Evotinction, developed by Spikewave Games and published on consoles by Perp Games, offers a fresh sci-fi take on the stealth genre with a focus on hacking and strategy. Set within a cutting-edge research facility overrun by rogue AI, players take on the role of Thomas Liu, a tech-savvy scientist who must rely on his wits and gadgets to navigate a facility devoid of human life. The narrative setup, while somewhat familiar, taps into current anxieties about AI and technological advancement, creating a compelling backdrop for the game’s campaign.
The story’s premise is simple but also thought-provoking. Thomas, the lone survivor in a facility overtaken by virus-infected AI, is tasked with preventing this digital threat from escaping and thus dooming humanity. The central theme of evolution versus extinction is a clever hook, though the narrative itself doesn’t always dive as deep into these philosophical questions as it could have. Still, the stakes feel high, and the game does a decent job of building tension as Thomas sneaks through the facility’s various environments.
Evotinction’s gameplay will appeal particularly to fans of stealth titles. Unlike most games in the genre that feature quite a bit of combat, this one prioritizes hacking and tech-based solutions. Thomas is armed with an array of tools, from signal disruptors to malware implants, allowing him to manipulate his robotic enemies and environment. This opens up multiple ways to approach each level, and the variety of gadgets at your disposal encourages experimentation. However, the learning curve can be steep, and some players may find themselves fumbling through early encounters until they get a handle on the game’s systems. We actually restarted the game after about two hours because we figured we could have made more of the early scene, and had fun doing that.
The level design, which allows for revisiting areas to complete additional objectives or find collectibles, is worth highlighting. This semi-open world design gives the game a more expansive feel than many linear stealth titles, but it also means that backtracking can occasionally break the pacing, especially if you missed important objectives. The inclusion of multiple game modes, such as New Game+ and challenge levels, adds replay value, though the base campaign’s length feels a little on the short side.
Visually, Evotinction features a clean, futuristic design, though it sometimes lacks the environmental variety needed to keep things fresh over longer sessions – a shame considering the already relatively short campaign. The sterile hallways and high-tech labs can start to blur together after a while, despite some nice touches in lighting and atmosphere. On the PlayStation 5, the game runs smoothly, with no noticeable technical hiccups, though the visual design doesn’t seem to fully leverage the power of the hardware. The audio complements the setting well, with tense, subtle music and the hum of machinery adding to the overall immersion.
Where Evotinction stumbles a bit is in its controls. While Thomas’ hacking abilities are fun to use, the actual movement and stealth mechanics can feel stiff at times, particularly when compared to other stealth titles. Some players might also struggle with the game’s camera during high-stress moments, which can lead to frustrating deaths, while the AI doesn’t always react as intelligently as you might hope, occasionally breaking the immersion by repeating predictable patterns.
However, Evotinction offers a solid experience for players looking for something different in the stealth genre. The hacking mechanics, while not perfect, provide a refreshing twist, and the game’s semi-open world and replayability make it a worthwhile addition to the library of stealth fans. Though it could have pushed its narrative themes further and refined its controls, the game’s unique approach to stealth-based gameplay sets it apart from its peers, and if you’re looking for a tech-focused stealth game with plenty of gadgets to play with, this is one we can confidently recommend.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 