TRIBES 3: Rivals

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,153 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

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,153 reviews
gameplay76 positive mentions
monetization44 negative mentions
  • The game captures the fast-paced, high-skill 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 fluid and exhilarating gameplay.
  • The core gameplay loop is enjoyable, with satisfying gunplay and the thrill of mid-air shots.
  • The game feels barebones at launch, lacking many features and game modes that were present in previous Tribes titles.
  • There is a significant presence of bots in matches, which detracts from the experience and makes it difficult to gauge player skill.
  • The monetization model is criticized for being predatory, with expensive cosmetic DLCs and a daily win requirement to unlock skins.
  • gameplay215 mentions

    The gameplay of the latest installment in the Tribes series is characterized by its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics, particularly the skiing and jetpack features that fans have come to love. However, many reviewers express disappointment over the game's lack of depth, limited game modes, and absence of traditional elements like vehicles and base-building, which detracts from the overall experience. While the core mechanics are solid and enjoyable, the game feels barebones and is criticized for its monetization practices and lack of content, leaving players longing for the richer gameplay of previous titles.

    • “The gameplay loop is simple capture the flag, but the core of tribes is mastering the projectiles and movement, and is one of the most fun and entertaining casual and competitive multiplayer experiences you can have.”
    • “The gameplay is fantastic.”
    • “The core gameplay is fast, unique, and fun.”
    • “It honestly feels as though the intention of prophecy games was to boil tribes down to its absolute core barebones mechanics and absolutely nothing else.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization69 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many users expressing disappointment over high-priced DLCs, excessive microtransactions, and a lack of meaningful content updates. Players feel that the monetization model prioritizes profit over player experience, leading to a perception of the game as abandoned and exploitative. While some acknowledge that the monetization is not pay-to-win, the overall sentiment is that it is predatory and detrimental to the game's longevity and community engagement.

    • “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.”
    • “Thought we were getting another Tribes game, instead more of a desperate cash grab disguised in Tribes clothing that got the carpet ripped out from underneath, abandoning the game shortly after arrival.”
    • “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 clean design that complement the 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.

    • “Love this game, runs like a dream. 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.”
  • story12 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 the original games. Overall, there is a strong sentiment that the game's narrative potential remains untapped, and players hope for future updates to address this gap.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Tribers 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.”
  • optimization12 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is mixed; while some users report solid performance and low resource usage, others experience subpar framerates, particularly on lower-end systems, and issues with server stability. Visuals are criticized for being unimpressive, and there are concerns about the impact of Denuvo anti-cheat on performance. Adjustments to settings may be necessary for smoother gameplay, especially on less powerful hardware.

    • “Performance is solid and, unlike launch, a lot of my games have been fairly even in skill.”
    • “+ low system resource usage coupled with no performance issues”
    • “My gaming computer is very typical according to Steam: Ryzen 3600, RTX 3060, etc. and the game runs smoothly in most situations.”
    • “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 is 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 a mix of absurdity and irony, with players finding amusement in unexpected features and the quirky nature of seasonal cosmetics that evoke a sense of ridiculousness. Many reviews highlight the comedic moments that arise from gameplay interactions, such as players' antics and the game's over-the-top elements, which contribute to a lighthearted experience despite some frustrations with server issues. Overall, the humor is seen as a defining aspect that enhances the enjoyment of the game, even if it sometimes feels unintentional.

    • “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.”
  • stability6 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players report a generally smooth experience with minimal bugs, others encounter significant issues, including conflicts with Steam and a lack of polish in asset integration. Despite these problems, many feel the game is enjoyable enough to warrant perseverance through its bugs.

    • “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.”
    • “It is buggy, but the game is worth fighting through it.”
    • “Buggy, conflicts with Steam.”
    • “All these reused assets are slapped together without care, leading to a buggy mess of a game.”
  • 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 contributes positively to the experience, especially in conjunction with the game's impressive graphics and satisfying physics.

    • “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 stemming from past experiences with the developer, Hi-Rez, leading to mixed feelings about the game's current state and community dynamics. Overall, while the gameplay elicits positive emotions, concerns about balance and fairness contribute to a complex emotional landscape among players.

    • “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.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game suffers from a lack of content and depth, leading to repetitive matches that diminish replayability. Many users feel it lacks essential features found in previous titles, resulting in a shallow experience that may quickly become monotonous. While it offers a condensed version of the original gameplay, it ultimately fails to provide the engaging interactions necessary for sustained interest.

    • “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, and 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 in gameplay makes it feel like a chore to play again. Once you've experienced it once, there's little incentive to return.”
    • “After completing the game, I found no reason to go back. The repetitive nature of the matches really kills any potential for replayability.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the new game is widely criticized for lacking the chaotic and fun essence of its predecessors, with users noting poor music, unbalanced gameplay, and a general feeling that it fails to capture the spirit of the original series. Many feel that the changes, such as the introduction of healing items and the absence of classic game modes, detract from the overall experience.

    • “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 detail, creating a rich and vibrant atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
    • “The combination of music, environmental sounds, and visual aesthetics creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
    • “None of the old game's atmosphere remains; the music is absolutely terrible, and the balance is off. They 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 purchased the old version before it became free, and overall, the weapon balance is terrible. It just doesn't feel like Tribes anymore.”
    • “The atmosphere is completely lacking compared to the original game. It feels empty and uninspired, making it hard to get immersed in the gameplay.”
    • “I was really disappointed with the atmosphere; it feels bland and lifeless, lacking the charm and excitement that made the original game so engaging.”
  • 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 few dozen people still grinding the game out.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

130hMedian play time
399hAverage play time
22-500hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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