Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The dual-CD re-release of Evolva and Giants: Citizen Kabuto offers two very different but equally engaging gameplay experiences. Evolva places you in control of a squad of four genetically enhanced “Genohunter” creatures called Evoforms. You can swap between them on the fly, using each Evoform’s unique abilities—such as heavy armor, ranged firepower, or stealth—to adapt to varying battlefield scenarios. The strategic layer of mutating and evolving your squad under fire adds depth beyond typical run-and-gun fare.

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On the other side, Giants: Citizen Kabuto delivers a sprawling, third-person action-adventure playground. You can choose between three factions—the agile Meccaryns, the brute Chicharrons, or the titular giant monster, Kabuto. Each faction has distinct movement styles, weapon arsenals, and objectives, creating a compelling reason to replay missions and explore the lush island world from multiple perspectives.

Both titles excel at blending shooter mechanics with light tactical or sandbox elements. Evolva’s procedurally mutating enemies keep you on your toes, forcing you to experiment with different Evoform loadouts mid-level. Meanwhile, Giants offers seamless transitions between on-foot combat, vehicle skirmishes, and, in Kabuto’s case, city-sized destruction sequences that feel as liberating as they are chaotic.

Controls in both games reflect their early-2000s heritage but remain largely accessible. A quick rebind of keys or gamepad input can make both Evolva and Giants feel surprisingly modern. The pacing is brisk, with Evolva’s shorter campaign missions and Giants’ mix of main objectives and optional side tasks ensuring you’re always discovering something fresh.

Graphics

Visually, the re-release remains true to its roots: polygonal 3D environments, detailed creature models, and vibrant color palettes define both games. Evolva’s insectoid worlds brim with bioluminescent fungi, writhing tentacles, and surreal alien flora. Each level introduces new visual themes that underscore the urgency of your mission to eradicate the mutating Genus menace.

In Giants: Citizen Kabuto, the island of Tureeza unfolds in lush greens, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches, all rendered with an eye for playful scale. Watching Kabuto stomp through villages or Meccaryn troopers rocket-jump across rooftops demonstrates an art style that balances cartoonish exaggeration with fine environmental detail. Long draw distances and dynamic lighting—albeit limited by the era’s hardware—still convey a genuine sense of scale and discovery.

The dual-CD edition doesn’t offer a full HD remaster, so you may notice jagged edges or lower-resolution textures when played on modern displays. However, community patches and built-in compatibility modes help smooth out frame rates and allow widescreen aspect ratios. This combination of official support and fan-driven enhancements preserves the charm while mitigating the most jarring technical limitations.

Particle effects—such as Evolva’s acid splashes and Giants’ rocket explosions—retain their punch thanks to bright colors and satisfyingly chunky visuals. If you’re willing to overlook a bit of dated presentation, both games still look striking enough to pull you into their respective worlds of mutation and mayhem.

Story

Evolva’s narrative is straightforward but effective: a military corporation unleashes a self-replicating organism named the Genus, which quickly mutates native wildlife into deadly abominations. Your squad of Evoforms is humanity’s last line of defense, sent into increasingly hazardous environments to stem the genetic tide. While dialogue is minimal, the evolving enemy roster and escalating boss encounters deliver a palpable sense of progression.

Giants: Citizen Kabuto adopts a more tongue-in-cheek tone. You arrive on the idyllic island of Tureeza, soon finding yourself in the middle of a three-way conflict among technologically adept Meccaryns, muscular Chicharrons, and the rampaging Kaiju known as Kabuto. The plot’s wacky premise—ancient gods, alien technology, and an ever-growing monster—is supported by humorous NPC banter and over-the-top cutscenes that never take themselves too seriously.

Both games strike a balance between brevity and entertainment value. Evolva’s campaign wraps up in a handful of hours, but each mission intensifies the stakes, culminating in inventive boss battles that test your mastery of the Evoform mutation system. Giants runs longer, with side quests and hidden challenges that flesh out Tureeza’s history and encourage exploration.

Neither title aims for epic storytelling, but both craft memorable premises that justify their gameplay hooks. Whether you’re fascinated by the science-fiction horrors of Evolva or charmed by the brawling absurdity of Giants, you’ll find a narrative framework that delivers context and motivation without dragging down the action.

Overall Experience

This dual-CD re-release is a nostalgia trip and a value-packed introduction for new players. For the price of a single modern release, you get two distinct adventures showcasing the creativity of early-2000s PC gaming. Evolva’s mutation-driven missions and Giants’ open-world antics complement each other, offering variety whether you prefer tactical shooter depth or sandbox destruction.

Installation is streamlined, and both games include community-vetted patches for widescreen support and improved stability on contemporary operating systems. While you may need to tinker with settings to fully optimize frame rates, the payoff is significant: two cult classics running smoothly on today’s hardware.

Replayability is high. Evolva’s mutation mechanics encourage multiple playthroughs with different Evoform builds, while Giants’ three factions and collectible objectives guarantee fresh approaches to familiar terrain. The combination of tactical planning, fast-paced action, and lighthearted storytelling makes this set a versatile addition to any retro collection.

Ultimately, the Evolva / Giants: Citizen Kabuto dual-CD package reminds us why these titles garnered dedicated followings. Their idiosyncratic charm, inventive mechanics, and willingness to push genre boundaries still resonate. If you’re seeking offbeat, action-packed gameplay and don’t mind a touch of dated presentation, this re-release is an excellent purchase decision.

Retro Replay Score

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