Loosely based on the genius and successful novel and movie, this adaptation proves difficult and, sadly, monotonous.
Jurassic Park was, and still is, a favorite among many. However, I can't say the NES game can be considered that. Starting off, the player will notice that the controls are extremely slow and sluggish in this top-down action game. The object is to go through each level, leading into some sort of boss fight, and once you complete the boss level, you proceed to another level.
It might prove a little repetitive, but the fact it cycles styles of play helps at least a little in this manner. Along the way in the main levels, players have to collect or destroy (whichever you prefer) all of the eggs located around the area, some outdoors and some indoors. Also cards must be collected and terminals accessed to complete each level on the side.
Although slightly appealing and sometimes even fun to play and pass time on, it's very difficult. The fact you run out of ammo so quickly and get killed fairly easily doesn't help this. Worth a few plays, but this probably won't be a favorite.
Good: Catchy soundtrack * Variety of play between actual gamplay and boss fights * Decent range of enemies
Bad: A little too repetitive * Painfully difficult * Ammo supply runs out too fast * Slow movement
Graphics: Pretty average graphics for an NES game, this game is an overhead action game sort of like Ikari Warriors, however movement is free, meaning players can move wherever they like in all directions. Trees and buildings are done actually very well, especially the trees. The problem is, however, that trees can block vision on what may be attacking you, or something important such as an egg. The same can happen indoors with the walls, so it's sadly easy to be ambushed.
Sound/Music: Sound effects are practically that of which one should expect from an action game such as this, nothing extrodinary to point out. The music, on the other hand, is actually nicely composed. It has a sort of rock-like feeling behind it. The downer about the music, however, is like the game itself: it becomes repetitive a little too quickly.
Difficulty: One of the main problems of Jurassic Park lies within the difficulty, it's a little too hard than it should be. It's almost impossible to make it really far without using any cheats, which of course would take away from the point of it in general. Still, it could have been a little easier.
Gameplay: Setting aside the slow character movement, the extreme difficulty and the other few annoyances that hinder Jurassic Park from being better than it turned out, it's really not all that bad. Of course, a lot of the downers simply can't be ignored, The actual gameplay style alone is good and, sometimes, fun, but as I said earlier, it can prove repetitive. The boss fights are a little intense and give players a little rush. Other than that, they're really not all that interesting, and the whole game could prove boring within half an hour or even less.
Controls: Mainly the prime issue with controls is the sluggish character movements. The rest of the control layout is decent, but just doesn't feel as comfortable as most games.
Overall: While a decent game with some flaws and annoyances both ranging between small and almost serious, it's still something to add to the collection and pull out every now and then, blow off the dust and pop it in the NES. Sadly, that and the first five minutes of the game are the most fun you'll probably have. Don't spend more than $5 on this one.