Jurassic Park

"OK, time to get the truth out"

Ok, This a review to set the record straight, seeing as some reviews confuse this with other games
-This is not a point-and-click game
-There are no overhead views
-This is only about the first movie

Storyline- As previously stated, this game revolves around the first Jurassic Park movie.

There is Grant, who just wants to get off the island, preferably in one piece.
There is also a Velociraptor, who also wants to leave the island, but has some sort of grudge against Grant (No idea why, just go with it).

You can play as Grant or the Raptor, and either way, you will have a final confrontation as the games end. Grant faces some extra powerful raptors, and the Raptor faces Grant.
The game starts with a short scene showing what leads up to level one for your selected character. Before a level starts, it gives you some story information, like what you must do next. And after the final battle you see some more text scroll by, and you shall see another short scene that is your ending.

Gameplay- The gameplay uses a tried-and-true formula: get to the end of the level alive. Of course, things like swarms of enemies, environmental threats (Example- Wires in the Power Plant), and the classic "bottomless pits of death". But there are weapons and healing items throughout the levels, so it isn't impossible, even if you only get 3 lives.

The 2 characters add a little variety to the game. The characters take slightly different paths, and encounter different enemies. For example, the Raptor will be facing a great number of armed guards, while Grant will be fighting against mostly dinosaurs. Even their stats are different, as the Raptor can jump higher, run faster, and can cause more damage at close range. The Raptor has a fine array of attacks including biting, kicking, and jump attacks. Grant has decent weapons as well, including darts of different power, grenades, and a long range taser sort of gun. The Raptor can easily defeat most enemies, Grant can only tranq and run *especially when it comes to the T-rex that pops up every few levels*

The levels vary from a rather generic Jungle type area to a water-filled Pump Station (Watch your step, Grant and the Raptor are lousy swimmers), and even the famous Visitor's Center from the film.

Sound- While I don't pay a great amount of attention to sound, it was good considering when it was created. Dinosaurs roar, grunt, and such as they attack and are attacked. Grenades and rockets explode, and the taser gun makes a nice "zap" noise. Things are pretty well done right down to the T-rex roar.

Music- So-so. The music fits the area, with a quick tune for the sometimes frantic Jungle level and so on. All the music is dark and adds to any fear the player might be experiencing.

Problem Area- As much as I think this is a good game, there are some problems. The difficulty might send some of the more casual gamers packing (Not to mention what the T-rex will do), because, as I said, you only get 3 lives. Miss one jump and your 1/3 closer to your own game over. There is also a slight balance problem, Grant's missions are harder. Limited ammunition (no "infinite ammo guns" to fall back on), a rather weak character, and your occasional run-in with a T-rex makes the Raptor a more preferred choice.

All in all, this is a solid game, with some sequels that improve upon these flaws quite nicely. If anyone reading this still owns a genesis, this game is worth a look.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/06/06