Probably the most uninspired and cliché FPS released in 2009, but still managed to deliver some simplistic fun.
Fans of open world environments, or games with multiple options available to complete mission objectives will be disappointed. The levels are linear. It's simply a matter of getting from point A to point B, and there's only 1 path for you to take. There are basically 3 types of game-play events you'll experience while making your way through the game.
1. Area Sweeps - This is what's happening through most of the game. You get to a clearing on your way to the end of the stage, then a wave, (or two, or three) of dinosaurs rush you, and you have to take them out, then keep moving until you get to the next wave. Shoot, walk, shoot, walk, shoot, walk, stage done.
2. Barricade Defence - You'll come to forts or gates with windows that have wooden bars on them. Dinosaurs will try to break the windows and get to you. You can shoot them through the windows, repair the damage they have caused to the bars, and try and keep them from breaking through. If they do break through, you can still continue, you're just now open to attack.
3. Stationary gun stand-offs - You'll get a heavy machine gun, or chain gun of some kind on a tripod, and you'll shoot down a constant barrage of creatures, while trying not to over heat the gun.
The boss fights aren't much different, and will usually follow scenario 1 or 3; it's just a bigger animal to take down.
The only other switch up in the game is when you come across narrow logs that bridge gaps, and you use the R Analog stick to stay balanced as you crawl across.
Your character moves pretty slow while getting to the end of each stage, and there's no run button to help speed things up. It's a real pain when you're trying to out run, or even out manoeuvre a dinosaur, which of course is impossible. The option to have a burst of speed every now and then, or even a dodge move, would have been appreciated.
The selection of dinosaurs is okay, but it could have been better. Most of the time you'll spend fighting off various species of raptors, in a range of sizes. You'll also come across dilophosauruses, giant scorpions, a couple flocks of pterodons, the odd t-rex, and a couple spinosaurses. So not bad, but adding a few extra ones would have made things more interesting, especially when there's so many recognizable dinosaurs to choose from.
To take on the creatures that are in the game, you'll have an equally so-so selection of weapons. There's a couple 9mm handguns, a few automatic rifles, grenades, explosive arrows, . At any given time your character will be able to carry only 2 guns at a time.
With all these guns and dinosaurs around, someone is going to get hurt. You do not have a health bar however, and there are no health pick-ups. Instead, as you're attacked, your screen will start to go red. If it goes all red, you're dead. If you survive, then you will regenerate health at a rather brisk pace. Some of the attacks the dinos have are actually kind of fun to watch. For example, if the spinosaurus gets a hold of you by the leg, you'll find yourself swinging upside down from his mouth. If you don't shoot your way out fast enough, you become a tasty snack for it.
In between the battles the characters will spout some of cheesiest dialogue available that feels like it belongs in an 80's action movie that was released as a Direct to VHS feature, and has the voice acting to match. It oddly felt like it was all part of the fun though, and was entertaining to listen to.
After the relatively easy main campaign was over (which I'm guessing did not take me more than 4 hours) I had a good time, but couldn't help feeling that so much was missing from the game.
I would have liked to have seen maybe some sort basic puzzle element added occasionally, more dinosaurs, and extra game modes available after completing the main game; like arena battles. A longer campaign would have been nice as well, but only if it was paired with more variety in the game-play.
So although it has it's entertainment value as a simplistic shooter (that felt like a throw back to an FPS from the early 90's), it's not worth the cost of it brand new. Pick it up used, or give it a rent when you need an afternoon of mindless fun.