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Turok: Evolution

Score: 95%
ESRB: Mature
Publisher: Acclaim
Developer: Acclaim
Media: DVD/1
Players: 1 - 4
Genre: First Person Shooter


Graphics & Sound:

Hmmm... a First-Person Shooter, with dinosaurs... Yes! If you've ever wanted to experience jungle warfare, then Acclaim's Turok: Evolution is the game for you. The sheer ability to hide in the weeds (literally) and confuse the baddies makes this game a sure winner graphically. But then you throw in large playing levels and sweet effects (the flame thrower is incredible!), and Turok will rank right up there with the best of the best. The only drawback to all of this graphical goodness is that at certain points, the game hiccups and drops its framerate for a brief period of time. Not to worry though, it never once diminished the gameplay in my experiences, as it always seemed to be at a time when no enemies were present (possible as spot where the level was loading?).

Of course, an Xbox game wouldn't be complete without Dolby Digital Surround pumping through your capable stereo receiver, and Turok: Evolution is no exception. So if you have the proper setup, you'll be treated to an excellent array of gunfire, explosions, and all around sound fx. Trust me when I say that you will be completely drawn in to the game as soon as you begin your first bit of real combat.


Gameplay:

When I said that Turok: Evolution will rank right up there with the best of the best, I meant that to also carry over to the gameplay. Playing as Tal'Set, you have been plucked from your present, and dropped into the Lost Land, chuck full of a wide variety of dinosaurs, and even more highly evolved dino-men. These evolved baddies are mean and furious, and will do anything possible to prevent Tal'Set from stopping them. Fortunately for you, Turok: Evolution gives you are wide range of weaponry to accomplish your goals. In fact, you'll even have the opportunity to put your flying skills to the test in a flight level, where you ride on the back of a flying dinosaur, fully equipped and ready for battle.

Using your cunning wit and sneaky demeanor, you must guide Tal'Set through each of the levels set before you. But if you think running into each area blazing your minigun and rocket launcher will allow you to accomplish everything, every time... you're dead wrong. You see, in this chapter of the Turok series, the ability to snipe your enemies is key. Whether you use your sniper pistol, or decide to pick off your enemies with one of three different types of arrows, eliminating the unknown is the best way to go. Of course, shooting from long range only does any good if you can be sneaky about it. This is why it is essential to use your surroundings for cover. And if you're feeling a bit lucky, you can always run straight into the heart of your enemies and drop a Dark Matter Cube (my personal favorite weapon!) at their feet. This little black box will create a small vortex (in its secondary function) that will pull baddies into the unknown, in much the same way the alien spheres do in the movie The Arrival.

So, you ask, "What about the multiplayer?" First, even though Turok has a kick-ass multiplayer, don't forget about the single-player missions. They are some of the best out there. Secondly, grab 3 of your friends and forget about the single-player missions. Turok: Evolution contains 14 multi-player modes, ranging from the standards like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, to the unique Flight mode, where you fight from the backs of flying Quetzalcoatluses. Turok: Evolution's 4-player, split-screen modes are combat-heavy, and also contain dedicated levels not seen elsewhere in the game. The only thing missing is the ability to link multiple Xbox consoles, or go online for that matter. Maybe next time, Acclaim?


Difficulty:

As always, the multiplayer difficulty on this (and any) game is dependent on the skills of you and your buds. The FPS shooter single-player mode, however, is a different story. As you progress throughout the game, you will notice a nice gradual increase in the time and energy it takes to complete each mission. If you try to go into each area on a full sprint with your guns blaring, you won't be successful. Sniping as many enemies as you can is arguably the best way to approach upcoming areas. Even still, it all comes down to your ability to maneuver and shoot better than your enemies do. It's you against the world, so strap on your bow and kick some dino ass.

Game Mechanics:

I can tell you that those of you who play a lot of FPS games may despise the controls in Turok: Evolution. The problem is that there are only two controller setups to choose from. The first puts the strafe controls on the left stick (instead of the usual right stick on most games). The second, when selected, doesn't even appear to allow you to move Tal'Set at all!!! In short, you're stuck with only one controller configuration, and if it's not the style you prefer, it may take a while to get used to it.

That aside, the rest of the game plays like butter. The buttons are set up very well, and make it easy to switch weapons (and weapon functions) quickly during combat. This is extremely advantageous in certain situations, and especially in multiplayer battles. Turok: Evolution is a very solid game that all fans of the FPS genre should take a look at. It combines an excellent blend of both single- and multi-player combat and displays it in the nice, tight package that is Turok: Evolution.


-Woody, GameVortex Communications
AKA Shane Wodele

Microsoft Xbox Triple Play 2002 Microsoft Xbox Who Shot Johnny Rock?

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated