Dino Crisis: When Dinosaurs and Tank Controls Roam Free
A prehistoric adventure with puzzles that make you question your life choices
Launch Day Larry
Ah, “Dino Crisis,” a game that takes us back to the days when dinosaurs ruled the Earth and tank controls ruled our thumbs. This survival horror classic from the late ’90s has been resurrected on modern platforms, and it’s here to remind us that sometimes, the real horror is in the controls.
Gameplay: A Jurassic Jumble of Puzzles and Panic
“Dino Crisis” is a love letter to the survival horror genre, complete with tank-style controls and fixed camera angles that make you feel like you’re directing a B-movie. These mechanics, while as stiff as a T-Rex’s neck, create a tension that modern games often miss. The methodical pacing and calculated progression are like a slow dance with danger, where every step could be your last.
The game shines in its puzzle-solving elements, requiring players to channel their inner detective. From item mixing to code cracking, the mechanics add layers of depth that keep you engaged. However, if you’re playing on PC, prepare for a workout with the numpad and some unconventional key choices that might make you wish for a simpler time—or at least a controller.
While the game offers a nostalgic experience, it lacks modern conveniences like cloud saves and achievements. The save system is as limited as a dinosaur’s vocabulary, and navigating the menus can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. Plus, the game has a penchant for freezing when alt-tabbing, which is about as welcome as a velociraptor at a picnic.
Graphics: A Blast from the Past with a Few Fossilized Features
Visually, “Dino Crisis” is a mixed bag of nostalgia and missed opportunities. The pre-rendered backgrounds and cinematic framing are like a time capsule, capturing the sterile, metallic interiors of the research facility with an atmospheric touch. However, the character models and animations are showing their age, much like a fossilized dino egg.
The modern PC release offers improved compatibility, but it doesn’t fundamentally alter the original graphics. Some players might find the lack of upscaling and the 15 fps cutscenes a bit jarring, like watching a nature documentary on a dial-up connection. The absence of ultrawide support and a 60 fps option is a notable limitation, leaving some players longing for a smoother experience.
Story: Dinosaurs, Time Travel, and Moral Dilemmas
The story of “Dino Crisis” is as gripping as a T-Rex’s bite, with a premise that involves time displacement experiments gone awry. You play as Regina, a special operations agent with a knack for surviving prehistoric predators and making moral choices that affect the game’s outcome. It’s like “Jurassic Park” meets “Choose Your Own Adventure,” with a side of existential dread.
The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, documents, and character interactions, maintaining a cinematic feel without drowning you in exposition. Regina is a memorable protagonist, balancing competence with vulnerability, which complements the survival-driven narrative. However, the story’s execution can be as confusing as a dinosaur trying to use a smartphone, with some players feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.
Final Verdict
“Dino Crisis” is a nostalgic romp through a world where dinosaurs and tank controls reign supreme. It offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival horror that fans of the genre will appreciate. However, its technical shortcomings and control issues may deter new players or those seeking a seamless modern gaming experience. If you’re willing to embrace its quirks, “Dino Crisis” is a thrilling ride through a prehistoric nightmare.
Score: 6.0/10