E3 2002: Turok Evolution impressions

Perhaps the Star Wars series has brought the concept of prequels back into fashion--the newest Turok game, which is appearing on all three current-generation consoles, is set before the original game. Of course, the regression in setting doesn't necessarily imply a regression in gameplay. Quite the contrary--Turok Evolution is looking to be the most advanced of the series.

The story goes that the original Turok character, Tal'Set, is sent through a dimensional rift from 1886 Texas to the prehistoric Lost Lands. To make a long story short, Tal'Set will end up embroiled in a conflict that involves all manner of primitive monsters, including dinosaurs, as well as the old nemesis he thought he left behind in Texas.

If you're familiar with Turok or other first-person shooters on consoles, Turok Evolution's gameplay is pretty standard fare. Tal'Set starts the game with his simple tomahawk, and in typical Turok fashion, he will acquire an enormous arsenal by the end of the game. The demo we played had a few weapons available for use, such as a standard pistol and shotgun--pretty average stuff, for the most part. True to his Native American roots (and the previous games), Turok can also nab a bow and arrow. Later in the game, heavier weaponry like a flamethrower and a rocket launcher will be available, though we didn't get to see these. In all, there will be around 30 weapons in the game. These will come in handy against the host of prehistoric enemies, including a whole bunch of dinosaurs.

Turok Evolution is being shown on all three platforms at the Acclaim booth, and each demo shows a different part of the game. The PlayStation 2 version contains a simple indoor level with a couple of weapons available and a few simple enemies. The GameCube demo features a different level, but again, we saw only a fairly simple indoor area (although we had some grenades to toss around). However, the Xbox version showcased the most interesting aspects of the game. The level on display was a pretty expansive outdoor area containing some docile stegosauruses and a few spastic monkeys. Also playable in the Xbox demo is one of the game's flight levels, which are a new addition to the Turok series. In these levels, Tal'Set hops on a trusty pteranodon and takes to the sky to vanquish his aerial foes. According to Acclaim, about 20 percent of Turok Evolution is made up of these flying stages, which will probably make for a nice break from the FPS levels.

Not surprisingly, the Xbox version of Turok Evolution looked the best of the three graphically, while the GameCube and PS2 versions were on about the same level. However, the GameCube version was a bit easier to play, as the system's controller is better suited to FPS games. Turok Evolution is slated to hit stores in September of this year for all three platforms, so keep an eye out for future information as the game nears release.