The Press Says

MobyRanks are listed below. You can read here for more information about MobyRank.
96
PlayStation 2Game Vortex
This is a racing game, folks, and a darn good one at that. 4x4 Evo does take advantage of the PS2's pressure sensitive controls, and you should learn to utilize them for best performance. The biggest thing to get used to is switching between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low, and learning when to use them. 4x4 Evo's menus are well done also, because when you are choosing your parts, you won't have to keep the book by your side like some other games. Instead, scrolling text explains the plusses and minuses of each part right on the screen. With all of the different vehicle options and courses to complete, 4x4 Evo will keep you racing for quite some time. Every die-hard racing fan should pick this game up. You won't be disappointed. With a little practice and a lot of patience, you may be able to slowly build up your stats and complete the game.
91
WindowsPC Gamer Brasil
Os jogos de corrida tentam, geração após geração, trazer novidades e surpreender os seus fãs. A grande maioria "morre na praia", apresentam um lindo vídeo de abertura, mas a jogabilidade ou os modos de jogos não conseguem sustentar o game por mais que poucos minutos. Conclusão: o produto acaba ficando na prateleira jogado, e o gênero cada vez mais desmerecido. No mundo off-road, as coisas são ainda piores. Depois de algumas poucas experiências positivas (leia-se Monster Truck), o mercado foi invadido com uma infinidade de games de rali chatos e sem nada a acrescentar. Particularmente, como alguém pode passar horas jogando um game onde um co-piloto estúpido traduz em palavras o óbvio sobre o trajeto? Numa tentativa ousada de mudar tudo isso, a GOD games lançou 4X4 EVO. Com características inéditas e um aperfeiçoamento de tudo o que já foi visto, o título promete quebrar as regras do mundo off-road.
90
WindowsGame Vortex
Hold on to your britches folks, 4x4 Evolution or 4x4 Evo is about to take you for a ride, and what a great ride it is! Graphically, 4x4 Evo is one of the leaders of the pack.
85
PlayStation 2Game Informer Magazine
I’ve been following this game since its beta stages for the Dreamcast. Every time I’ve seen it, I’ve liked it more and more – except this time. Where’s the rearview mirror? Seriously, where the heck is it? I can’t find it. Maybe my racing team took it out to reduce vehicle weight or something like that. The physics also need to be tweaked a bit. I don’t think I should be stopped absolutely dead if I run into a wooden sign post. Likewise, where’s the damage? My truck looks absolutely spotless even after I’ve been broad-sided by that damned Jeep that’s always up my tailpipe during races. That being said, the controls are still silky smooth, the graphics are second to none, and the addictive aspect is off the charts. This game is still the best racer out there for console – rearview mirror or not.
85
MacintoshGames4Mac
Im Grossen und Ganzen ist dieses Spiel ein absoluter Hammer! Wer wirklich Spass an Off-Road Rennsimulationen hat, wird hier bestens bedient! - Es macht einfach irgendwie euphorisch, wenn man gewinnt und somit neue Autos oder Tuningteile kaufen kann! Wirkliche Nachteile gibt es nicht! - Das einzige was teilweise auftreten kann, sind kleine Ruckler (auch auf neueren Modellen mit neueren Grafikkarten). - Hier fehlt definitiv ein Update, welches leider nie erschienen ist. Gesamthaft betrachtet ist dieses Game jedoch sicher eines der stabilsten, welches ich jemals gesehen habe.
85
WindowsGameswelt
4x4 Evolution' zählt sicherlich zu den besten Rennspielen, welche zur Zeit auf dem Markt erhältlich sind. Dadurch hat Terminal Reality wieder einmal bewiesen, dass man trotz der Einfältigkeit dieses Genres immer wieder neue Ideen in solche Spiele einbringen kann. Zu diesen guten Ideen zählt unter anderem der Streckeneditor. Auch die Standardbausteine wie Grafik, Sound und Gameplay sind sehr gut gelungen. Die relativ leicht zu erlernende Steuerung dürfte auch für Anfänger kein allzu grosses Problem darstellen. Trotz allem kann ich nicht behaupten, dass mit '4x4 Evolution' ein neuer Meilenstein in der Geschichte des Rennspiel-Genres gesetzt werden konnte.
85
WindowsGameZone
The graphics work just fine, the sound is solid and the game play is very good. This program is a terrific racing adventure.
84
WindowsGameSpot
One of the ironies of the craze over sport-utility vehicles is that nine out of ten people who own one never take advantage of what they're made for - traversing rugged terrain that would shred sedans, coupes, and vans in a matter of minutes. When you see a Mercedes-Benz SUV heading down the highway, you can't help but think that the only jostling the driver will ever experience in it is hitting speed bumps at the mall. It's the SUV paradox: Who wants to take a chance on smashing up an off-road vehicle that costs $40,000 by taking it... off road? Now, there's a fun way to experience cross-country SUV racing without worrying about destroying the vehicle it took a second mortgage to buy.
82
WindowsGamer's Pulse
All in all, 4x4 Evo is a pretty strong racer. If I have any other complaints aside from those mentioned above, it would be something silly like the fact that all AI controlled vehicles are named "Bot Racer" and there seems to be no changing that. They could have at least called them "Ford Bot" or "Blue Bot" or something, to keep them distinct. Of course, if I were to complain about something as silly as that I'd start to sound like a college professor grading one of my assignments.
81
WindowsGameSpot (Belgium/Netherlands)
Als je houdt van de pure opwinding van het racen en niet zoveel belang hecht aan het realiteitsgehalte, dan kan je dit spel gewoon niet aan je laten voorbijgaan.
81
WindowsGamingExcellence
Overall, 4x4 Evolution is an excellent game for anyone into off-roading or driving SUV's at all. If you like driving at all, then 4x4 Evolution is a load of fun to play, and if you can get past the un-realistic features, it is highly recommended as you will enjoy it for many hours.
81
DreamcastGameSpot
Back when the Dreamcast was just a few nice screenshots and a funny name, pessimists were warning prospective buyers that it would eventually become a dumping ground for lazy PC game developers. So far this hasn't happened, and if 4x4 Evolution is an example of what those pessimists were warning us about, then the world needs more lazy PC game developers. 4x4 Evolution for the Dreamcast straddles the line between simulation and arcade, bringing the best of both worlds along for the ride.
80
PlayStation 2Game Informer Magazine
My only complaint with the PS2 incarnation of 4X4 Evolution is that there really isn’t that much more here than in the Dreamcast. Other than there being one more onscreen opponent, adjustable AI, and a slightly better look, there isn’t much reason to recommend this version over the other. Still, it will serve as an enjoyable distraction until something along the lines of Gran Turismo 3 comes along.
80
DreamcastGamePro
4x4 Evolution has plenty of cool features?beautiful tracks that let you roam freely, nearly every pickup and SUV on the market, adjustable steering?yet the racing is straightforward and, because of wimpy sound effects and a limited number of opponents, sometimes even dull. The coolest part of this game is that you can drive anywhere, but this is deceptive since you still must hit every checkpoint?and the checkpoints all straddle the road, so 4x4 is really a straightforward racer in off-road clothing. And, while the later tracks are challenging, career mode requires that you race the same handful of tracks again and again, with only the daylight and weather changing?sometimes. You can play online, too, but races are limited to four competitors even in single-player, so you're often the only vehicle in sight.
80
WindowsGamesFirst!
Final verdict-if you're looking for a uber-realistic sim, forget it. But if you're looking for a colorful and action-packed arcade racer with excellent online support, I heartily recommend 4x4 Evolution.
80
WindowsElectric Playground
4X4 Evolution is a very fun racing game that is well worth checking out. It looks good, has some clever tracks and is peppy enough to stay exciting for some time. For even more fun, play it online. This is easily one of the best racing games to come to the PC in 2000.
80
DreamcastElectric Playground
If you’re tired of racing all manners of sports cars through busy streets and on concrete, 4X4 Evolution is definitely a title to look for. Despite some minor shortcomings it’s a fantastic racing game, and being a little different will be a refreshing change for many gamers.
80
MacintoshESC Magazine
Overall, 4x4 Evolution is a great game, and an awesome addition to any gamer’s collection. Don’t expect this one to just throw you into the seat of the best truck -- you will have to earn that ride, and that may turn off a number of casual gamers who just assume jump in and give it a go. With cross-platform, lag-less multiplayer, and amazing graphics, this game sure is fun to play. Sure, the inconsistencies in the physics model and collision detection do detract from the true greatness of the game, especially in close races, but in the end 4x4 Evolution is a grand racing experience that should at the very least be sampled by any racing fan.
80
WindowsESC Magazine
Overall, 4x4 Evolution is a great game, and an awesome addition to any gamer’s collection. Don’t expect this one to just throw you into the seat of the best truck -- you will have to earn that ride, and that may turn off a number of casual gamers who just assume jump in and give it a go. With cross-platform, lag-less multiplayer, and amazing graphics, this game sure is fun to play. Sure, the inconsistencies in the physics model and collision detection do detract from the true greatness of the game, especially in close races, but in the end 4x4 Evolution is a grand racing experience that should at the very least be sampled by any racing fan.
80
WindowsActionTrip
To summarize, this is an excitingly realistic off road rally-driving game that's gonna knock your balance senses off and turn you into a road-dirt worshiping freak. It will bring you electrifying gameplay and unrealistically good fun. When you find yourself flying in the open air, like Keano's speeding little super-bus, you may notice that the game is in conflict with every single law of nature & physics, but it's exuberating like hell. Next to this kinda gaming there's virtually nothing stirring left to experience. All of the game thrills and emotional spills won't last long and that's the main drawback.
80
PlayStation 2GamePro
4x4 Evolution features real-world trucks and sport-utility vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Nissan, GMC, and many more manufacturers, all spit-polished, shiny, and ready for you to get them messy in snow, mud, sand, and gravel tracks. As you win races, you earn cash to upgrade your vehicle?and these upgrades are real parts that real off-road racers really use. When it comes to gameplay, however, the PS2 version is essentially the same game as the Dreamcast version, minus the Internet racing. Some pesky draw-in mars an otherwise pretty game. It might not strike anyone as exceptional, but with real-world car details, challenging A.I., and a nice upgrade system, 4x4 Evolution is worth checking out, especially if you?re an SUV fanatic in real life
76
PlayStation 2Playzone
Wenn man sich erst einmal an das etwas störrische Fahrverhalten der geländegängigen Autos gewöhnt hat, macht das Spiel richtig Spaß. Vorausgesetzt natürlich, Sie kennen die Strecken fast in und auswendig, Sie haben sonst auf höheren Schwierigkeitsstufen gegen die Bots keine Chance. Besonderes Lob verdient auf jeden Fall der langfristig motivierende Karrieremodus, der dazu führen kann, dass man sich von 4x4 Evolution so schnell nicht mehr trennen kann.
75
PlayStation 2Electric Playground
In the end 4x4 Evolution is a great-looking simulation but only the hardest of the hardcore are going to be able to get into this game, let alone be able to advance very far. Casual gamers should probably look elsewhere or wait until Sony has an online network and Terminal Reality releases a sequel!
75
DreamcastIGN
In the small circle of friends that I have had, I always knew I was a bit different... alright, I was really different. As a youngster, while most of my friends were at little league, or playing soccer, I was at home practicing piano. During my high-school years, my friends' after-school activities usually consisted of sports practice or drama rehearsal, while I was at my local 7-11 perfecting the Guile re-dizzy combo in Street Fighter II. Then, came to our selection of vehicles; many preferred souped-up hotrods with noise-polluting engines or slammed import rockets with noise-polluting exhaust pipes. HA! Neither appealed to yours truly, as I dreamed of 32-inch tires, extra cab sizes, 4-wheel drive, a 12 inch lift kit... and I continue envisioning such thoughts as I cruise to work every day in my econo-box. Thankfully, I can jump into a big-wheeled 4x4 monster anytime courtesy of 4x4 Evolution.
73
WindowsImperium Gier
4x4 Evo miała wszelkie szanse na zostanie wielkim hitem. Gdyby autorzy gry nie zepsuli paru jej aspektów, na pewno tak by się stało. Nie znaczy to jednak, że gra jest kiepska. Przeciwnie. 4x4 Evo to wysokiej jakości produkt, który na pewno wielu osobom przypadnie do gustu. Polecam go każdemu fanowi wyścigów samochodowych, bo choć posiada kilka wad, to nadal jest to świetna gra, która wypełni kupującemu ją kilka długich wieczorów.
72
MacintoshInside Mac Games (IMG)
4x4 Evolution doesn’t just represent a rebirth of the racing genre on the Mac OS, it also provides a powerful, compelling vision of a platform-agnostic future. Out of the box this game can network with Mac, PC and Dreamcast console owners, and is playable with a 56k modem connection. It uses a universal chat room and game finder (GameSpy) that runs on all three platforms. It supports OpenGL and Glide, and will run in as little as 6 MB of VRAM. In terms of sheer technological innovation, 4x4 is an impressive title, and hopefully a glimpse of what is to come.
72
PlayStation 2GameSpot
4x4 Evolution was released for the Dreamcast last year to positive reviews but disappointing sales. There doesn't seem to be enough Dreamcast-owning off-road fans to support such a title, so Gathering of Developers decided to give 4x4 Evolution another chance on the PlayStation 2. The biggest draw in the Dreamcast version of 4x4 Evolution is the ability to build a truck and then take it online for some competition. With no network play available in the PlayStation 2 version, will 4x4 Evolution provide enough motivation to trudge through the daunting single-player mode?
70
WindowsGameStar (Germany)
Aha, so sieht das anscheinend aus, wenn ein Entwicklerteam zwar viel Ahnung hat, aber wenig Lust an der Arbeit. 4x4 Evolution kann in wesentlichen Aspekten wie Fahrphysik, Steuerung oder Streckendesign durchaus punkten. Obendrauf gibt’s Geländewagen, Trucks und Tuningteile bis zum Abwinken. Die peinliche Kollisionsabfrage, ein sinnfreier Karrieremodus und hässliche Menüs schmälern den positiven Eindruck wieder. Aber für einen kurzweiligen Ausritt ins Gelände reicht es allemal.
70
WindowsJeuxvideo.com
Les fans de 4x4 seront déçus pas le manque de vivacité du jeu, tant dans les réactions du véhicule que pour l'impression de vitesse nettement insuffisante. Mais ceux qui sont un peu moins regardant pourront sans doute y trouver leur bonheur, notamment grâce aux circuits variés et aux graphisme de très bonne qualité.
70
WindowsFileFactory Games / Gameworld Network
A solid truck racing game with plenty of trucks to race, unique environments, and varied weather conditions. But even with all the options, the gameplay lacks any distinct appeal.
67
WindowsEntertainmentopia
Overall, 4x4 Evolution is a great game, and an awesome addition to any gamer’s collection. Don’t expect this one to just throw you into the seat of the best truck, you will have to earn that ride, and that may turn off a number of casual gamers who just assume jump in and give it a go. With cross-platform, lag-less multiplayer, and amazing graphics this game sure is fun to play. Sure the inconsistencies in the physics model and collision detection do detour away from the true greatness of the game, especially in close races, but in the end 4x4 Evolution is a grand racing experience that should, at the very least, be sampled by any racing fan.
67
WindowsPC Zone
Compare it to Insane, with its weight of different game types, the hysterical way your car takes physical damage and then falls apart, and 4x4 is left looking too po-faced for its own good.
67
WindowsPC Games (Germany)
Die Auswahl an Geländewagen im unübersichtlichen Hauptmenü erscheint zuerst gigantisch, schrumpft aber schnell auf immer noch beeindruckende 30 Fahrzeuge zusammen, wenn man diverse, kaum unterschiedliche Varianten außen vor lässt. Dagegen sind die 15 Strecken, die den Allradtriebwerken als Auslauf dienen, nicht gerade großzügig bemessen. Auch wenn es auf jedem der schön designten Rundkurse Abkürzungen zu entdecken gibt, hat man schnell alles gesehen.
66
PlayStation 2Power Unlimited
Eigenlijk vond ik de enige interessant optie de Career mode, waarin je in een hele zooi events centjes bij elkaar kunt sprokkelen voor nieuwe onderdelen en trucks. De sound is verder op zich wel oké maar zet daar de minpunten tegenover en kom net als ik tot de conclusie dat GOD eigenlijk nooit aan deze versie had moeten beginnen.
65
PlayStation 2Jeuxvideo.com
4x4 Evolution s'avère un titre aguicheur mais décevant. Son manque de dynamisme, les faibles sensations de vitesse et la conduite beaucoup trop fade en font un titre que l'on devrait oublier assez vite.
64
DreamcastGamer's Pulse
After playing through this game extensively, it's easy to see that the developer's heart was in the right place. On paper, 4X4 seems like an offroading fan's dream: wide-open vistas, a good selection of trucks, and customization galore, all backed up by Internet multiplayer. However, the finished product falls short in practically every way, from graphics to gameplay, making it fit for an evening's rental and not much else. Though there's some fun to be had here, those looking for a truly enjoyable all-terrain driving experience would be better off purchasing ATV Offroad Fury for the PlayStation 2. Even going out and blowing $30,000 on an actual SUV would probably be more rewarding in the long run. Sorry Greenpeace.
62
PlayStation 2Gamezone (Germany)
Auf den ersten Blick besticht »4x4 Evolution« zwar durch seine geniale Grafik, bringt aber dennoch kaum Neues zum Vorschein. Dank der Monster-Truck-ähnlichen Federung hopst und springt man durch die steinigen und matschigen Szenarien wie ein ferngesteuertes Auto in der Kiesgrube. Wer jemals einen Geländewagen gefahren hat, dem fällt der Unterschied zwischen Realität und dem Spiel von »Total Reality« sofort auf. Vor allem vermisst man eine Schadensanzeige und sichtbare Beulen und Kratzer an der Karosserie. Unbestritten haben Rennspiele dieser Art ihren Reiz, doch werden sie niemals die Popularität und Akzeptanz wie berühmte Formel-1-Titel erlangen. Offroad-Freaks sind und bleiben wohl eine Minderheit mit einem ausgefallenen Hobby - sei es in der realen Welt oder am Bildschirm. Aber für fanatische Pick-Up-Fahrer sei es dennoch wärmstens an Herze gelegt.
61
WindowsPC Player (Germany)
Vor zu vielen Ideen und Nonkonformismus konnte sich Terminal Reality durchaus retten. Die Rennen durchs Gelände wirken anfangs schnittig, später hausbacken, zum Schluss eher langweilig. So lobenswert auch die Masse an Fahrzeugen ist, der Nacht-Modus, die vielen Einzelteile, die man sich für sein Auto kaufen kann, ein Geschwindigkeitsrausch trat bei mir nicht auf. Dafür fahren sich die Autos zu träge und überhaupt zu undynamisch. Dennoch haben die Programmierer aus ihren Möglichkeiten viel gemacht. Insane ist für den alten Rennspiel-Profi, der etwas Neues erleben will, genau richtig. Einsteiger wären aber überfordert. Für diese Geländehäschen ist 4x4 Evolution wie gemacht.
60
WindowsAbsolute Games (AG.ru)
Было бы гораздо лучше, если бы мечты остались мечтами. Наблюдать в очередной раз обычную аркаду средней руки после долгого ожидания истинного симулятора внедорожников — слишком неприятное занятие. Такой игра и отложится в нашей памяти — нереализованной иллюзией с пресловутой свободой в главной роли.
60
MacintoshJeuxMac.com
Malheureusement, la conduite n'est pas ce qu il se fait de mieux en la matière et vous aurez tôt fait de vous prendre un arbre sachant que la moindre erreur vous pénalise énormément et vous ôte le moindre espoir de victoire. Le réalisme n'est pas non plus le point fort du jeu, avec des réactions de la voiture assez étranges et la possibilité de rouler sous l'eau.
60
DreamcastComputer and Video Games (CVG)
It's a decent enough game to play in short bursts, but the continuing frustrations of collision detection and the general repetitiveness ruin any chance there was of getting more than a few days' play out of this - other than in the surprisingly smooth online modes, that is. Ultimately, if you want a 4x4 off-road racing title, then 4 Wheel Thunder is still the best one to get.
60
PlayStation 2Cheat Code Central
Ultimately 4 x 4 Evolution is a mixed bag. It plays well, but rarely rewards. It doesn't look nearly as nice as Rainbow Studio's ATV Offroad Fury and the for the most part, environments are bland and uneventful, even with the odd appearance of other vehicles or other obstructions. There are a lot of vehicles to select from, and if you own a deathtrap, I mean, SUV, then you might get a kick out of playing this game for awhile and pretending that it's you in the game, steering your vehicle through the transparent mud. I wanted to like this game, but after more than a few hours, I realized I was just bored of the whole thing. Changing virtual air filters borders on criminal in my mind. I don't do that in real life, why should I waste my time with it here?
60
MacintoshAppleLinks.Com
The developers reached too far to make certain aspects of the game realistic while curiously ignoring others. So although it's gorgeous to look at, hard core racing fans may be disappointed. On the other hand, casual gamers like myself will probably enjoy the "Bump 'n' Jump"-style racing action but will quickly grow tired of all the part purchasing and customization required to successfully participate in tournament mode where the real action is. I just want to race, you know? I want to drive headlong into rushing trains and along riverbeds and in pitch black during snowstorms with my headlights off.
55
WindowsGaming Entertainment Monthly
While the driving model is as atrocious as with other racing games seen in the past, this could have been a lot better especially since it was coming from Terminal Reality. You are getting an arcade racer but this will disappoint the purists expecting a realistic driving sim. This really could have been a contender for the next evolution of racing sims, but instead it spins out at the starting line.
50
PlayStation 2Gamekult
La version PlayStation 2 ne vaut guère mieux que la mouture PC : 4x4 Evolution est un jeu raté auquel il manque encore quelques mois de développement pour rendre ses nombreuses options tout simplement effectives en situation de jeu. Customiser sa voiture, gagner de l'argent dans des courses, c'est bien beau en théorie. Mais dans la pratique, ces fonctions n'ont été qu'à moitié intégrées. Des erreurs qui ne pardonnent pas, d'autant que la réalisation est juste honnête, que les collisions sont aberrantes et que la jouabilité est relativement médiocre.
50
WindowsGamekult
Passé l'agréable surprise de la découverte, 4x4 Evolution est un jeu arcade qui déçoit. Tous les 4x4 ont la même prise en main, et derrière l'apparente surabondance de véhicules, de réglages et de compétitions se cache un jeu répétitif et buggé de surcroît. Les collisions décevantes, la maniabilité simpliste, l'ambiance sonore très pauvre, l'animation assez lente et la difficulté inégale finissent par l'emporter sur les graphismes agréables et le côté délirant des circuits.
50
PlayStation 2IGN
Quite some time after Terminal Reality's PC and Dreamcast versions of 4x4 Evolution hit their respective systems, the company decided to deliver the same kind of rugged, SUV experience to PlayStation 2 owners, many of whom probably already own Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Well, I don't own an SUV because they're gas hogs and they're slow, but most are sturdy and can handle the dirt road better than say, my weak little Jetta Trek can. They have power and torque and can handle stuff like mountains and whatnot. You know, you've seen the Chevy "Like a Rock" ads.
41
WindowsGry OnLine
Podsumowując, 4x4 Evolution jest grą stojącą pod względem wykonania na całkiem dobrym poziomie. Dokładne modele samochodów terenowych jak i bardzo duża ich ilość, dobrze wykonane i zróżnicowane trasy. Jednak model jazdy pozostawia wiele do życzenia. Szkoda, bo 4x4 mogłoby stać się najlepszą grą tego typu. Pozostaje nam czekać na kolejny tytuł z tego gatunku , który ma pobić „na głowę” wszystko co do tej pory mieliśmy okazję oglądać. Mam na myśli Insane który już niedługo powinien pokazać się na rynku.
40
WindowsGameGenie
4x4 Evolution is a good game negated by meager gameplay. Despite the awesome vehicles and innovative multi-platform multiplayer game, the physics and collision models are just too awful. This is very sad, as racing with real-life 4x4 vehicles is very fun, just don't try it in 4x4 Evolution.


Our Users Say

Platform Votes Score
Dreamcast 3 2.7
Macintosh 1 3.0
PlayStation 2 2 2.8
Windows 4 3.4
Combined MobyScore 10 3.0


User Reviews

Offroad racing not as attractive as it first seems Windows Kasey Chang (3695)

 

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