Jurassic Park

"Don't listen to the other reviewers, this is not a Jurassic joke for sure."

To be honest I've always been fond of the Jurassic Park films. The reason being ever since I was little I've liked dinosaurs. Interesting enough I was in fact a little child when it was released. (like 7 at the time) The question is this title a dino do, or is it more like dino doo?

Gameplay: What we have here is a near carbon copy of the Nes game of the same name. Honestly, the only difference is the lack of color. For those of you who haven't played the Nes version, Jurassic Park places you in the role of Dr. Alan Grant. (Who were you expecting Barney?)
Your goal is to traverse the island of Isla Nublar, with the intentions of reaching a helicopter to safety. Things will not be easy, since plenty of dinosaurs who wouldn't mind making dinner of you inhabit this island. Of special note the view is set similar to the GBA versions of the Tony Hawks Pro Skater series, opposed to the standard side-scrolling view of the day. What I like about this game is there is rarely a dull moment. Goals like leading Tim through a triceratops stampede, protecting Lex from a very hungry T-Rex, and bombing raptor nests are as varied as they are fun. Diversifying even more there is a bit of rafting to be done during the course of the adventure as well! Thankfully, Grant has more then his wits on his side, since there is a total of six different weapons (and ammo) scattered around to render those pesky beasts extinct. Ever wonder why I said this game is a near carbon copy of the nes version? Two words: Dinosaur Gallery. This portion gives you info on the various dinosaurs museum style. Who said you can't learn anything from video games?

Graphics: Nice! Big bold sprites abound, and the really big dinosaurs are mighty impressive. The levels themselves have a lot of details covered, and has a certain charm to them like many other NES games.
(Again this is the same as the Nes version)

Sound: I would say this is the only area that Jurassic Park falters.
The sound effects are pretty good, and are kind of cute in fact. However, some of the sound effects most notably the raptor when it gets shot are better on the Nes. Still, for such a old GameBoy release I'm quite surprised in the quality of the audio.

Control: Well done. The controls are very responsive, so you'll never get cheap hits due to sloppy controls. The only problem I've ever encountered is combating raptors. Those pesky buggers have a tendency to run around you for a attack, so in response you have to try to circle and shoot. That is usually easier said then done. However, I kind of like it since it added a certain amount of anxiety to the experience.

Jurassic Park shrugs off the old saying that movie based games stink. It provides you with a highly entertaining experience, with perhaps the only real flaw being the adventure is a tad short at six levels. However, each stage is fairly large mind you. Like dinosaurs? Well, my friend this game is deserving of at least a play.

Score:7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/02, Updated 08/31/02