Turok: Evolution

Posted Oct 11, 2002 by Chris Williams

Updated Oct 15, 2007 at 03:39 PM

System: Nintendo GameCube

Also available for: Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation 2

Publisher: Acclaim

Reviewer’s rating: C-

ESRB rating: Mature

Game type: First-person shooter

Kind of like: Earlier “Turok” games

Best feature: The usual over-the-top “Turok” weaponry.

Worst feature: Not-really-customizable controls; horrid load times.

The bottom line: “Turok: Evolution” showed great promise in early screen shots, but to this reviewer, the final disc plays more like a late-level test version.

From the very first level, frame-rate issues and foliage pixelation threaten “Turok’s” claim as a next-generation game, and what looks like an expansive jungle area is quickly revealed as a narrow path that funnels the player forward. From that realization on, continual disappointments threaten enjoyment of the experience. The load times for each level are almost comical in their excess.

Intended improvements to the “Turok” legacy are uneven. What could have been an entertaining air mission on a pterodactyl (with machine guns, no doubt!) proves somewhat unforgiving and arbitrary, with poor control and none of the majestic feeling one would expect from such a ride.

The on-foot levels combine jungle, mountain and stronghold locales, and enemies display some (inconsistent) AI, but it all feels a little tired and under-finessed compared to the exceptional control, story lines and graphics of some other new GameCube titles.

There are enough fine moments, though, to justify “Turok: Evolution” as an extended rental for those in the mood for dino-warfare.