Announced at Microsoft’s Gamescom 2017 press conference today, park-building game Jurassic World Evolution allows players to create new dinosaurs and build their own theme park based on the popular film franchise.
In a press release, developer Frontier Developments said the game “evolves players’ relationship with the Jurassic World film franchise.” Jurassic World Evolution isn’t limited to infrastructure building as players will get to create research facilities and “bioengineer new dinosaur breeds.”
Bioengineering dinosaurs was the central plot point of the 2015 Jurassic World film, with the park owner being manipulated to create dinosaurs for military use. Bioengineering also led to the creation of the Indominus Rex, a smart dinosaur with enhanced capabilities due to it having the DNA of a Tyrannosaurus, Giganotosaurus, Rugops, Majungasaurus, Carnotaurus, Velociraptor, tree frogs, and cuttlefish. It remains to be seen how much freedom Jurassic World Evolution will have in bioengineering dinosaurs.
Emphasized in the game’s reveal trailer is a T-Rex wreaking havoc after escaping from its confines. Shortly after, a rapid response unit was then established to control the situation with non-lethal protocols. Apparently, Jurassic World Evolution has repercussions for each player decisions and outcomes. “Every choice leads to a different path and spectacular challenges arise when ‘life finds a way,’” said Frontier Developments.
The Jurassic World Evolution trailer shows a glimpse of its park-building with its point-and-click gameplay style. Facilities and gadgetry also closely resemble 2015’s Jurassic World film, such as the long train networks and the ball ride. It’s still unknown if the game’s story will tie in with the first Jurassic World or the 2018-bound sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Jurassic World Evolution is being developed by Frontier Developments, the team behind space sim Elite Dangerous and Planet Coaster. This isn’t the first time a theme park game is being made, with 2003’s Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis using the same idea.
Jurassic World Evolution launches sometime in summer 2018 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It’s likely the game will launch in the first month of summer to coincide with the premiere of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on July 22, 2018.
What do you think of Jurassic World Evolution being announced? Do you think Frontier can do the concept justice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!