Dinosaur Games To Play While Waiting For Jurassic Park: Survival

Summary

The release of Jurassic Park: Survival in 2025 promises a new survival horror adventure on Isla Nublar.
Dinosaur games range from family-friendly options to horror experiences with different gameplay styles.
Oakwood and Tempus Triad offer unique horror experiences with dinosaurs, complementing the upcoming Jurassic Park release.

As a lifelong fan of all things dinosaur-related, I have spent countless hours immersed in various games that allow me to live vicariously through these magnificent beasts and relive the age of the dinosaurs. Over the years, I’ve encountered many terrifying creatures, but there are some standout titles that truly capture the essence of what makes dinosaur games so captivating.

One such game is Peter Jackson’s King Kong, a gem from my childhood that left an indelible mark on me. The immersive first-person perspective and lack of traditional HUD made every encounter feel intense and harrowing. From battling the fearsome Vastatosaurus Rex to teaming up with the mighty Kong himself, this game took me on a rollercoaster ride through Skull Island that I’ll never forget.

Another title that deserves special mention is Dino Crisis, a survival horror classic that replaced zombies with dinosaurs in a brilliant twist on Capcom’s Resident Evil formula. The terrifying Therizinosaurus from the demo still gives me nightmares to this day, and if Capcom ever decides to remake the series, I’ll be the first in line!

But let’s not forget about Dino Crisis’ spiritual successor, Resident Evil 5. The return of the Tyrant, or “T-Rex” as some might call it, was a delightful surprise that took me back to my days of playing Peter Jackson’s King Kong. The updated graphics and gameplay mechanics made this throwback all the more enjoyable.

Finally, I can’t ignore the sheer terror that is Oak Island: Lost Souls, where I was forced to navigate treacherous terrain while being pursued by a relentless T-Rex. The game’s minimalistic approach to storytelling and survival mechanics made every encounter feel like a heart-pounding struggle for survival.

So there you have it, folks! These are the dinosaur games that have left an indelible mark on me over the years. And as a final note, I’d just like to say: if you thought Jurassic Park was scary, wait until you play these games! (I kid, of course – those movies are still my favorite!)

Looking forward to dinosaur game enthusiasts, as it’s anticipated that Jurassic Park: Survival, set for release in 2025, will bring excitement. But with no confirmed launch date at present, fans will have to patiently anticipate exploring Isla Nublar anew in a survival horror game reminiscent of Alien: Isolation.

Gladly, I’ve stumbled upon an array of engaging dinosaur video games, catering to everyone from young adventurers to thrill-seekers. Some games offer immersive experiences where you can command mighty dinosaurs, while others place you in the shoes of a human, battling through a world overrun by these prehistoric beasts.

10. Fossil Fighters: Champions

A Sequel That Improved On The Original Pokémon Clone

Developers: Red Entertainment, Artdink, Nintendo, Nintendo Software Planning & Development, M2
Release Date: November 18, 2010
Genre: RPG
System: Nintendo DS

In the game called “Fossil Fighters: Champions”, young combatants gather dinosaurs to engage in fights with other dinosaur-controlling fighters. Their ultimate goal is to emerge victorious. This game shares a striking similarity with Pokémon, but in a commendable manner. It offers straightforward RPG gameplay, enabling players to traverse an expansive world, challenge other trainers, advance through various regions, and enhance their Vivosaurs – the dinosaurs – by leveling them up.

As a longtime fan of the Nintendo DS franchise, I have to say that Fossil Fighters: Champions stands out as one of my favorites among the many attempts by other studios to cash in on the Pokémon craze. With its well-designed Vivosaurs and flashy abilities, this game delivered 3D visuals and immersive worlds before Pokémon even had a chance. Having played both games extensively, I can confidently say that Fossil Fighters: Champions is the superior choice for fans of the genre who are looking for something fresh and exciting.

9. Jurassic: The Hunted

The B-Movie Version Of A Dinosaur Game But In A Good Way

Frequently disregarded by video game enthusiasts, “Jurassic: The Hunted” is essentially a first-person shooter reminiscent of the “Call Of Duty” series, except with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures serving as adversaries rather than soldiers. With its absurd and exaggerated narrative that sometimes resembles a SyFy Channel original movie, it may not offer anything groundbreaking for the genre, but this quirkiness adds to its allure.

The game “Jurassic: The Hunted” shines most when players approach it casually. The action, particularly the gunplay and the dinosaurs, is its strongest feature, with the larger ones like the Spinosaurus standing out. What’s more, the game offers a unique setting, where modern times meet a primeval jungle, unlike the usual premise of dinosaur resurrection via genetic manipulation.

8. Jurassic Park: The Game

New Perspectives Created A New Jurassic Story From A Familiar One

One of Telltale Games’ initial titles, “Jurassic Park: The Game,” narrates the tale of the first Jurassic Park film through various characters’ viewpoints. Similar to other narrative-driven games by Telltale, it centers around choosing dialogue and plot points that can influence the outcome, be it favorable or unfavorable.

Experiencing the game set on Isla Nublar, taking on the roles of both Gerry Harding (the park vet from the film) and a fresh character tasked with collecting dinosaur embryos like Denis Nedry, adds an engaging layer of continuity. Additionally, new dinosaurs that were not featured in the original movie are introduced, along with unexpected plot developments, making it a satisfying sequel extension to the first film.

7. Turok (2008)

The Bloody Reboot That Doesn’t Get Enough Appreciation

Turok games consistently incorporate dinosaurs as adversaries, yet they frequently shift to aliens, robots, and various other forms of danger. The 2008 reboot, which is sometimes underestimated, received criticism for its streamlined combat and shorter campaign; however, this doesn’t diminish the enjoyment it provides. In fact, it offers the most dinosaur-focused gameplay within the franchise, with Turok arriving on a planet inhabited by alien dinosaurs similar to those found on Earth.

At nearly every stage, you’ll encounter both human adversaries to overcome and dinosaurs to battle. This unique blend of high-tech weaponry and intense melee combat with knives is what sets this game apart. The formidable dinosaur bosses, including the recurring T-Rex known as Mama Scarface, offer the most challenging segments. Alongside Utahraptors, Lurkers, Giganotosaurus, and many others, these battles create an unforgettable prehistoric adventure.

6. LEGO Jurassic World

Play As LEGO Humans And Dinosaurs Alike

As a dedicated fan who’s built countless creations with LEGO bricks, I can confidently say that diving into LEGO Jurassic World feels like stepping back into familiar territory. This game brings to life the first four installments of the Jurassic Saga, from the thrilling Jurassic Park to the awe-inspiring Jurassic World, all rendered in LEGO form. It’s packed with classic activities such as stud collecting, and the satisfaction of breaking and rebuilding LEGO pieces. What sets it apart is its heartwarming narrative that families can enjoy together, seamlessly blending humor, even in the more serious moments, into the adventure.

Among the notable aspects, Traveller’s Tales not only reassembled Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and many other actors from Jurassic World, to reenact their dialogues, but also incorporated dialogue from the original trilogy to preserve authenticity. As an added advantage, LEGO Jurassic World boasts hundreds of human and dinosaur characters for all four movies.

5. Oakwood

Proof That A Dinosaur Horror Game Can Work

As someone who has been fascinated by dinosaurs since I was a child, growing up watching movies like Jurassic Park and reading every book about them that I could get my hands on, I can say with certainty that there is a gaping hole in the gaming industry when it comes to dinosaur-themed horror games. That’s why I am so excited about the upcoming release of Jurassic Park: Survival.

However, for those who are looking for something more immersive and terrifying, I would highly recommend checking out Oakwood. This game takes the concept of dinosaur survival to a whole new level, transporting players into a world where they must navigate through the woods while being pursued by relentless dinosaurs. As someone who has spent countless hours camping with friends in the wilderness, I can tell you that this game will give you a taste of what it’s really like to be stalked by these ancient beasts. So if you’re looking for a truly terrifying and immersive experience, Oakwood is definitely worth checking out!

In essence, while Oakwood shares the survival-horror genre with games like Outlast, it sets itself apart by featuring dinosaurs instead of typical horror elements. Yet, it’s not just about the concept; execution is crucial, and Oakwood delivers on the fear factor, making players confront Velociraptors, Dilophosaurs, and a Tyrannosaur in a rollercoaster ride of thrills. Despite being an indie production, it offers a compact yet satisfying horror experience that often flies under the radar.

4. Jurassic World Evolution 2

Double The Dinosaurs Means Double The Park-Building Fun

Among numerous games inspired by the Jurassic Saga, Jurassic World Evolution 2 stands out as a clear frontrunner. Much like its predecessor, it maintains the concept of park construction but significantly expands upon it. You’ll find an expanded roster of dinosaurs, refined customization options for your park, new types of dinosaurs such as flying and aquatic species, and a variety of diverse biomes to make gameplay more challenging and engaging.

Since the release of “Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis”, games such as “Jurassic World Evolution 2” have maintained their position as the benchmark for the franchise. It’s fortunate that the park-building series consistently evolves and enhances itself, allowing for a wealth of dinosaur options due to the creativity of skilled modders, ensuring an endless supply of engaging gameplay with remarkable detail.

3. Tempus Triad

The Demo Has Quickly Won The Hearts Of Many

Developer: Mendesz
Release Date: Q2 2025
Genre: Survival Horror
System: PC

Even in its demonstration phase, Tempus Triad is already set to offer a one-of-a-kind dinosaur adventure. The story revolves around an experiment that’s malfunctioning, resulting in dinosaurs appearing in today’s world. The main character is on a mission to dodge these prehistoric beasts and find a way to halt the incident.

In the game ‘Tempus Triad’, the suspense consistently builds due to a tranquil environment that’s frequently disrupted by distressing noises, such as explosions, alarms, or even the dinosaurs themselves. But what truly stands out in this demo is facing off against the Therizinosaurus, an entity that can only move when the player isn’t watching. If such a terrifying creature is just a taste of what the demo offers, imagine the attention it will draw once the full version is released.

2. Dino Crisis

Capcom’s Dinosaur Franchise Brings Chills And Thrills

As a seasoned movie critic, I’d like to share my thoughts on a gem that often slips under the radar – Capcom’s Dino Crisis. The masterminds behind Resident Evil decided to shake things up by swapping out zombies and mutated creatures for prehistoric beasts, giving birth to this intriguing horror franchise. Surprisingly, despite a short lifespan, spanning just three games, it has carved out a niche as one of Capcom’s most underrated horror series.

Enthusiasts of the game “Dino Crisis” have repeatedly asked Capcom to revamp it in a way similar to how they’ve been handling the Resident Evil series. Despite the possibility of another clone, the fearsome dinosaurs from the original are still etched in memory, and with contemporary graphics, they could become truly terrifying. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that the 90s survival horror classic for the PS1 remains an iconic game that any dinosaur enthusiast should experience.

1. Peter Jackson’s King Kong

Delivers Even More Dinosaur Action Than The Movie

Through Jack Driscoll’s perspective, Peter Jackson’s King Kong has earned classic status over time. This game showcases some of the scariest dinosaurs in gaming history, such as the colossal Vastatosaurus Rex, frequently regarded as the most intimidating Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the swift and chilling Venatosaurus. The journey to rescue Anne from Kong is a rollercoaster of intense and harrowing experiences.

In Peter Jackson’s King Kong, what sets it apart is not just its thrilling journey filled with numerous dinosaurs across Skull Island, but also its innovative approach in creating an immersive experience by omitting a standard Heads-Up Display (HUD) for ammo and health. This means the player must pay close attention to how many rounds and magazines Jack mentions are remaining, which can lead to nerve-wracking moments. What’s more, Kong himself is playable, offering players an opportunity for revenge against the very dinosaurs that once terrified them as human characters.

2024-12-29 02:37