TRIBES 3: Rivals

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,192 reviews
  • gameplay
  • monetization
  • graphics
TRIBES 3: Rivals Game Cover
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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 2,192 reviews
gameplay142 positive mentions
monetization83 negative mentions
  • The game captures the fast-paced, chaotic gameplay that the Tribes series is known for, providing a nostalgic experience for long-time fans.
  • The skiing and movement mechanics are well-implemented, allowing for exhilarating gameplay and satisfying mid-air shots.
  • The developers have shown responsiveness to community feedback, making improvements and adjustments since the early access launch.
  • The game lacks significant content, with only one game mode (CTF) and no vehicles or base-building mechanics, leading to repetitive gameplay.
  • There are concerns about the monetization model, with expensive cosmetic DLCs and a daily win requirement to unlock skins, which feels predatory.
  • The player base is small, often resulting in matches filled with bots, which diminishes the overall experience and makes it hard to find real players.
  • gameplay404 mentions

    The gameplay of the latest installment in the Tribes series is characterized by its fast-paced, high-octane action and solid core mechanics, particularly in skiing and projectile-based combat. However, many players feel the game lacks depth due to limited game modes, absence of classic features like base mechanics and vehicles, and a monetization system that detracts from the overall experience. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable for fans of the series, it is seen as a stripped-down version of its predecessors, leaving some players wanting more content and variety.

    • “The gameplay of the Tribes series is the best gaming experience I have ever had.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of skiing and shooting is very fun, but... can you seriously recommend this game with all the red flags?”
    • “The gameplay itself is absolutely phenomenal, and I'm having more fun than I've had in an online FPS in years.”
    • “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 defense mechanics are non-existent so it ends up just being flag capping back and forth between sides.”
  • monetization127 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many players feeling that it prioritizes profit over player experience. Reviewers have pointed out the high costs of DLC and the lack of earnable content without significant grinding, leading to perceptions of a predatory system. While some acknowledge that the monetization is strictly cosmetic and not pay-to-win, the overall sentiment remains negative, with many feeling abandoned by the developers shortly after launch.

    • “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.”
    • “This game felt like a cash grab from the beginning.”
    • “The early access release is clearly a cash grab.”
    • “One mode, no customization at all (unless you drop $40-80 on the skin packs, even then you have to log in daily and play to earn skins. Terrible system for monetization) which is dumb as hell.”
  • graphics61 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received 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 that complement fast-paced gameplay, but concerns about framerate issues and overall aesthetic quality persist. Overall, while the graphics are generally seen as a strong point, there are calls for further improvements and optimizations.

    • “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.”
    • “I love Tribes and Tribes 3 is so far built on solid core mechanics and graphics.”
    • “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.”
  • story23 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant absence of a cohesive story mode in "Tribes 3," with many users expressing a desire for a campaign that leverages the rich lore of the franchise, which has been dormant for two decades. Critics note that the current gameplay feels chaotic and lacks the strategic depth of earlier titles, emphasizing the need for larger maps and a more structured narrative experience. Overall, the community is hopeful for future updates that could enhance the storytelling aspect and restore the franchise's legacy.

    • “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.”
    • “Tribes is a story about a dev team catching lightning in a bottle in 1998, and then a collection of stories of people who feel the need to change every parameter until the game is made in their own image.”
    • “Story is part of the map design and it is missing.”
    • “My personal opinion of what they could add later down the line is 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.”
    • “Tribes is a story about a dev team catching lightning in a bottle in 1998, and then a collection of stories of people who feel the need to change every parameter until the game is made in their own image, by which point it's become a can of shit that gives you a static shock when you try to open it.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of Tribes 3 has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing solid performance while others report subpar framerates and visual quality. Issues such as glitchy animations and server instability detract from the gameplay experience, and while some users have found workarounds to improve performance, the game still feels under-optimized for many systems. The presence of Denuvo anti-cheat has raised concerns about potential performance impacts, although 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 (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.”
  • humor19 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as absurd and self-aware, with players finding amusement in the quirky mechanics and over-the-top cosmetic options, such as the "bargain bin Sonic the Hedgehog" look. Many reviewers enjoy the comedic moments that arise from gameplay, like watching players hilariously fail while attempting to capture flags. Overall, the humor is a mix of satire and playful commentary on the game's design choices and community reactions.

    • “The only time I've had much fun in this game is either camping the generator or laughing at speed demons diving the flag only to suicide onto my proximity mines.”
    • “- Seriously though, somebody was absolutely on the funny smoke when they thought up that seasonal cosmetics pass.”
    • “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.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the drum and bass soundtrack as a highlight that complements the fast-paced gameplay and beautiful graphics. However, others criticize it as lacking the atmosphere of the original game, describing it as "absolute crap." Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated by some, it fails to resonate with others who feel it detracts from the game's 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.”
    • “None of the old game's atmosphere, absolute crap music, terrible balance, added some crap like a healing item you put on the ground in a game where you're moving at 100km/h, no capture and hold mode, no benefits for those who bought the old version before they made it free, overall terrible weapon balance, and it just doesn't feel like Tribes.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling engaged and empowered by their strategic choices on the battlefield. Despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics, the community's concerns being addressed fosters a sense of trust and willingness to support the developers. However, there is a notable divide in sentiment, with some negative reviews stemming from past experiences with other games, which may not be relevant to this title.

    • “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; venting in the replies is in no way constructive.”
  • stability10 mentions

    The game's stability is mixed, with some users reporting a smooth and enjoyable experience, particularly in early access where it is described as nearly bug-free. However, others have encountered significant bugs and conflicts, particularly related to asset reuse and integration with Steam, leading to a perception of a poorly assembled game.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Buggy, conflict with Steam.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game suffers from a lack of content and variety, leading to repetitive matches that diminish replayability. Reviewers note the absence of key features that previously contributed to depth and engagement, resulting in a simplified experience that may quickly become monotonous. Overall, while it offers a condensed version of the original gameplay, it fails to provide the lasting appeal needed for repeated play.

    • “Feels like a great, minified game that condenses the tribes experience into a nice, replayable, but ultimately bite-sized chunk.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The atmosphere of the new game has been widely criticized for lacking the chaotic and fun essence of its predecessors, with many players feeling it fails to capture the original's spirit. Complaints include poor music, unbalanced gameplay, and the introduction of mechanics that detract from the fast-paced experience. Overall, players express disappointment that the new iteration does not evoke the same excitement and enjoyment as the older titles in the series.

    • “None of the old game's atmosphere, absolute crap music, terrible balance, added some ridiculous elements like a healing item you put on the ground in a game where you're moving at 100km/h. It just doesn't feel like Tribes.”
    • “The atmosphere is completely lacking compared to the original game. The music is terrible and doesn't fit the vibe at all.”
    • “This game fails to capture the essence of its predecessor. The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, making it hard to get immersed.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be uneven, as the only mode available is Capture the Flag (CTF) against bots, leading to a frustrating experience due to the stark skill gap between AI and human players. While there are some cosmetics to unlock through grinding, all gameplay options are accessible from the start, which is a positive feature. Overall, the grinding experience can feel tedious and unbalanced.

    • “There's only one game mode, Capture the Flag, where you go against bots and it doesn't inform 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 few dozen people still grinding the game out.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

26hMedian play time
406hAverage play time
20-60hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs

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