TRIBES 3: Rivals

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,082 reviews
  • gameplay
  • monetization
  • graphics
TRIBES 3: Rivals Game Cover
Starting at €19.50Buy now
Get on Steam

TRIBES 3: Rivals is a team-based first-person shooter focused on jetpack-enhanced jetpacks, skiing, and class-based warfare. Players compete in capturing the enemy's flag while defending their own in stunning, diverse environments. Customizable classes, perks, and weapons add strategic depth to the fast-paced, high-speed combat.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,082 reviews
gameplay71 positive mentions
monetization40 negative mentions
  • The core gameplay is fast-paced and fun, capturing the essence of the Tribes series.
  • Skiing mechanics and movement feel great, providing a unique and exhilarating experience.
  • The game has potential for growth and improvement, with developers actively listening to community feedback.
  • The game feels barebones, lacking essential features like vehicles, text chat, and diverse game modes.
  • There are concerns about the monetization model, with expensive cosmetic DLCs and a daily win requirement to unlock skins.
  • The player base is low, leading to matches often being filled with bots instead of real players.
  • gameplay199 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has been described as fast-paced and engaging, with solid core mechanics reminiscent of the classic Tribes series, particularly in terms of skiing and projectile-based combat. However, many players feel that the game is lacking in content and variety, with limited game modes and features compared to its predecessors, which detracts from the overall experience. While the fundamental gameplay loop is enjoyable and has potential, concerns about monetization and a lack of depth in mechanics have led to mixed reviews regarding its long-term appeal.

    • “The gameplay of the Tribes series is the best gaming experience I have ever had.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is great and feels phenomenal to play.”
    • “I love Tribes and Tribes 3 is so far built on solid core mechanics and graphics.”
    • “There's no base-oriented gameplay, which is something a huge amount of players from previous games really enjoyed.”
    • “The game is a massively stripped down iteration of the original, clearly designed to be a lazy cash-grab through overpriced DLCs and absurd gameplay requirements to attain cosmetics.”
    • “The highly increased ease of hitting opponents diminishes the depth of combat, shifting the focus away from mechanical skill.”
  • monetization62 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many players feeling that it prioritizes profit over player experience. Users express frustration over high-priced DLCs, a lack of meaningful content updates, and a predatory microtransaction system that feels exploitative. While some acknowledge that the monetization is not pay-to-win, the overall sentiment is that it detracts significantly from the game's potential and enjoyment.

    • “I've put 350 hours into Helldivers in the last couple of months, and that game has a universally acclaimed, new-player-friendly monetization system.”
    • “Monetization is for cosmetics only, which is great.”
    • “Monetization at this point is not predatory like Tribes: Ascend.”
    • “I was hoping for a faithful sequel to the originals and got a soulless cash grab instead.”
    • “The game has some really good basics, but the head of devs who managed the game really showed it is just a cash grab... arguing on Discord with the people that playtest and give you valuable feedback is not the best approach.”
    • “This game is a blatant cash grab.”
  • graphics30 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the updated visuals that enhance the nostalgic feel of the classic Tribes series, while others criticize subpar performance and recycled assets. Some players appreciate the stunning visuals and satisfying physics that complement the fast-paced gameplay, but concerns about framerate issues and overall aesthetic quality persist. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good for the genre, there are calls for further improvements and optimizations.

    • “Love this game, runs like a dream. The graphics are top-notch and bring back great memories of Tribes 1 and Tribes 2.”
    • “The stunning visuals complement the fast-paced gameplay, making every moment feel like a cinematic adventure.”
    • “Beautiful graphics, cleanly designed interface, drum and bass music in-game, extremely satisfying physics that allow you to generate insane speed to traverse massive, intelligently crafted maps with adequate variety and differences between them.”
    • “Visually, Tribes 3 fails to impress, with subpar framerate performance and lackluster artwork, including recycled assets from other games.”
    • “Graphics worse than in Ascend and performs worse than Ascend.”
    • “Trash aesthetics.”
  • story11 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant absence of a cohesive story mode in the game, with players expressing a desire for a campaign that leverages the rich lore of the Tribes universe, reminiscent of earlier titles. Many feel that the current gameplay lacks depth due to cramped maps and chaotic free-for-all scenarios, contrasting with the expansive environments of previous games. Additionally, there are concerns about the development team's direction, with some players perceiving a disconnect between the original vision and the current execution, leading to a fragmented narrative experience.

    • “Well, sometimes after traumatic events in one’s life, we need a mission to pull us through—and when Tribes 3 early access launched, I began to live again.”
    • “Story is part of the map design and it is missing.”
    • “My personal opinion of what they could add later down the line; a campaign/story mode because the world of Tribes is already rich and vibrant and the last one we had was about 20 years ago.”
    • “The story of Tribes 3 rivals starts on a single premise: it would have been 'easy' for them to just make Tribes Ascend 2 instead.”
  • optimization11 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is mixed; while some users report solid performance and smooth gameplay on typical gaming setups, others experience subpar framerates, particularly on lower-end hardware and with certain configurations. Visuals are criticized for being unimpressive, and server performance issues contribute to a less stable experience. Additionally, the presence of Denuvo anti-cheat has raised concerns about potential performance impacts, though its effects remain debated among players.

    • “Performance is solid and, unlike launch, a lot of my games have been fairly even in skill.”
    • “My gaming computer is very typical according to Steam: Ryzen 3600, RTX 3060, etc. and the game runs smoothly in most situations.”
    • “It runs alright on the Steam Deck; the playtest had better performance for me.”
    • “Visually, Tribes 3 fails to impress, with subpar framerate performance and lackluster artwork, including recycled assets from other games.”
    • “Compounding these issues is the subpar server performance, evident in glitchy enemy animations and overall instability, further detracting from the gameplay experience.”
    • “Denuvo anti-cheat required to activate the game, which has a history of causing performance issues as well as being consumer unfriendly by acting as DRM in addition to Steam.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as both unintentional and absurd, with players finding amusement in the chaotic gameplay and quirky features, such as the bizarre seasonal cosmetics that evoke a sense of ridiculousness. Users enjoy the comedic moments that arise from gameplay mishaps, like players suiciding on proximity mines, and the overall tone is light-hearted, despite some frustrations with server issues. The humor is a significant aspect of the experience, making it entertaining even when the game faces challenges.

    • “Skiing is essentially the heart of any Tribes game; funny enough, in the original, it wasn't even a planned feature.”
    • “The only time I've had much fun in this game is either camping the generator or laughing at speed demons diving for the flag only to suicide onto my proximity mines.”
    • “It turns you into bargain bin Sonic the Hedgehog, straps a jetpack onto your back for no reason other than 'gotta go fast', hands you an explosive frisbee gun, and slaps you on the booty, telling you to go shoot the funny little flying dudes that are obsessed with stealing the communal stripper pole.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the great soundtrack and fitting drum and bass tracks that enhance the fast-paced gameplay, others criticize the overall quality and atmosphere, feeling it lacks the charm of the original game. Despite the divided opinions, many agree that the music complements the game's design and physics well, contributing positively to the overall experience.

    • “Beautiful graphics, cleanly designed interface, drum and bass music in-game, extremely satisfying physics that allow you to generate insane speed to traverse massive, intelligently crafted maps with adequate variety and differences between them.”
    • “Great soundtrack and the gameplay is good, excited to see more features in the future.”
    • “Pros: fast-paced, high skill ceiling, graphics are great for this genre, really good soundtrack, roadmap for future updates laid out for at least a year.”
    • “The music lacks the atmosphere of the old game, making it feel completely out of place.”
    • “The soundtrack is absolutely terrible and does not fit the game's vibe at all.”
    • “The music is a significant downgrade from the previous version, failing to capture the essence of the original.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling engaged and invested in their choices and strategies. However, there is a notable tension between positive experiences and frustrations stemming from gameplay mechanics, leading to mixed emotional responses. Overall, while some players feel a sense of community and support for the developers, others are affected by past negative experiences with similar games.

    • “It made me feel like I was making choices, enacting strategies, really engaging with the battlefield and adjusting tactics to match the situation.”
    • “The fact that they were addressing these important community concerns made me feel like I could give them money.”
    • “Rating positively to offset the mostly emotionally fueled negative reviews, the game feels great to play, but needs a lot of work.”
  • stability5 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many users report a smooth and enjoyable experience with minimal bugs, others have encountered significant issues, including conflicts with Steam and a lack of polish due to reused assets. Early access players appreciate the potential for improvement, but some find the game to be a buggy mess.

    • “The game runs great and is a lot of fun to play.”
    • “The game is basically bug-free in early access, so you can get it now and improve.”
    • “Buggy, conflicts with Steam.”
    • “All these reused assets are slapped together without care, leading to a buggy mess of a game.”
    • “It wasn't a particularly buggy game mode or super unbalanced.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game suffers from a lack of content and depth, leading to a repetitive experience where matches feel identical and uninspired. Many users feel it lacks the core features that previously contributed to replayability in the franchise, resulting in a game that may quickly lose players' interest. While it offers a simplified version of the original experience, it ultimately falls short in providing lasting engagement.

    • “It's missing 90% of the core features of previous tribes games that gave it any kind of depth and replayability, and features that have been fundamental in games in general for decades.”
    • “Feels like a great, minified game that condenses the tribes experience into a nice, replayable, but ultimately bite-sized chunk.”
    • “There is no content at all; every match is the same. There are no interactions or special features that could give the game any replayability. You might fall asleep after three games.”
    • “The lack of variety makes it feel like a chore to play again. Once you've experienced everything, there's no incentive to return.”
    • “After a few rounds, it becomes painfully repetitive. The game offers little to keep players engaged for a second playthrough.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the new game is widely criticized for lacking the chaotic and fun essence of its predecessors, with many players noting the poor music and overall balance issues. The absence of familiar gameplay elements and the introduction of unappealing mechanics detract from the experience, leading to a sentiment that it fails to capture the spirit of the original series.

    • “The atmosphere in this game is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world with stunning visuals and haunting sound design.”
    • “Every corner of the game is filled with a unique ambiance that enhances the storytelling and keeps you engaged.”
    • “The combination of the eerie soundtrack and the detailed environments creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
    • “None of the old game's atmosphere remains; the music is absolutely terrible, and the balance is off. They've added unnecessary elements like healing items that you place on the ground in a game where you're moving at 100 km/h. There's no capture and hold mode, no benefits for those who bought the old version before it went free, and overall, the weapon balance is terrible. It just doesn't feel like Tribes.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game frustrating due to the stark skill gap between AI bots and human opponents, leading to a lack of engaging gameplay. While there are cosmetics to unlock through grinding, all gameplay options are available from the start, which some players appreciate.

    • “There's only one game mode, Capture the Flag, where you go against bots and it doesn't tell you. The skill gap between the bots and the worst players is wild; you'll go from being bored out of your mind against the dumbest AI possible to being utterly destroyed by the couple dozen people still grinding the game out.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy TRIBES 3: Rivals

Play time

28hMedian play time
440hAverage play time
20-60hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games