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Oliver Harper: Jurassic Park (1993) The Video Games - Retrospective/Review

IbizaPocholo

NeoGAFs Kent Brockman


A retrospective look back at the video games based on the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park!

Overview of Jurassic Park

- Jurassic Park, released in the summer of 1993, made a significant impact on the film industry, becoming the most successful movie of its time.
- The film captivated audiences of all ages, leading to repeated viewings and affecting box office profits for other summer releases.
- The state-of-the-art visual effects pioneered by the film changed industry standards and sparked a massive wave of merchandise, including toys, apparel, and video games.

Video Game Development

- As interest in Jurassic Park surged, nearly 100 companies sought to develop video games based on the franchise.
- Ocean Software secured rights to create games for multiple platforms, including the SNES, NES, and Game Boy, as well as versions for Amiga and DOS PCs.
- Development of the games faced challenges, including delays that ultimately did not hinder their market success.

Game Design and Animation

- The team at Blue Sky Software spent 15 months developing a traditional platformer game that allowed players to control Alan Grant and a Velociraptor.
- To achieve realistic animations, the team studied dinosaur movement and used models from the film's production, employing stop motion photography for animated sequences.
- The game featured intricate backgrounds created through a tiling technique, enabling larger and more complex visuals within the memory constraints of the consoles.

Game Release and Reception

- The Sega version of the game was the first to hit the market in late August 1993, followed by releases on other platforms.
- Initial reviews of the game were mixed, with some critics praising the graphics while others criticized the controls and gameplay execution.
- Despite mixed reviews, the game sold well, generating significant revenue for Sega and establishing a strong presence in the gaming market.

Subsequent Versions and Expansions

- Following the original game's release, Ocean Software developed additional titles, including sequels and ports for various platforms.
- Each subsequent game aimed to address criticisms of the previous titles, introducing new gameplay mechanics and improved graphics.
- Despite improvements, many sequels received harsh critiques, reflecting a growing fatigue with the game's formula among players and critics alike.

Legacy and Modern Adaptations

- Jurassic Park's influence extended beyond its initial success, as the franchise evolved into a broader media phenomenon, including the Jurassic World series launched in 2015.
- Modern adaptations of the game have attempted to capture the essence of the original while incorporating contemporary gaming technologies and storytelling techniques.
- The franchise continues to inspire new titles, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Jurassic Park universe in both film and gaming.

Conclusion

- The Jurassic Park franchise, particularly its video game adaptations, represents a significant chapter in the evolution of film-based gaming.
- The combination of innovative technology, engaging gameplay, and the allure of dinosaurs continues to resonate with audiences today.
- As gaming technology advances, the potential for new Jurassic Park experiences remains an exciting prospect for both nostalgic fans and new players alike.
 

Phobos Base

Member
The Game Boy version was one of the first titles I got for the system, if you pre-ordered it you got a soft toy Spitter, which I still have. Also loved the SNES version, the lack of saves didn't stop me from beating it in one sitting during the school holidays. Great soundtrack as well.
 

Mattyp

Not the YouTuber
Might watch later but I just remember the mega drive version I got for my birthday being hard as fuck, don’t think ever finished it should do a replay.
 

NeoIkaruGAF

Gold Member
What a time, when a game with the same name would be completely different on different systems.

I had the GB version as a kid, and somehow managed to beat it a couple of times even with its bullshit traps, high difficulty, and limited continues (atm I’m not even sure it did have some continues). The worst about that game were the item boxes scattered around. Some would contain explosives that damaged you, and there was no way of knowing beforehand. You just had to take the damage and avoid them in future playthroughs.
Later I also played the NES version, which is the same but, of course, in color.
I still have the main music stuck in my mind, 30 years later.

I never played other OG JP games. I want to try the Genesis and SNES versions sometimes.

Seeing JP in theaters as a kid was momentous. It was the true breakthrough of CGI, and a very good movie to boot. Shame the industry took a lot of wrong lessons from it.
 
I loved these games as a kid. I was born in 1987 so for me playing them at launch, I was really young. They were super hard, especially the Gameboy one. I don't think I ever made it past the second stage. The Genesis version was a lot more accessible but still super challenging. At least on that one I'd get pretty far. The game was terrifying. Between the T-Rex breaking through the wall and eating you whole, the raptors sprinting and jumping at you, and the gritty very cool graphics and that badass soundtrack just combined to something truly fierce and exhilarating. Miss those days so much. Can't wait for my kids to play them when they grow up a little.
 
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