Raymond Kilfoyle

I can say I have not ever touched an asymmetrical game before Predator Hunting grounds. Games like Friday the 13th and Dead before daylight never struck a cord with me as they are more about running from this omnipotent monster, solve boring puzzles, and evade to win. Not really my style of playing as I am a more aggressive player. However, Predator Hunting Grounds is a thrilling release from the more monotonous asymmetrical predecessors. Here you can fight back and even win. I can honestly say this game has hooked me on this genre. The graphics and gun play are relatively smooth on the fire team side. Similar to the Call of Duty franchise. Its not perfect but for a smaller company it is surprisingly polished. While the AI is still slightly clumsy the added chaos they bring along with the missions you must complete can be enough pressure for you to momentarily forget the larger threat looming in the trees above. And when that threat does appear with the trademark predator purr you are scared to death but still have a fighting chance to win. On the predator side, the look, feel, and setting launch you into a nostalgic wish come true that other Predator games don't. That wish is You are the predator a hunter seeking out the ultimate game. Instead of playing simply telegraphed and easily outsmarted AI. Instead you are facing REAL humans. That said, you cannot just go smashing into them or you will find yourself quickly setting off your self destruct code. Patience, and skill is the only way your going to win. You can take a punch, but too much will leave you bleeding your green glow all over the forest for the enemy to track. Moving through the trees feels relatively fluid and the freedom of movement is well balanced albeit with some small issues. Nothing is more satisfying however than adding another trophy to your hip or the eager excitement as you wait perched on a branch waiting to strike. The only cons are simple fixes. Graphics are good but not great, there are a few bugs there that can be fixed. The Predator is somewhat harder the play in earlier levels and balances out later. This is both due to him being slightly squishier than what one would hope to have, in addition to limitations on his attack abilities. Updating and expanding predators abilities is something I would like to see to offset his short comings but not make him OP. If this is not going to happen then reducing his blood splatter or increasing his health pool / offsetting with additional healing resources would help in the mean time. Later stages however fix this, and keep the game fresh with various different "predator styles" as well as different fire team compositions. 3 different maps also keep the game fresh and replayable. Overall despite the negative reviews I have seen from those youtube personalities and streamers during the beta. I am happy I followed my own gut feeling on this one as the game is great. For those of you on the fence about this one, trust your gut and don't always believe the opinions of popular streamers. Their tastes don't always match your own. Watch the game play yourself. ***Edit*** While matchmaking does have long wait times. There is a private match where you and 4 other friends can play and enjoy the game. Highly recommended for those that wish to have some fun with your friends. Additionally, for those that wish to practice predator you can enter private matches alone and attack AI. This also grants you experience and helps you level.