Hunters vs Monsters: 'Evolve' PS4, Xbox One, PC Game - Takes First Person Shooter Game to the Next Level

Turtle Rock Studios' monster-hunting game "Evolve" has received a thumbs-up from USA Today, scoring 3.5 out of a possible four points.

"In Evolve, the buildup is sometimes as intense as the inevitable showdown itself," wrote USA Today on Sunday, giving the game a "mature" rating. The game was released on Feb. 10 and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms.

The first-person shooter game, created by the same developer of Valve Software's hit multiplayer action game "Left 4 Dead," was described as "thrilling, as both Hunters and Monsters escalate to that inevitable skirmish."

The game pits four cooperating players as Hunters against a single opponent who controls a Monster, described as "strong, intimidating." The players can choose among four types of Hunters: Assault, Support, Trapper and Medic. Each class has a unique set of weapons, equipment, and techniques. A Trapper, for example, can use harpoon traps to slow down a monster's movement while his mobile arena can enclose the beast in a giant dome. Meanwhile, a Support's cloaking field keeps his teammates hidden and his shield protector keeps others safe.

All player types can also attack with their special skills. Progression Awards earned by players can unlock new Hunter characters within a class, each having a different set of tools.

As with "Left 4 Dead," players have to work as a team in order to survive.

Players can also control the Monster, starting as the Goliath, a hulking monster than can charge through or fling boulders at enemies. They can then unlock other beasts such as the Kraken and the Wraith as they hone their skills. The Kraken prefers attacking from afar while the Wraith, although the weakest of the three monsters, is the fastest.

Monsters follow the same path as Hunters. They feed on smaller creatures and dodge Hunters. Monsters "evolve" when they reach certain levels, maxing at level 3. Meanwhile, Hunters are always seeking out Monsters.

In the intense combat itself, Monsters face off with the Hunters who retreat at times to replenish shields. Hunters stay on the chase and team up to defeat the beast.

"Evolve" takes place in the fictional planet Shear, where Hunters and Monsters are not the only threats. There are also "equally menacing" creatures that lurk around, either roaming or hiding strategically in a terrain, waiting for their chance to attack.

Modes other than Slay include Rescue, where civilians have to be rescued from the Monster. In Nest, Hunters have to destroy the Monster's eggs. These modes can be played individually or in a five-session gameplay called Evacuation, where the Monster must keep a ship carrying civilians from escaping.