US Studio Revives Classic Dinosaur Game ‘Turok: Origins’

At the recent Gamescom trade fair in Germany, attendees received a first look at the upcoming video game “Turok: Origins”, a thrilling third-person shooter that pits players against dinosaurs and aliens. This new installment revives a character who first appeared in 1950s comic books and transitioned to video games in the late 1990s on the Nintendo 64. After a series of releases during the 2000s, the franchise faded into obscurity until Saber Interactive reintroduced it.

In 2020, Universal Studios, the producer behind the popular “Jurassic Park” films, approached Saber Interactive to develop a game based on its Turok intellectual property. The studio’s head, Jesus Iglesias, expressed surprise at the opportunity, noting, “It’s been sleeping for a long time.” Saber, founded in Russia and now headquartered in Florida, has a history of reviving forgotten titles, including Warhammer 40,000’s “Space Marine” and “Evil Dead”.

Bringing Turok Back to Life

The presentation of “Turok: Origins” at Gamescom, which attracted over 357,000 visitors, showcased the game’s development, which peaked with a team of 250 people. The game will feature both single-player and multi-player modes, allowing players to engage with AI-controlled enemies. Iglesias emphasized that the new version aims to respect the original games while enhancing the experience for modern players. He stated, “We are being respectful with the originals, especially with Turok 1 and Turok 2, and also adding some elements that help to make the universe a little bit more consistent.”

This reboot promises a fluid, fast-paced, and cinematic experience, diverging from earlier iterations that did not capture the essence of the original. The last major release, a self-titled 2008 game, attempted to reboot the series but received mixed reviews, with Iglesias acknowledging that it “ended up in a disaster.” A subsequent title in 2019 was not connected to the main series, underlining the challenges in revitalizing the franchise.

Future Prospects for Turok

While there is no confirmed release date for “Turok: Origins”, the game will be available on Xbox, Playstation, and PC. As fans await further announcements, the revival of Turok represents a significant moment in gaming history, tapping into nostalgia while aiming to captivate a new generation of players. With a dedicated team and a revitalized vision, Saber Interactive is poised to deliver a memorable experience that honors the legacy of this iconic character.