Turok

Ferocious dinosaurs aren't enough to make this game stand out in a crowded genre. The planet's jungle landscapes look vast but lack polish. Ambient sounds are crisp, including branches crackling under your feet. While the standard arsenal of guns and grenades are at your disposal, the knife and compound bow stand out as the most notable weapons. Turok can sneak up on enemies and execute a quick knife kill with a timed press of the right trigger. The compound bow requires precision, which makes long-distance strikes rewarding. Targeting is tricky, since the reticle moves faster than in most shooters. Your character, on the other hand, is sluggish. It takes a second to get him moving, and he feels slow even when running. Dinosaurs are aggressive, particularly once you're spotted. Kane's troops aren't as smart. Occasionally, they employ clever battle tactics, like flanking, but sneaking up on them is way too easy, as they seem oblivious to most noises.

Turok's single-player campaign strikes a healthy balance between dinosaurs and human enemies. The sudden presence of an angry dinosaur can create some tense moments at times. You also get the chance to battle more menacing foes, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a underwater behemoth. Unfortunately, the story is bare. Few background details exist, particularly about the origins of Turok and this mysterious planet. Multiplayer modes boast the usual deathmatch and co-op options. The inclusion of dinosaurs as well as the knife attack allows for interesting combat strategy. Diehard fans of the first-person shooter should enjoy this fresh entrée into the genre. Unfortunately, with so many stellar first person shooter choices, Turok fails to do enough to differentiate itself.