Turok (video game series) explained

Turok
Genre:First-person shooter
Developer:Acclaim Studios Austin (1997–2002)
Propaganda Games (2008)
Publisher:Acclaim Entertainment (1997–2002)
Touchstone Games (2008)
Platforms:Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
First Release Version:
First Release Date:February 28, 1997
Latest Release Version:Turok
Latest Release Date:February 5, 2008
Parent:Turok

Turok is a series of first-person shooter video games based on the comic book character of the same name. It is set in a primitive world inhabited by dinosaurs and other creatures. The series was originally developed by Acclaim Studios Austin as Iguana Entertainment and published by Acclaim Entertainment from 1997 until Acclaim's bankruptcy in September 2004. The series was then developed by Propaganda Games and published by Touchstone Games. The series generated more than $250 million in revenue by 2002.[1]

Games

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

See main article: Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Turok: Battle of the Bionosaurs.

The first game in the series. Developed by Iguana Entertainment and published by Acclaim for the Nintendo 64 console and personal computer platforms in 1997. A remastered version developed by Nightdive Studios was released for Windows (through Steam) and Xbox One in 2015 and 2018 respectively. The remastered version was also released on the Nintendo Switch on March 18, 2019 and on PlayStation 4 on February 25, 2021.

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil

See main article: Turok 2: Seeds of Evil and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (Game Boy Color).

The sequel to Dinosaur Hunter, released for the Nintendo 64 in late 1998 and ported to Windows in 1999. A separate game, also titled Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, was released for the Game Boy Color in 1998. Although set in the same fictional universe, the Game Boy Color game follows a different storyline. Just like the first game, a remastered version developed by Nightdive Studios was released for Windows (through Steam) and Xbox One in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The remastered version also came out on the Nintendo Switch in 2019.

Turok: Rage Wars

See main article: Turok: Rage Wars and Turok: Rage Wars (Game Boy Color).

A non-canon game that was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. A Game Boy Color version followed in 2000 but shared little in common with its home console counterpart.

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion

See main article: Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion and Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion (Game Boy Color).

The sequel to Seeds of Evil, released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64. A Game Boy Color version was released but shared nothing in common with its console counterpart. A remastered version of the game developed by Nightdive Studios released on November 30, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Turok: Evolution

See main article: Turok: Evolution.

The prequel to Dinosaur Hunter, released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube in 2002. A 2D side-scrolling version was also released for the Game Boy Advance. A port for Microsoft Windows was released in 2003 for the European market.

Turok

See main article: Turok (video game).

A reboot that is unrelated to the previous games. Developed by Propaganda Games, published by Touchstone Games and distributed by Disney Interactive Studios. Released in 2008 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was later ported to Microsoft Windows that same year.

Cancelled games

Untitled Turok Game Boy Advance game

A prototype game for the Game Boy Advance system, planned for release sometime before Turok: Evolution.[2]

Untitled Turok: Evolution sequel

After the release of Turok: Evolution, Acclaim Studios Austin placed a small team in charge of creating a sequel. The project was not picked up, and the team moved on to other projects.[3]

Turok 2

Turok 2, known chronologically as Turok 6 in various news articles, was a planned and partially developed sequel to Turok from 2008. It was eventually cancelled mid-development, due to many layoffs at Propaganda Games.[4] [5] [6] [7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Dinosaur Hunter Returns To Reclaim The Action Throne In Acclaim's Entertainment, Inc.'s 'Turok: Evolution. https://web.archive.org/web/20020609070131/http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/TurokEvolutionE3.html. acclaim.com. June 9, 2002. May 21, 2002. May 7, 2022.
  2. Web site: Turok. Unseen64.net. 2009.
  3. Web site: Turok Evolution Sequel. Unseen64.net. 2009.
  4. Web site: Turok 2 Cancelled. 2010. Unseen64.net.
  5. Web site: 2013. Polygon. .
  6. News: 2013. Eurogamer.net. September 17, 2013 .
  7. Web site: Turok 2 Cancelled. Gamerant.com. September 18, 2013 .