The game looks absolutely gorgeous. That's the best thing I can say about a game that I had very high hopes for. I've been waiting for this game for a while now, thinking how cool it would be to drive these 4x4 beasts in a realistic environment. Sadly, though, things just didn't shape up the way I though they would.
For one, the game's physics are totally whacked out. I mean, this is Earth, people, and here we have gravity. If the game were set on the moon, then it would be forgivable and understandable, but as it is, these heavy-ass 4x4 vehicles are allowed to launch into the air like there is no tomorrow.
The game tries in some places to be a simulation, making these strange physics even more puzzling. With a stunning array of 4x4s available, and a ton of parts and tweaks you can do to them, you'd think that they would have wanted a realistic game. Sadly, it seems as if they tried to make the game realistic and arcade-like at the same time. They failed at the attempt.
Just as strange as the physics is the lack of damage modeling and collision detection. In this type of game, it's imperative to include some sort of damage model. Racing in the wilderness is tough on these things, especially with a driver that's careless and smashes into things. It would have been great if the game forced you into driving with care and strategy, much like a rally racing game forces the player to consider his or her car's condition when navigating the roads. In Evolution, damage modeling doesn't exist, let alone realistic collision detection. Strange things happen when you collide with other vehicles and the environment, sending you're 4x4 in strange positions. The whole deal makes the game feel absent from the game, creating separation from the gamer and the game itself.
The graphics are another story, and probably the only reason this game even deserves a look. They are spectacular. The tracks themselves look brilliant, with variety and many moving objects. The vehicles are modeled perfectly, and watching them tear through the countryside is fun in itself.
The game's main mode is a career mode, which forces the player to earn money by winning races to buy more stuff. While this is good in most racing games, 4x4 Evolution just doesn't offer enough solid gameplay to keep the player interested. I could never, ever, get rid of the feeling of driving on the moon no matter how I tuned my vehicle or changed the settings.
Online play is present, and offers some fun, although it's short lived. Once again, the physics are just too frustrating, and don't really call for the gamer to invest some time learning the intricacies of the game.
4x4 Evolution is probably a good game for the younger crowds. They might be more forgiving of the lack of damage and the freaky physics. Sadly, though, gamers that know better will probably be put off by the whole ordeal. It has its moments of glory with the spectacular graphics... but in the end it's just not worth it to invest any serious time.
-Jerred
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