If you’re going to make a park builder, why not allow people to recreate the most famous park of all time: Jurassic Park. Frontier Developments, the makers of Planet Coaster, Zoo Tycoon, and Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, have done exactly that with Jurassic World: Evolution. In the latest title of the Jurassic Park franchise, we take up the role as Park Manager in the re-creation of John Hammond’s dream attraction.
The Upside
From extracting DNA to creating genetically modified hybrids, science has never been more fun. You can make a little struthiomimus for a kiddie dino zoo. Then again, there’s always the option of engineering a colossal Giganotosaurus for gladiatorial combat. It’s up to you. (Editor’s note: as of yet, there is no way to give your dinos battle armor or additional weapons but we are looking into mods)
Career mode offers a unique experience as you build on each of the Five Deaths and unlock the sandbox mode at Isla Nublar. Each island presents its own challenges as you manage guest satisfaction, park capacity, and, of course, the nature of the dinos themselves. You’ll battle tropical storms that present their own problems. Let’s face it; no one wants to be standing on the other side of an electric fence from a hungry T-Rex when the power goes out.
Storm or no storm, there’s always the risk of sabotage from enemies if you allow your reputation with the Science, Entertainment, or Security Divisions to fall. So, is Jurassic World: Evolution the non-stop thrill ride the park promises its guests or just another building sim?
The game boasts incredible visuals, with 4K and HDR graphics even making an appearance on the Xbox One X. Combined with some of the franchises unmistakable music, Jurassic World: Evolution brings the nostalgia of Crichton’s original creations from start to finish. An in-depth tutorial and InGen Database allow you to hit the ground running and not stop until you’ve created the best in prehistoric attractions.
The Downside
Now for the bad news. Even with six islands at your disposal, the amount of space to build on in this building sim is laughable at best. In fact, sometimes it’s the game’s biggest, and, seemingly, only challenge. It’s missing basic features of many games of its kind: like the ability to speed or slow the passage of time. While this may not seem like a deal breaker, I’ve spent a number of my fifty hours in this game so far simply waiting. I’ve waited for funds to roll in, DNA to be extracted, and dinosaurs to hatch. It’s reminiscent of waiting line at an amusement park.
Don’t get me wrong, there are fast moments too, like when your dinosaurs decide to rampage, crushing your once solid concrete walls and, ultimately, your guests. Though racing to repair the walls and tranquilize the beasts feels hollow. The only nostalgia that comes from this button-mashing marathon comes as thoughts of me playing Hungry Hungry Hippos as a child.
When it comes down to it, Jurassic World: Evolution is not a breakthrough title by any means. In many ways, it’s lacking. However, if you came looking for dinosaurs that look and sound incredible, you’re in the right place.
Jun 22 2018
Is Jurassic World – Evolution Worth it?
If you’re going to make a park builder, why not allow people to recreate the most famous park of all time: Jurassic Park. Frontier Developments, the makers of Planet Coaster, Zoo Tycoon, and Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, have done exactly that with Jurassic World: Evolution. In the latest title of the Jurassic Park franchise, we take up the role as Park Manager in the re-creation of John Hammond’s dream attraction.
The Upside
From extracting DNA to creating genetically modified hybrids, science has never been more fun. You can make a little struthiomimus for a kiddie dino zoo. Then again, there’s always the option of engineering a colossal Giganotosaurus for gladiatorial combat. It’s up to you. (Editor’s note: as of yet, there is no way to give your dinos battle armor or additional weapons but we are looking into mods)
Career mode offers a unique experience as you build on each of the Five Deaths and unlock the sandbox mode at Isla Nublar. Each island presents its own challenges as you manage guest satisfaction, park capacity, and, of course, the nature of the dinos themselves. You’ll battle tropical storms that present their own problems. Let’s face it; no one wants to be standing on the other side of an electric fence from a hungry T-Rex when the power goes out.
Storm or no storm, there’s always the risk of sabotage from enemies if you allow your reputation with the Science, Entertainment, or Security Divisions to fall. So, is Jurassic World: Evolution the non-stop thrill ride the park promises its guests or just another building sim?
The game boasts incredible visuals, with 4K and HDR graphics even making an appearance on the Xbox One X. Combined with some of the franchises unmistakable music, Jurassic World: Evolution brings the nostalgia of Crichton’s original creations from start to finish. An in-depth tutorial and InGen Database allow you to hit the ground running and not stop until you’ve created the best in prehistoric attractions.
The Downside
Now for the bad news. Even with six islands at your disposal, the amount of space to build on in this building sim is laughable at best. In fact, sometimes it’s the game’s biggest, and, seemingly, only challenge. It’s missing basic features of many games of its kind: like the ability to speed or slow the passage of time. While this may not seem like a deal breaker, I’ve spent a number of my fifty hours in this game so far simply waiting. I’ve waited for funds to roll in, DNA to be extracted, and dinosaurs to hatch. It’s reminiscent of waiting line at an amusement park.
Don’t get me wrong, there are fast moments too, like when your dinosaurs decide to rampage, crushing your once solid concrete walls and, ultimately, your guests. Though racing to repair the walls and tranquilize the beasts feels hollow. The only nostalgia that comes from this button-mashing marathon comes as thoughts of me playing Hungry Hungry Hippos as a child.
When it comes down to it, Jurassic World: Evolution is not a breakthrough title by any means. In many ways, it’s lacking. However, if you came looking for dinosaurs that look and sound incredible, you’re in the right place.
Share this:
By Brian Shuman • Games • • Tags: Computer games, Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World Evolution, playstation games, Xbox one games