Predator: Hunting Grounds Review (PS5) – Reviewing Illfonic‘s Predator: Hunting Grounds is a bit of a full circle moment for me, given it was one of my first reviews for PSU. Getting the chance to see what it has improved upon, in comparison to my criticisms for its counterpart from the previous generation has been rather cathartic.
As a fan of the franchise, I was a bit let down before as there is so much potential in the multiplayer scene for a Predator game, but fast forward to 2024, that very same game. It let me down in 2020, has possibly fulfilled that potential, and given me the very game I was pining for.
Predator: Hunting Grounds Review
Redemption Arc
When I reviewed Predator: Hunting Grounds back in 2020, the biggest issue I had with it was the clunky gameplay. It never really felt that great to play, and when half of your game is experienced as an FPS, and the other half as an elite extraterrestrial hunter, it’s going to be a problem when it comes to longevity.
However, Predator: Hunting Grounds in 2024 plays very smoothly. Everything is snappy and responsive and in tow, brings the whole experience up quite a lot, as it makes playing as both the Predator and the fireteam very fun and straightforward to play.
And it really is straight forward. I have to give a massive kudos to the developers as it took all of ten minutes to get back into the groove of playing Predator: Hunting Grounds. I didn’t feel like I was an anchor around a team’s neck, and I even managed to win more than a few rounds as the Predator itself.
With the gameplay fixed beyond my expectations, feeling buttery smooth, the only other key issue I had previously was the enemy AI, and well; unfortunately that isn’t fixed near as much as I’d like. However, enemy soldiers do feel more like a piece of the scenery, rather than an opposing force anyway.
Seeing as the game itself feels so much better to play, it makes that criticism much more forgivable. Besides the main focus is on the Predator vs Fireteam gameplay, and that is exactly where it excels.
Uneven Unlockables
When it comes to progression, there is virtually endless levels with various things to unlock such as weapons and cosmetics, but it does feel more slanted towards The Predator.
The lack of personalization within the Fireteam is a shame, as the 1987 sci-fi horror classic did a surprisingly good job with making its soldiers standout, with memorable appearance quirks and quotes. While that is here, it needs to take it one step further in the game, as our military grunts are not fully fledged characters.
While the fireteam’s customization options are lacking, the Predator’s certainly is not. There is an array of options such as skin tones, faces, armor, and even skeletal trophies to wear. Immediately I opted for the Feral Predator from Prey, and have largely stuck with it since.
I even selected its wrist shield and bolt launcher for the sake of accuracy. Although, I’d recommend trying all weapons and equipment out, as there is a lot to experiment with, and find what is the right loadout for you.
Even though each Predator design does come with different stat attributes, strengths and weaknesses, I went with fashion over function. There is so many great ones to choose from, and so many awesome designs. This undoubtedly is still where the developers love of the franchise is most apparent.
Hopefully Illfonic continue support, and add more fireteam cosmetics for the sake of personalization in future updates, especially bringing back Arnie‘s legendary Dutch, who has gone missing from the game.
Ain’t Got Time To Bleed
Jumping back into Predator: Hunting Grounds has been a lot of fun. It being very approachable allows for players to jump in and out of the game, respecting players’ time, while offering an experience that is faithful to the franchise. So far I’ve won just as many rounds with new players as I have experienced ones.
There is plenty to choose from when it comes from asymmetrical multiplayer games, but Predator to me feels like the most natural fit. Even just recently I’ve had some great moments that; as a fan, had me smiling from ear to ear. A successful self destruction sequence as the Predator laughs maniacally, or successfully evacuating with the Predator’s body in pristine condition makes for a great time.
Given that Predator: Hunting Grounds now runs on Unreal Engine 4.27, along with Vivox and Wwise, the whole experience feels more polished from a technical standpoint, from top to bottom, so fans of asymmetrical games or Predator should absolutely give this game another chance, because I think you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
As spooky season continues, you will most definitely continue to see me (probably dying to a smart disc) on the Hunting Grounds.
Predator: Hunting Grounds is available now for PS5.
Review copy provided by publisher.