Evolve

(Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4)

MONSTERS probably come a close second to giant robots when it comes to the things which fuel the wild imaginations of boys.

But given that films like Pacific Rim, Godzilla and Troll Hunter were aimed at older audiences, it seems that adults have a soft spot for alien beasts as well.

Evolve, rated for players aged 16 and over, seems to be the gaming world's answer to that.

Designed by the makers of Left 4 Dead, the multiplayer first-person shooter sees you team up with three other jet-pack wearing hunters to track down a monster on jungle maps.

Alternatively you can play as the monster itself who 'evolves' by devouring other smaller creatures.

With fire breath and the ability to throw boulders and stomp on the hunters, it is fun to play as the monster and, more importantly, easy to control.

The trick is for the monster to stay at a distance until it has increased its power but there are things which alert the hunters such as birds that scatter.

As for the hunters, they look a bit clichéd with some of the character design seemingly borrowed from Gears of War and Resident Evil but the squad dynamic is well balanced.

The character classes include 'assault', 'trapper', 'medic' and 'support' and the game cleverly searches for matches where you can hand-pick your class based on your playing style.

The 'assault' player rains down destruction, the 'medic' heals the team and the 'support' player can launch a barrage and cloak the team to assist a swift escape.

But I enjoyed playing as the 'trapper' the most who can create a forcefield and use harpoons to snare the monster.

Evolve is a live multiplayer game so your experience is at the mercy of who you play with.

It is at its best when all players are communicating and working together.

The downside is a lot of the time that does not happen, leading to many dull moments as you trudge around trying to find the monster to no avail.

Evolve also features a mission mode where the outcome of your objectives alters the course of the game.

It is fun for a while but seems like a concession to Evolve's missing campaign mode which would have offered a great way to get to grips with all of the game's guns, gadgets, giant beasts and treacherous jungle world.

RATING 6.5/10

DAVID MORGAN