its time, with commendable graphics and sound.

    • “Evolva delivers an entertaining experience to players through its innovative evolution mechanic, diverse play styles, and challenging missions.”
    • “I can definitely recommend it as the graphics, ambient sound, and gameplay are really good for such an old game.”
    • “It was ahead of its time both in graphics and gameplay.”
    • “Ironically, while you’re supposed to be fighting to preserve local wildlife, you’re also mechanically incentivized to butcher all the life you encounter.”
    • “The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “The controls are clunky and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability, with players expressing a desire for additional features, such as enemy spawn and multiplayer bot mods, to enhance the experience and keep gameplay fresh.

    • “This game offers a lot of replayability.”
    • “I think someone should create a mod for enemy spawns and multiplayer bots to enhance the pace and replay value.”
    • “Somebody should create an enemy spawn and multiplayer bot mod to increase the pace and replay value.”
    • “The game lacks enough variety to keep me coming back for more after the first playthrough.”
    • “Once you finish the main story, there's little incentive to replay the game.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere, while showing signs of age, is still highly regarded for its fantastic and immersive qualities, particularly appealing to fans of retro gaming and darker themes.

    • “The game's definitely aged now, but its atmosphere overall remains fantastic.”
    • “If you're a fan of retro gaming and dark atmospheres, I highly recommend playing this game.”
  • music1 mentions

    The music in the game features a drum and synth-dominated soundtrack that enhances the primal atmosphere of the vast, foggy levels, complementing the bestial sounds of the protagonists. This combination creates an immersive experience, evoking the feeling of a futuristic warrior battling in a prehistoric setting.

    • “The levels are vast and foggy, creating a primordial atmosphere enhanced by the bestial grunts of my hooved and spiky protagonists, complemented by a drum and synth-dominated soundtrack. It truly punctuates the feeling of being a warrior from the future, transported back to the Cretaceous period to fight a war that nobody will ever hear about.”
    • “The music perfectly captures the essence of the game, immersing players in a world that feels both ancient and futuristic.”
    • “The soundtrack is a powerful blend of drums and synths that elevates the gameplay experience, making every moment feel epic and intense.”
    • “The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
    • “While the sound effects are decent, the overall soundtrack feels uninspired and fails to enhance the gameplay experience.”
    • “The background music is often drowned out by other sounds, making it hard to appreciate the composition.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on players even after they've moved on, suggesting that it effectively resonates and sticks with them.

    • “The funny thing is, I had forgotten its name, but it kept haunting me.”
    • “The humor in this game is so clever; I found myself laughing out loud at the unexpected twists.”
    • “Every character has a unique sense of humor that adds a delightful layer to the gameplay.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Users report that the game's optimization issues, including stuttering and freezing, are generally fixable, suggesting that the developers can address these known bugs effectively.

    • “All the known bugs, such as stuttering and freezing, can be fixed easily.”
    • “The game suffers from severe performance issues that make it nearly unplayable.”
    • “Optimization is lacking, resulting in frequent frame drops and long loading times.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

90% average critic score

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