ReThink | Evolved

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 110 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
ReThink | Evolved Game Cover
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"ReThink | Evolved" is a narrative-driven first-person shooter that challenges players to question their actions and moral compass. As you navigate through a dystopian world, you will be faced with difficult decisions that will shape the story and your character's development. Experience intense combat, explore intriguing environments, and engage in thought-provoking conversations in this single-player adventure.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 110 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
story6 negative mentions
  • The game features a variety of well-designed puzzles that gradually increase in complexity, providing a satisfying challenge without becoming frustrating.
  • The visuals are clean and appealing, with a futuristic aesthetic that enhances the overall experience, complemented by calming background music.
  • The introduction of new mechanics, such as free-form cube placement and multiple paths through the game, adds depth and replayability, making it enjoyable for puzzle enthusiasts.
  • The game suffers from performance issues, with reports of low frame rates and crashes on certain setups, which can detract from the gameplay experience.
  • Some players found the difficulty curve to be inconsistent, with trivial puzzles followed by sudden spikes in complexity that may not be well-prepared for.
  • The game lacks a substantial narrative or story elements, which may leave some players feeling unfulfilled after completing the puzzles.
  • gameplay60 mentions

    The gameplay in "Rethink | Evolved" is characterized by its numerous short levels that introduce distinct challenges, enhancing player understanding of the mechanics. The game features a solid core mechanic of freely placing cubes to redirect colored lasers, along with several new elements that improve upon the original's frustrating aspects. While some mechanics are not well explained, the overall design encourages logical problem-solving and offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

    • “Levels are short and numerous, but thankfully there's no padding: each new challenge you encounter is meaningfully distinct and usually nudges you towards a better understanding of the mechanics.”
    • “The evolved version adds a bunch of interesting new mechanics that make each puzzle a memorable experience.”
    • “And whereas the first game rewards a trial-and-error style of gameplay that I find frustrating, evolved puzzles have a clear logic to them that leads to a greater sense of accomplishment when the exit door lights up.”
    • “The low frame rate hurts the gameplay a lot.”
    • “I stopped playing altogether when Rethink Evolved introduced the light walkways because now it was Portal 2, but Portal 2 had better movement mechanics.”
    • “There seems to be an assumption that mechanics and design are familiar, but I don't think that first 'real' puzzle has been properly trained for.”
  • story26 mentions

    The story in "Rethink: Evolved" is minimal and often described as a superficial layer over the gameplay, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth compared to other puzzle games like "Portal" or "The Talos Principle." While there is a small backstory and some updates provided through a tablet interface, the overall narrative is considered bare-bones and not a focal point of the experience. Players seeking a rich story may be disappointed, but those who prioritize puzzle design will find enjoyment in the game.

    • “A small but interesting backstory with constant updates on your tablet.”
    • “It may lack the strong story that something like Portal or Talos Principle has, but the puzzles are still very good.”
    • “There’s no story, so there’s nothing left unresolved, but even so I would have expected ... something.”
    • “Rethink evolved is pretty bare bones and does not differ from most other puzzle story plot lines.”
    • “You have volunteered (where do they find all these people?) to solve puzzles, that's pretty much the story.”
  • graphics24 mentions

    The graphics in the game are widely praised for their clean visuals and beautiful design, featuring a mix of modern architecture and lush vegetation powered by the Unreal Engine. Players appreciate the clear presentation and atmospheric aesthetics, although some have noted the need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance. Overall, the visuals complement the engaging puzzles and contribute to a relaxing gaming experience.

    • “Excellent puzzles, nice graphics and atmosphere, clear presentation, flawless performance and controls, and it doesn't waste your time with filler or repetition.”
    • “The visuals are really nice with a mix of slick modern architecture and vegetation using the new Unreal Engine.”
    • “This game is fantastic in every way from performance, puzzles, and graphics; it is easily a must-play for anyone who wants to scratch that puzzle fix.”
    • “Important: one key point is that you will likely have to tinker with the graphics settings to find a combination of settings that will work for your machine.”
    • “That said, for the most part the rest of the game is fun, though I've had to look through some walkthroughs as some of the manipulatable targets are simply plain black tiles that blend into the wall graphics.”
    • “There is a lot of graphics settings to choose from, and console commands are also available.”
  • optimization18 mentions

    The optimization of "rethink | evolved" has received mixed reviews, with some players noting significant performance issues despite the game's appealing graphics and puzzles. While it offers a range of graphic options and settings, many users recommend waiting for further optimization, especially for those without high-end systems. Overall, the game is praised for its design but criticized for its lack of smooth performance.

    • “Excellent puzzles, nice graphics and atmosphere, clear presentation, flawless performance and controls, and it doesn't waste your time with filler or repetition.”
    • “This game is fantastic in every way from performance, puzzles and graphics; it is easily a must play for anyone who wants to scratch that puzzle fix.”
    • “Performance - lots of graphic options, amongst others: FOV slider, detailed performance settings, rebindable keys.”
    • “The real problem this game has is performance.”
    • “If you're a puzzle aficionado you will probably enjoy the game, but I do have to warn you, for how simple and clean the game looks, the performance will not be there.”
    • “Seems like it might be decent as an indie project if you have a high-end system, but I'm not revisiting this until they optimize for better performance.”
  • music12 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall experience with beautiful, non-intrusive ambient tracks. However, some players noted that the soundtrack features the same tracks as the previous game, leaving a desire for new compositions. Overall, the music complements the clean visuals and engaging puzzle mechanics effectively.

    • “The music is very relaxing and will stay with you, and the architecture is so beautiful that I often just stand in various spots and enjoy it.”
    • “Beautiful non-intrusive ambient music and sounds.”
    • “It's a little puzzle game with neat graphics and relaxing background music.”
    • “The music is very relaxing and will stay with you, and the architecture is so beautiful that I often just stand in various spots and enjoy it (there's the pity that it can't be visited!).”
    • “It's a little puzzle game that has neat graphics and relaxing background music.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is praised for its excellent graphics and immersive design, contributing to a clear and engaging experience. Players appreciate the lack of filler content, allowing for a focused gameplay experience, while a unique zero-gravity mechanic adds an intriguing twist to the environment.

    • “Excellent puzzles, nice graphics, and atmosphere; clear presentation, flawless performance and controls, and it doesn't waste your time with filler or repetition.”
    • “One new mechanic (if it's a mechanic) is an area in later rooms that will be encased in a somewhat no atmosphere/zero gravity field.”
  • humor2 mentions

    Users find the humor in the game to be delightfully absurd and primal, evoking a sense of silliness that resonates with a basic, instinctual enjoyment. The comedic elements are described as both entertaining and mind-bending, contributing to a lighthearted experience.

    • “It makes my brain feel funny and my caveman brain go ooga booga lights.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly in low gravity areas, which detracts from the overall experience.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
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