Turok (Xbox 360)

A very good -- but not extraordinary -- sci-fi shooter.
2/8/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

Speaking of which, along with being ripped down off a ladder by two raptors, other highlights include intense boss fights against both man and beast (nope, we won't give away too much, here).

Visually speaking, the developers at Propaganda did a great job creating a lush, green world in which to play. I'd estimate two-thirds of the game takes place outdoors, offering multiple paths and hiding places from which to choose. At times you'll see a small arrow indicate where you're supposed to go next, but you don't feel like you're on a tight leash. The dinosaurs move smoothly and enjoy high-resolution scaly textures (which you can really only appreciate when you're up close ... after they're dead, of course). Water and blood also look quite good.

Along with the eight-hour-or-so single-player campaign, which is decent but not exceptional, Turok also features a number of multiplayer maps and modes for up to 16 players via Xbox Live. Finding and joining a game is quite painless, including traditional deathmatch and capture-the-flag varieties, a mission-based war game (such as "defend your base" or "find a bomb"), and the cream of the crop, a co-op mode where players can form a squad and battle another team of up to four gamers. For those who want to host a private match, you've got about a dozen rules to tweak including whether or not you want friendly fire (and if you want to punish teammate killers with a "betrayal penalty"), respawn times, flag carrying options and more.

The game lets you chat on a headset while playing, which is highly recommended for the three dedicated co-op maps.

The multiplayer maps and modes are ok, with co-op being the highlight, but there are many better examples of CTF and deathmatch out there thanks to last year's stellar shooter line-up.

Because of its blasé weapons and relatively short solo campaign, Turok is a good but not great game. Gamers can definitely finish the single-player adventure over a weekend, and should get a few weeks of multiplayer fun, but it's one of those titles that straddle between a rental and a must-buy. Turok does not stand up to the likes of other recent Xbox 360 shooters, but it does offer cool kills, attractive environments and some nail-biting moments.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.