VideoGames - Predator: Hunting Grounds – A Revamped Asymmetrical Experience on PS5

By Mulder, 01 october 2024

Predator: Hunting Grounds on PS5 takes a fresh leap into the jungle with significant enhancements to an already intriguing multiplayer concept. Originally launched in 2020 by IllFonic for PS4 and PC, this asymmetrical shooter aimed to capture the thrill of the hunt made famous by the Predator franchise. With an immersive 4v1 setup, players can choose to either be a member of an elite Fireteam or take on the iconic role of the Predator. Now, with next-gen upgrades, IllFonic has polished the experience, hoping to fulfill the potential that earlier versions fell short of.

The core of Predator: Hunting Grounds lies in its tense, high-stakes gameplay. Each round begins with a Fireteam of four soldiers, tasked with completing objectives in the dense, hostile jungles. These objectives range from gathering intelligence to taking down high-value targets, all while evading the threat of an unseen, lethal predator. For players taking on the role of the Predator, the mission is simple yet daunting: eliminate the Fireteam one by one, stalking from the trees or striking up close with deadly efficiency. The game’s asymmetrical nature delivers two radically different gameplay experiences, adding replayability as players switch between Predator and Fireteam roles.

One of the standout features of the PS5 update is the visual overhaul. Powered by Unreal Engine 4.27, the environments in Predator: Hunting Grounds feel more alive, with enhanced lighting, more detailed textures, and effects that create a dense, atmospheric jungle. Ray tracing amplifies reflections and shadows, especially during nighttime missions where the flicker of moonlight through the trees or the Predator’s glinting laser sights add layers of suspense. The sound design, crafted with Wwise technology, immerses players with eerie, rustling jungle sounds, the hum of the Predator’s cloaking device, and its haunting clicks. Together, these elements bring a level of realism that PS4 players may have felt was missing, making this edition a more visually compelling hunt.

IllFonic has also added new Predator options to fit different play styles. The Feral Predator, inspired by the 2022 Predator universe film Prey, is a notable addition. This version of the Predator, equipped with a Crossbolt Gun, Combistick, and expandable shield, brings a blend of aggressiveness and versatility. The Feral Predator’s unique weapons allow players to experience intense, transmedia moments, recreating scenes from Prey and adding a cinematic layer to the gameplay. Other Predator types, such as the Samurai, Viking, and City Hunter, each come with their own signature weapons and attributes, allowing players to choose Predators based on preference and style.

Three editions of Predator: Hunting Grounds are available to players, each catering to different levels of fandom and desired content. The Standard Edition includes the base game and the Feral Predator, priced at $19.99. The Jungle Edition, priced at $34.99, introduces additional iconic Predator characters like the City Hunter (‘97), Samurai, Valkyrie, and Viking. For die-hard fans, the $69.99 Yautja Edition packs nearly all the DLC characters into one complete Predator experience, unlocking even more Predators from the franchise lore, including Cleopatra and the Bionic Predator, each equipped with their own unique weapons and abilities. This edition also includes nearly every DLC pack, making it a comprehensive choice for those who want to experience the full Predator universe.

The Fireteam gameplay also benefits from the upgrade, as the performance tweaks and smoother controls make it more enjoyable to complete missions and fight against both AI enemies and the Predator. However, despite improved visuals, the Fireteam gameplay retains some of the repetition of previous editions. Missions are still largely about moving from objective to objective, holding off waves of AI guerilla fighters, and interacting with static points on the map. While the enhanced animations and textures make these sequences more visually satisfying, it’s the moments of tension when the Predator appears that bring the most excitement. Hearing the faint clicks of the Predator above or catching a brief flash of laser sights raises the adrenaline, reminding players that they are not alone in this jungle.

When players opt for the Predator, the experience is a mix of power and vulnerability. Using the Predator’s arsenal feels satisfying—leaping through trees, cloaking, setting traps, and launching devastating attacks from above. However, balance issues that plagued the original release remain somewhat present, particularly in how easily a coordinated Fireteam can bring down the Predator. In some cases, the Predator’s health and armor may feel underwhelming compared to the heavy firepower of the Fireteam, making it challenging to divide and conquer. Despite these moments of imbalance, playing as the Predator remains a uniquely thrilling experience, especially for fans of the franchise who enjoy wielding the iconic Predator tech.

Customizability is another area where Predator: Hunting Grounds shines on the Predator side. Each Predator has options for skins, armor styles, and weapons that allow players to design a Yautja that reflects their play style and aesthetic preferences. This depth of customization highlights IllFonic’s dedication to the franchise’s fans, though the Fireteam’s customization options are more limited by comparison. While some classic elements like hats and face paint offer a nostalgic touch, the generic character models and sparse variety prevent Fireteam customization from being as compelling as the Predator options. Future updates with more Fireteam cosmetics could balance this and add more appeal for players dedicated to Fireteam roles.

In terms of controls, the PS5 version’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers enhance immersion further. Each trigger pull and weapon recoil feels weighty, especially with the Predator’s heavier weaponry, while adaptive triggers provide distinct feedback that adds to the tension of each encounter. These subtle improvements make gameplay feel more interactive and polished, helping the experience resonate beyond the screen. Cross-platform play also opens up a larger pool of players, enhancing matchmaking times and allowing friends across systems to team up or face off.

From a technical perspective, Predator: Hunting Grounds on PS5 is largely stable, but some minor bugs persist. Occasional clipping and minor frame rate dips are noticeable, particularly in dense, action-packed moments. These small issues, however, do not drastically impact the overall experience. The game’s menu UI is sleek and has been improved for clarity, especially in multiplayer lobbies and custom loadout screens, where players can more easily access their unlocked weapons, perks, and cosmetics.

Overall, Predator: Hunting Grounds on PS5 offers a more refined version of the original game, bringing back all the tension and fun of its unique 4v1 concept with enhanced graphics and smoother performance. While some legacy issues remain, particularly in gameplay balance and Fireteam content depth, the next-gen edition takes a meaningful step forward. Fans of the Predator franchise or asymmetrical shooters will find this title to be a satisfying addition to their PS5 collection, while new players may enjoy the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hunt on next-gen consoles. For IllFonic, this release marks a significant improvement, and it’s clear that with further updates, Predator: Hunting Grounds could truly fulfill its potential as the definitive Predator experience.

Predator: Hunting Grounds
Developer : IllFonic
Publisher  : Sony Interactive Entertainment, IllFonic
Composer : Jamieson Trotter, Otto Andelin,; Mark Rutherford
Platform(: PlayStation 4, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release  PS4, Windows : April 24, 2020, PS5, Xbox Series X/S October 1, 2024
Genre : First-person shooter, Third-person shooter
Mode :  Multiplayer