Coming from Steven Speilberg's Dreamworks Interactive and including the vocal talents of Richard Attenborough and Minnie Driver, you'd have thought Trespasser would be a bit of a winner, especially as it's basically a sequel to The Lost World movie. Unfortunately, it has one major failing - actually two - which we'll come to in just a second.
Don't be mistaken into thinking Trespasser is a straight Quake clone, because it isn't. Although played in the first-person and featuring a host of weaponry, there is one huge difference that sets it apart: the control system. The mouse controls your head, the left button extends your arm, while the right button causes you to pick up whatever is in front of you. Another key can stow the object (up to a maximum of two), while the spacebar fires. And when all your ammunition is spent you can just toss the empty weapon away. In theory it's a great idea, but in practice you feel that you are a bit of a retard. Considering it's populated by dinosaurs, the island on which you're marooned is strangely well-stocked with guns. Some are just lying around, while others are perched on top of tall crates and have to be dislodged with a well-thrown rock.
The game itself is played out at quite a leisurely pace, although when the velociraptors appear it becomes quite frightening, especially as your gun waves about in front of your face when trying to aim the damn thing. Graphically the game is quite impressive, especially the dinosaurs' animation. However, even our office P233s with 64Mb RAM and a 3Dfx card regularly chugged when things got busy.
But try it. If you can live with the inadequacies, then you're sure to find the full game more than enjoyable. Especially with our hero sporting a nice set of bristols.
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