Jurassic Park: The Game – A Thrilling Return to the Island
Reliving the Catastrophe
Telltale Games takes us back to the iconic setting of the original Jurassic Park film with their latest adventure game. This immersive experience delves into the events that set the catastrophic events of the movie in motion.
The Mission: Dinosaur Embryos
At the heart of the game lies a MacGuffin from the original film: a can of Barbasol containing precious dinosaur embryos. Corporate spies, distrustful of Dennis Nedry’s abilities, send in a backup smuggler named Nima to ensure the job is done.
A Parallel Storyline
The game unfolds in a parallel storyline to the first film, following the hours during and after the chaos. Players encounter familiar characters like park veterinarian Gerry Harding and his daughter Jess, as well as new faces like mercenaries sent to evacuate the park and a park scientist concerned more for the dinosaurs than human safety.
Puzzles and Action
Jurassic Park: The Game is not a typical dinosaur shooter. Instead, it’s an interactive movie where players direct the action through puzzles and action sequences. From frantic key combinations to escape Tyrannosaurus to deciphering door codes, the gameplay keeps players on their toes.
Multiple Perspectives
The game requires players to switch between characters to accomplish tasks, offering a diverse perspective on the unfolding events. This approach adds depth to the storyline and allows players to explore different aspects of the characters’ motivations.
Testing Your Skills
The action sequences demand quick reflexes and deftness at the keyboard or gamepad. Players must dodge charging Triceratops, stab Velociraptors, and escape packs of Troodon within rapid succession. These challenges add an element of thrill and excitement to the gameplay.
Respect for Dinosaur Enthusiasts
The game designers have paid attention to detail, ensuring that the park’s appearance is consistent with the original film. The dinosaurs match their big-screen counterparts, and even snippets of dialog and journal entries address scientific issues with the fictional story.
Flaws and Frustrations
Despite its strengths, the game has its flaws. Some of the new prehistoric beasts, such as the tubby Herrerasaurus and the overly embellished mosasaur, could have benefited from more attention to detail. Additionally, the action sequences can be frustrating due to their high level of responsiveness, which can lead to repeated failures.
A Nostalgic Adventure
Despite these quibbles, Jurassic Park: The Game is an enjoyable and well-executed spinoff that allows players to revisit the dinosaur-infested park. Its “choose your own adventure” approach captures the spirit of the original films, making it a nostalgic and immersive experience for fans of the franchise.