Before diving into Predator: Hunting Grounds, you need to ask yourself a serious question: “Do you have time to bleed?” If the answer is no, then proceed. With caution.
With that out of the way, let’s discuss this asymmetric shooter from Illfonic. The premise is simple: one player takes on the role of the Predator, hunting down a fireteam of four human players. With the stage set for an epic showdown, let’s venture into the jungle and see what awaits. I’ll just make a quick stop at this mud hole along the way…
Story isn’t typically a focus in asymmetric multiplayer games, but Predator: Hunting Grounds makes a commendable effort. Audio tapes found throughout missions provide backstory and context and it seems Predators have been visiting Earth for their hunting rituals, a Private Military Company (PMC) has discovered their technology and seeks to exploit it, and another organisation – OWLF – aims to stop them. It’s a complex web of factions and motivations, but it provides a solid foundation for the jungle warfare that ensues.
The game’s presentation is impressive. The jungle environments are vast and detailed, offering multiple routes and flanking opportunities. The character designs, both for the Predators (with customisable cosmetic options) and the fireteam members, are well-executed. The Predator’s abilities, such as thermal vision and cloaking, are faithfully recreated and the sound design is equally impressive, from the iconic drums that signal the Predator’s presence to the satisfying sounds of weaponry and the chilling cloaking effect. There’s no doubt that the developers have successfully captured the atmosphere of the classic Predator film.
Gameplay is divided into two distinct roles: the Predator and the human fireteam. Each match features four humans and a single Predator, reminiscent of games like Evolve. While playing as the Predator is undeniably thrilling, the fireteam experience is also enjoyable, with varied objectives and dynamic missions. Let’s explore both sides of this conflict.
As the Predator, your mission is straightforward: hunt down and eliminate the fireteam, collecting trophies if possible. Stealth is crucial, and utilising the treetops for observation and traversal is essential. Thermal vision helps track the fireteam’s movements, unless they’ve cleverly masked their heat signatures with mud. The Predator can swiftly navigate the trees, escaping pursuit if spotted, however, the Predator is surprisingly vulnerable in direct confrontations with the fireteam. A stand-up fight often ends poorly for the alien hunter, forcing a desperate scramble for the self-destruct device. A more effective strategy involves stealth, ambushing isolated fireteam members, and gradually picking them off.
While you can also eliminate AI-controlled enemies, the fireteam remains your primary target. The only minor drawback is that the fireteam’s efficiency in completing objectives can sometimes force the Predator into an overly aggressive playstyle, which can backfire.
On the other side, the fireteam is tasked with completing a series of objectives within a designated jungle area. The maps are diverse, and the objectives, randomly selected from a large pool, ensure that each mission feels unique. Whether you’re incinerating drugs or destroying Predator technology, there’s always an element of unpredictability.
Along the way, you’ll encounter AI-controlled enemies that, while not particularly intelligent, can pose a threat if you stray from your team. Sticking together is crucial, especially in the later stages when the Predator becomes aware of your location. At the end of the mission, you must reach the extraction point, often a helicopter. This is the most dangerous phase, requiring vigilance and teamwork to survive.
While the core gameplay is enjoyable, there are areas for improvement and matchmaking is a concern. Cross-play is enabled by default, allowing you to play with PC and PlayStation users, however, PC players have had a three-year head start on console folk, giving them access to superior gear and abilities. Joining a match as a low-level newcomer against experienced PC players can be disheartening. Implementing skill-based matchmaking would create a more balanced experience.
Additionally, the matchmaking process itself can be slow, even with cross-play enabled. Waiting several minutes between matches is not uncommon, which can be frustrating considering the relatively short duration of each round.
Perhaps the most significant missed opportunity is the lack of single-player content. This game is ripe for a campaign mode, either as a human or a Predator, potentially with drop-in/drop-out cooperative play. This addition would significantly enhance the game’s longevity and appeal.
Despite these shortcomings, Predator: Hunting Grounds is thrilling and enjoyable, especially when played with friends. The fast-paced action, tense stealth, and satisfying Predator gameplay create an engaging and immersive experience. While there are areas for improvement, the fun factor outweighs the negatives, and I recommend giving it a try.
Predator: Hunting Grounds Stalks Onto Xbox Series X|S and PS5 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/predator-hunting-grounds-stalks-onto-xbox-series-xs-and-ps5/
Buy Predator: Hunting Grounds on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/predator-hunting-grounds/9P38KTB806QP/0010
