Predator: Hunting Grounds

Predator: Hunting Grounds

Asymmetrical multiplayer shooter pitting a team of human commandos against a terrifying Predator in the dense jungles of Central America.

Predator: Hunting Grounds throws players into a thrilling cat-and-mouse game where the odds are stacked against the human team. The core gameplay loop is simple yet effective: a squad of four commandos must complete objectives across various maps, while a lone Predator stalks them from the shadows, using its superior speed, agility, and arsenal of deadly weaponry to hunt them down. The asymmetry is the game’s greatest strength, creating a constant tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat, regardless of which side you’re on.

Playing as a commando requires teamwork, strategy, and efficient communication. Coordinating attacks, managing resources, and utilizing the environment to your advantage are crucial for survival. Each commando class offers a unique skillset, adding depth and encouraging diverse team compositions. However, the human side can often feel underpowered against a skilled Predator player, particularly in the early stages of the game. Learning the maps and mastering the specific capabilities of each class is a necessity for success. The AI controlled Fireteam members can be frustrating, often lacking the tactical awareness to effectively support the human players.

The experience of playing as the Predator is a completely different beast. The feeling of power is undeniable as you silently stalk your prey, utilizing cloaking technology and an array of high-tech weaponry to take down the unsuspecting humans. The visceral satisfaction of a perfectly executed ambush or a silent takedown is unmatched. However, mastery requires significant practice, as learning to effectively use the Predator’s abilities, coupled with the challenges of navigating the game’s environments undetected, constitutes a steep learning curve.

Graphically, the game is visually impressive, with lush jungles and well-detailed character models, making for an immersive hunting experience. The sound design further enhances the tension, with the chilling sounds of the jungle and the Predator’s terrifying roars setting the perfect atmosphere. However, the game has suffered from some performance issues on certain platforms, leading to occasional lag and frame rate drops that can detrimentally impact gameplay. This inconsistency undermines the otherwise impactful presentation.

Overall, Predator: Hunting Grounds is a thrilling and enjoyable asymmetrical multiplayer game that provides an adrenaline-pumping experience. While it has its flaws, mainly in the potential for imbalance and performance inconsistencies, the unique gameplay loop and intense atmosphere more than make up for them. The thrill of the hunt, whether as a predator or prey, remains consistently captivating. The game’s strong core mechanics are let down slightly by issues such as the less than reliable AI, but it provides an interesting and exciting experience nonetheless. I give Predator: Hunting Grounds a 7.5 out of 10.

Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Veteran game reviewer and news specialist, providing informed commentary and critical analysis of video games for 13 years. With expertise spanning diverse genres and platforms, he offer a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

6 comments

comments user
SarahJane87

I enjoyed the concept and the graphics were pretty good, but the AI teammates were utterly useless. More often than not, they just ran straight into the Predator and got us all killed. It made the human side feel really unbalanced and frustrating. Needs improvement on the AI front.

comments user
xX_ShadowHunter_Xx

As a Predator main, this game is AMAZING! The feeling of power is unmatched. The thrill of the hunt, the silent takedowns…pure bliss. Yeah, the learning curve is steep, but mastering the Predator is incredibly rewarding. 10/10 would recommend to any Predator fan!

comments user
Sarah_Plays

This game is AMAZING! The graphics are stunning, the sound design is perfect for setting the atmosphere, and the gameplay is addictive. I love the challenge of both sides – the strategic gameplay as the commandos and the intense thrill of the hunt as the Predator. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but that’s part of the fun! I’ve had a few frustrating moments with lag, but it’s not enough to detract from my overall enjoyment. 9/10 from me!

comments user
J. Thompson

As a huge Predator fan, I was hyped for this game, and it largely delivered! The asymmetrical gameplay is fantastic, the tension is palpable whether you’re the hunter or the hunted. The feeling of power as the Predator is incredible. However, the AI teammates as a commando are ridiculously dumb, often ruining otherwise perfect flanking maneuvers. Needs some AI tweaking, but still a solid 8/10 for me.

comments user
CaptainRex88

Huge disappointment. The game constantly crashes on my PC, and the frame rate drops make it unplayable at times. The human side feels incredibly weak against a competent Predator player, making it frustrating to play. The potential is there, but the technical issues ruin the experience completely. 2/10 until they fix the bugs.

comments user
J_Gamer24

This game is a blast! The asymmetrical gameplay is brilliant, keeping you tense whether you’re hunting or being hunted. The sound design is top-notch, really adds to the atmosphere. However, I did experience some lag on my PS4, which was annoying. Despite that, it’s still a solid 8/10 for me.