We loved the original Turok: Dinosaur Hunter on N64. So as an Xbox launch title back in 2002, we couldn't wait to stick it on and experience next-gen gaming for the first time. Everyone gathered around the screen in anticipation as the first tribal enemy came rushing out of the thick, blue fog. We pulled out the shotgun and blasted him; blood squirted out his neck and he staggered to the ground in a rag-doll style. It was truly amazing.
Unfortunately, the shine has since gone off the Turok series - Acclaim drove it into the ground with its dodgy sequels. Now Buena Vista Games has picked up the licence, it looks like it's giving the character a complete makeover and taking the series in a whole new direction.
The hero is no longer a Native American, but a super-hard US Commando called John Turok. He's accompanied into the prehistoric jungle by an equally angry-looking soldier, which suggests that the game could feature some co-op or squad-based gameplay. Although Turok still uses stealthy weapons like the bow and arrow and a nasty-looking combat knife, this FPS is anything but stealth-based - the E3 demo was an exercise in relentless carnage. Developer Propaganda Games is aiming to top the original game for extreme weapons, gore and unbelievable explosions - a task that will take some doing.
Of course, all this is secondary to what Turok is really famous for, and that's fighting gigantic, mutant dinosaurs.
One of the major new features is that you won't just be battling dinosaurs, but also figuring out ways to use them to your advantage. This could involve leading a hungry T-Rex into a pack of terrified enemy soldiers, or possibly using a Triceratops to smash through barricades.
There will be major steps forward in AI and online multiplayer, too. Imagine facing off against your mates as well as a pack of bloodthirsty raptors. It looks like the Turok series finally has something to look forward to after several years of wandering aimlessly in the prehistoric wilderness.
John Turok?..........You gotta be kidding right? Just what we need in another first person shooter: A super-hard US Commando. Part of the charm and almost all of the story dealt with the fact that the main charachter was Native American. Why not call it Super Hard U.S. Commando instead of changing the only original aspect of the gameplay and story.Besides last time I checked not many Super Hard US soldiers were packin bows into combat.
All turok games have been pretty good, but only a few have been totally amazing.
The fact that nothing is the same about this game (developer and plot) means that this game will be nothing like any previous Turok, It could be better or worse and only time will tell.
But seriously... John Turok? If they are going to try and change a series, put a bit more time and effort into it.
I hope the Native American makes it in their as a selectable multiplayer character
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