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Predator: Hunting Grounds

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Predator: Hunting Grounds
Item: Predator: Hunting Grounds
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 24, 2020

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4

DeveloperIllFonic

Overview

Drop into the Predator universe through a new competitive online multiplayer experience. Play as an elite Fireteam charged to complete paramilitary operations while a Predator mercilessly hunts you. Or, BE the Predator, armed with all the deadly alien weaponry you've grown to love and pursue your prey.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds thrills with intense asymmetrical multiplayer and fan-pleasing lore, but flails with a shallow story, weak voice acting, and missed atmosphere, making it a polarizing, niche pick for franchise fans over narrative depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

89%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews of Predator: Hunting Grounds highlight several positive aspects, particularly its commitment to the core premise of the Predator franchise. Critics like Atomix, ComicBook, and SpazioGames praise the game’s faithful recreation of the 1987 film’s iconic setup, where soldiers face off against the alien Predator in a jungle environment, emphasizing the tension of being hunted. Comicbook.com and Worth Playing commend the asymmetrical multiplayer design, which pits one player as the Predator against a team of four soldiers, offering distinct win conditions that add strategic depth. Additionally, TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern note the game’s efforts to incorporate lore and references from the Predator universe, such as audio tapes and faction narratives, which appeal to fans seeking immersive connections to the films and comics. These elements collectively suggest the game successfully channels the franchise’s spirit, even if it prioritizes gameplay over a robust story. However, the narrative aspects of Predator: Hunting Grounds face significant criticism. GameSkinny and New Game Network describe the story as loosely connected and lacking engaging depth, with missions that feel interchangeable. Noisy Pixel points to poor voice acting as a major flaw, while Screen Rant and The Games Machine argue that the game fails to capture the original film’s scary, thrilling atmosphere. Metro GameCentral and Impulsegamer also note the absence of a cohesive story campaign, with the plot being minimal and spread across three maps. MMORPG.com criticizes the reliance on combat over narrative, suggesting the game’s story is underdeveloped and secondary to its multiplayer mechanics. These critiques collectively underscore a perception that the game’s storytelling is a weak point, overshadowed by its focus on action and asymmetry. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a mixed reception, with the game’s strengths lying in its multiplayer design and franchise homage, but its narrative falling short. While some praise the core concept and fan service elements, the majority agree that the story lacks the depth, engagement, and atmospheric tension that define the Predator legacy. TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern offer slight optimism about the lore integration, but this is tempered by the broader criticism of a thin plot and unremarkable voice acting. The game appears to be a niche experience, appealing to fans of the franchise through its setting and mechanics, but failing to deliver a compelling or original story. This divide between gameplay and narrative leaves it as a polarizing title, with its success hinging on whether players prioritize multiplayer action over a rich, immersive storyline.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds delivers a thrilling, authentic Predator experience with deep asymmetrical gameplay, but unbalanced mechanics, repetitive missions, and poor AI tank the overall experience, leaving it feeling frustrating and incomplete.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Predator: Hunting Grounds receives praise for its unique asymmetrical multiplayer structure and the engaging experience of playing as the Predator. Critics like TheGamer highlight the 4-vs-1 PvP setup, noting the detailed customization options for both the Predator and human Fireteam, as well as dynamic objectives that vary per match. SpazioGames and TheXboxHub emphasize that the Predator’s abilities—such as enhanced vision, advanced weaponry, and stealth mechanics—faithfully capture the film’s essence, offering a thrilling and authentic role-playing experience. ZTGD and Xbox Tavern commend the core gameplay loop for its unpredictability and strategic depth, with the Predator’s ambush tactics and the Fireteam’s need for coordination creating tense, high-stakes encounters. New Game Network and Twinfinite also acknowledge the Predator’s freedom in traversal and the excitement of its mechanics, even if they admit the human side feels less compelling. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with repeated complaints about unbalanced mechanics, repetitive mission structures, and poor AI. Digital Chumps and Everyeye.it criticize the lack of depth and the overpowered Fireteam, which makes the Predator’s gameplay feel frustrating and clumsy. Gamer.no and Digitally Downloaded describe missions as monotonous and the AI as “braindead,” while GameCrate and Hardcore Gamer point to clunky controls, unbalanced 4v1 matches, and a lack of proper tutorials. GameSpot and PC Games note that the Fireteam’s objectives are generic and the weapon classes lack distinctiveness, and GameSpew and Attack of the Fanboy highlight the AI’s shortcomings. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and 3DJuegos, stress that the gameplay loop quickly becomes repetitive, with limited variety in maps, missions, and enemy behavior, undermining long-term engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans heavily toward the negative, with the Predator’s gameplay often cited as a standout feature despite broader issues. While TheGamer and TheXboxHub appreciate the strategic depth and role-specific mechanics, the majority of reviews—such as those from The Games Machine, GameOver.gr, and Destructoid—point to flaws that detract from the experience. The asymmetry is seen as a strength by some, but the lack of balance, repetitive objectives, and subpar AI are recurring criticisms. Trusted Reviews and PlayStation Universe acknowledge the game’s potential but note that its technical issues and content gaps hinder its appeal. Ultimately, while the Predator’s mechanics and the core concept of asymmetrical multiplayer are praised, the game’s shortcomings in polish, variety, and fairness create a polarizing reception, with many feeling it fails to fully realize its promising premise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds nails the cinematic vibe with meticulous Predator design and jungles, but PS4’s repetitive textures, lag, and outdated visuals drown its nostalgia, while next-gen tweaks only partly mask flaws like poor optimization and lackluster variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Predator: Hunting Grounds receive mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its faithful homage to the original Predator films. Reviewers like 3DJuegos and Game Informer commend the game for capturing the franchise’s iconic atmosphere, noting the "vulnerability and tension" of facing the Predator and the "customization options for the predator character" that reflect its cinematic roots. MMORPG.com and Noisy Pixel emphasize the attention to detail in the Predator’s design, with the latter stating it "looks and feels as though it’s right off the silver screen." TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern praise the "vast and detailed jungle environments" and "faithfully recreated Predator abilities," while Impulsegamer (PS5) and Wccftech acknowledge improvements in next-gen versions, such as "higher resolution textures" and "improved lighting with ray tracing." These positives suggest the game succeeds in evoking the original film’s aesthetic, even if it falls short in other areas. However, the negatives dominate the critique, particularly on PS4. Atomix calls the visuals "lackluster," citing "incomplete textures, frame rate drops, and noticeable flaws," while CGMagazine and Everyeye.it criticize the "repetitive textures," "recycled assets," and "lack of map variety," making the experience feel outdated. Digitally Downloaded and GameOver.gr highlight technical shortcomings like "low fidelity" and "strong aliasing," with Eurogamer Italy and Shacknews pointing to "unstable frame rates" and "muddy textures on AI enemies." GameSpew and Twinfinite note that the three maps are "hard to distinguish" and "lack uniqueness," while Push Square and New Game Network describe the visuals as "dull," "artificial," and "generic." Even on PC, PC Games criticizes "poor graphics quality" and "limited customization," with GameCrate blaming "glitches and rushed development" for undermining the visual experience. These issues collectively paint a picture of a game struggling with technical polish and creative variety. Overall, the consensus leans toward a lukewarm reception, with critics divided between appreciating the nostalgic design and condemning its technical flaws. While 3DJuegos, Noisy Pixel, and TheGamer praise the game’s "authentic Predator vibe" and "attention to detail," the majority of reviewers—especially those on PS4—highlight persistent issues like "outdated environments," "inconsistent frame rates," and "poor optimization." The PS5 and PC versions see some improvements, but even then, Multiplayer.it (PS5) notes "lack of variety in character design" and Wccftech observes that the visuals "lack variation." Despite its efforts to mirror the film’s aesthetic, the game’s technical shortcomings and repetitive visuals prevent it from fully delivering on its potential. The mixed feedback underscores a title that is visually inspired but marred by a lack of polish, leaving fans and critics with a divided perspective on its graphical merits.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds earns praise for its immersive, nostalgic sound design and Alan Silvestri’s iconic score, transporting players into the franchise’s world with authentic Predator cues and atmospheric tension. But critics clash over repetitive music, overbearing audio, generic voice acting, and a lack of polish, with some calling it a missed opportunity to elevate the experience beyond movie tropes. Overall, the audio captures the spirit of the Predator mythos—though not without flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment of critics regarding the sound design and music of Predator: Hunting Grounds leans heavily toward the positive, with many praising the game's faithful recreation of the Predator universe. Reviewers like 3DJuegos and Eurogamer Italy highlight the authentic Predator sounds and the inclusion of Alan Silvestri’s iconic score, which evokes nostalgia and enhances the immersive experience. COGconnected and Jeuxvideo.com also commend the sound design for its ties to the original movie tropes, while Impulsegamer and Video Chums describe the audio as "epic" and "incredible." Additionally, IGN and Digital Chumps note that the music successfully captures the spirit of the franchise, making players feel as though they are in a real Predator film. TheXboxHub and Wccftech emphasize the atmospheric elements, such as the jungle sounds and the Predator’s drums, which contribute to the game’s tense and immersive environment. However, some critics point out notable flaws in the sound design and music. GameCritics criticizes the audio for making the Predator too loud and undermining the stealth aspect of the gameplay, while New Game Network complains about hollow and glitchy explosions, generic voice acting, and repetitive music that becomes tiresome. Hardcore Gamer mentions that while the sound design draws heavily from the movies, the voice acting falls flat, and Trusted Reviews notes that the audio mix lacks polish. Additionally, some reviewers, such as TheSixthAxis, find the sound design not particularly noteworthy beyond the Predator’s unique audio cues, and Impulsegamer on PS5 mentions that the audio tweaks were not significant enough to stand out. These critiques suggest that while the game’s audio is inspired by the franchise, it doesn’t always deliver a consistently high-quality experience. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics is that Predator: Hunting Grounds successfully captures the essence of the Predator universe through its sound design and music, with many fans appreciating the nostalgic elements and atmospheric immersion. While there are criticisms about the audio’s consistency and variety, the majority of reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke the tension and excitement associated with the franchise. The praise for iconic sounds, such as the Predator’s warblings and Alan Silvestri’s score, outweighs the negatives, making the audio a strong point for the game. Critics like 3DJuegos, COGconnected, and TheXboxHub emphasize that the sound design enhances the gameplay experience, even if some aspects, like voice acting or music repetition, fall short of expectations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds is a technical mess: PS4 stumbles with unstable frame rates, game-breaking bugs, and glitches, while next-gen consoles and PC get partial polish but lingering issues. A rushed release left gaping holes, with no platform fully salvaging the chaos.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

61%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Predator: Hunting Grounds shows mixed signals across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread issues. On the PS5, Multiplayer.it and PlayStation Universe highlight significant improvements, citing stable frame rates and reduced loading times, which enhance the overall experience compared to the PS4. ZTGD on Xbox Series X also acknowledges better performance on next-gen consoles, though it mentions cross-progression hiccups. For PC, IGN (on PC) notes that technical annoyances like texture popping and UI bugs are present but not severe enough to derail gameplay, while GameCrate points to a rushed release with glitches like ADS problems, though this is framed as a broader critique rather than a platform-specific one. These observations suggest that while the game’s technical foundation is shaky, next-gen platforms and PC received some degree of polish or optimization, at least in later updates or through hardware capabilities. However, the negatives for Predator: Hunting Grounds are most pronounced on the PS4, where critics like Atomix, Eurogamer Italy, and Jeuxvideo.com emphasize unstable frame rates, repetitive textures, and game-breaking bugs such as players getting trapped in rocks or NPCs freezing. Destructoid and GameSpot specifically call out poor performance, including texture loading delays and inconsistent frame rates, while Gaming Age and Push Square mention glitches like frozen enemies and menu lag. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub criticizes slow matchmaking for newcomers, and Xbox Tavern highlights sound issues and crashes, though these are deemed non-game-breaking. Even on PS5, Impulsegamer acknowledges lingering technical issues, and Worth Playing notes frame rate instability on PS4, underscoring that while newer hardware mitigates some problems, the game’s technical execution remains inconsistent across all platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Predator: Hunting Grounds suffered from a rushed release, with technical shortcomings affecting all platforms but varying in severity. The PS4 received the harshest criticism, with repeated mentions of frame rate drops, matchmaking inefficiencies, and bugs that disrupted immersion (Eurogamer Italy, JeuxActu, GameRevolution). While PS5 and Xbox Series X saw some improvements, these were often offset by lingering issues like cross-progression flaws (ZTGD) or unbalanced teams (TheXboxHub). IGN and God is a Geek acknowledged minor technical annoyances but suggested they were tolerable, whereas GameSkinny and SpazioGames emphasized the game’s "litany of bugs" and "general jank." Despite updates and patches, the technical performance remained a major hurdle, with critics agreeing that the game’s polish and optimization were insufficient to fully deliver on its potential, particularly on older hardware.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds is a flawed, repetitive shooter with unbalanced gameplay, technical issues, and shallow content—despite some customization and crossplay, its core flaws make it a tough sell without major post-launch fixes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of Predator: Hunting Grounds highlight some positive aspects that contribute to its replay value, albeit modestly. Several critics, such as TheGamer, note the game’s dynamic objectives, crossplay functionality, and class-based progression systems, which offer variety in gameplay and encourage experimentation with loadouts and tactics. ComicBook and Comicbook.com emphasize the game’s potential for unique outcomes and possibilities, while TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern point to private matches, mutators, and asymmetrical gameplay as features that enhance replayability, especially when played with friends. Additionally, GameSpew and Worth Playing acknowledge customization options and cosmetic unlocks as incentives for returning to the game, even if they are not sufficient to fully compensate for its flaws. These elements suggest that the game has foundational mechanics that could support replayability with further refinement. However, the negatives overwhelmingly dominate the critical reception, with most reviewers citing significant shortcomings that severely limit replay value. 3DJuegos, Atomix, and Attack of the Fanboy criticize the game’s limited content, repetitive missions, and unbalanced gameplay between the Predator and Fireteam roles, while Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it highlight weak combat mechanics, poor matchmaking, and technical issues that detract from the experience. GameSpot and GameCritics describe the gameplay loop as shallow and repetitive, with matches often ending quickly and lacking depth. Digitally Downloaded and SpazioGames emphasize the lack of map variety and content, noting that the game’s three similar maps and single mode fail to sustain interest. Additionally, GamingTrend and Twinfinite point to long matchmaking times and unbalanced mechanics as major barriers to long-term engagement, with many critics agreeing that the game feels unfinished or underdeveloped. These issues create a consensus that the game struggles to maintain player interest beyond a short period. The overall consensus among critics is that Predator: Hunting Grounds has limited replay value due to its repetitive gameplay, technical flaws, and lack of content, despite some positive elements. While a few reviewers, like Destructoid and PlayStation Universe, express hope for future updates or live service improvements, the majority argue that the current state of the game fails to deliver a compelling or sustainable experience. CGMagazine and Game Informer note that the game feels shallow and underwhelming, even at a budget price, while Worth Playing and Impulsegamer acknowledge potential but stress that the core issues—such as repetitive objectives and unbalanced mechanics—remain unresolved. Although features like customization and crossplay provide some incentive to return, they are not enough to overcome the game’s fundamental flaws. The critical reception suggests that Predator: Hunting Grounds is a flawed title that struggles to justify repeated playthroughs without significant post-launch support.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Predator: Hunting Grounds highlights a few redeeming qualities, particularly its authenticity to the Predator franchise and asymmetrical multiplayer mechanics. Critics like TheXboxHub and IGN Spain praise the game for capturing the essence of the original 80s film, with TheXboxHub noting its "thrilling and enjoyable gameplay" in multiplayer settings. COGconnected commends the Predator's unique mechanics, original movie tropes, and cosmetic variety, while TheGamer acknowledges that the game "delivers on its premise" and is "a fantastic game" with potential for improvement. The experience of playing as the Predator, with its stealth and tech, is frequently cited as a standout feature, and GameRevolution and GamingTrend appreciate the tense, 4v1 cat-and-mouse dynamic. These positives suggest the game has a strong foundation rooted in its source material, appealing to fans seeking a niche, competitive experience. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with repeated complaints about unbalanced gameplay, technical issues, and lack of content. PlayStation LifeStyle and Attack of the Fanboy describe the game as "mediocre" and "unfinished," respectively, while PC Games and GameSpot point to "unbalanced gameplay," "bugs," and "shallow" mechanics that hinder enjoyment. Gamer.no and Vandal criticize the "repetitive missions," "lackluster design," and "technical shortcomings," and GameCrate and Wccftech highlight "flawed" gameplay and "slow progression." Many reviewers, including The Games Machine and Digitally Downloaded, argue that the game fails to meet expectations for a current-gen title, with Worth Playing and Shacknews suggesting it’s best to "observe from a distance" due to its "glaring issues" and "lack of variety." These flaws, from matchmaking problems to dated visuals, create a frustrating experience that deters long-term engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that Predator: Hunting Grounds is a flawed but potentially promising title that falls short of its ambitions. While some, like TheGamer and TheXboxHub, argue it’s "worth trying" despite its issues, the majority view it as a missed opportunity. GameCritics and M3 call it a "bad adaptation" and "flawed game," respectively, while SpazioGames and 3DJuegos note it "fails to meet expectations" and "lacks depth." However, a few critics, such as Destructoid and Shacknews, acknowledge its potential for improvement and suggest it might appeal to hardcore fans or those willing to overlook its rough edges. The game’s limited content, repetitive design, and technical problems are seen as major barriers, with Worth Playing and GamingTrend emphasizing that it’s best experienced in short bursts. Ultimately, while the game’s core concept and fan service resonate, its execution and polish leave it as a cautious recommendation at best, with many urging players to wait for updates or consider it a niche title.

TL;DR

Predator: Hunting Grounds is a flawed but fan-pleasing asymmetrical shooter that nails the franchise’s essence with tense 4v1 combat and Predator mechanics, but unbalanced gameplay, technical bugs, and repetitive content make it a missed opportunity—best for hardcore fans willing to overlook its rough edges.

MONSTER

Reviews

116 reviews found

100

TheGamer

Apr 26, 2020