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JURASSIC PARK CLASSIC GAMES COLLECTION – IS IT WORTH BUYING?

A park ranger holds up a flare to a dinosaur in the Jurassic Park: Survival game.
Image via Saber Interactive

The Jurassic Park franchise has etched its mark in cinematic history, captivating audiences with its mesmerizing portrayal of prehistoric creatures brought back to life. Beyond the silver screen, the franchise extended its reach into the gaming realm during the 1990s, spawning various adaptations across consoles like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Mega Drive (Genesis). Decades later, the Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection, curated and modernized by Limited Run Games, beckons fans of the movie franchise and gaming enthusiasts to revisit these digital relics.


A throwback to an era when movie tie-in games were ubiquitous, the collection amalgamates Ocean's ambitious creations inspired by the 1993 blockbuster. It includes the sequel Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues, along with Mega Drive tie-ins crafted by Bluesky Software: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition. 


Is this assemblage of pixelated adventures worth your cash and consideration? Let’s find out.



Nostalgia Beckons: Journey to a Bygone Era

The Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is a prime example of how nostalgia can be a powerful draw for gamers of all ages. The collection features a range of games from the 90s, each with its unique take on the iconic movie franchise. 


The NES game, for instance, takes inspiration from popular arcade game Commando while challenging gamers and capturing the essence of the movie. Meanwhile, The Chaos Continues offers a run-and-gun platform shooter that will be familiar to anyone who grew up playing classic games from that era.


Moving on to the Mega Drive titles, these games are characterized by their cinematic narrative style and smooth animations. They offer immersive platforming adventures that are reminiscent of other popular games of the time, such as Flashback and Another World. Even today, these games hold up remarkably well, showcasing the graphical prowess of the era and providing an engaging and nostalgic experience.


Finally, the Game Boy adaptations are perhaps the most accessible of the bunch. They feature simple yet familiar platforming conventions that are easy to pick up and play yet still manage to capture the essence of the Jurassic Park franchise. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic games, offering a glimpse into the past while still being accessible and enjoyable to modern audiences.


Overall, the Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is a must-have for fans of the franchise and anyone who loves classic games. It's a trip down memory lane that manages to capture the spirit of the movies while providing engaging and challenging gameplay that stands the test of time.



Modern Enhancements: A Contemporary Twist to Retro Classics

Limited Run Games' efforts to revitalize these classics for modern audiences are commendable. The inclusion of modern features, such as the ability to save progress, rewind time, and toggle between display ratios, brings convenience to players, alleviating the frustration of repeating levels due to unforgiving challenges. It is also worth mentioning that the collection offers a glimpse into the evolution of game design, with each title showcasing different approaches to the same IP. 


Moreover, platform-specific filters like CRT scanlines for consoles and a dot matrix overlay for Game Boy adaptations add a nostalgic touch for enthusiasts yearning for that authentic retro gaming experience. The collection's attention to detail extends to the packaging, with Limited Run Games opting for a sleek design that includes reversible covers and interior art inspired by the movies.


Owen Grady from the Jurassic World movie looking up at a dinosaur in a flaming habitat.
Image via Universal Pictures

The addition of on-screen maps provides guidance, a feature absent in the original versions, catering to today's gamers accustomed to more user-friendly interfaces. However, the absence of a dedicated museum section, which could offer insights into the original games and related paraphernalia, is a missed opportunity for enriching the collection's historical context. 


The Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is a fantastic way to relive the lost world of gaming and experience the franchise's evolution in the gaming realm. While the debate around the value proposition of this curated collection is inevitable, it is a compelling choice for Jurassic Park fans and retro gaming enthusiasts looking for an enhanced and hassle-free gameplay.



So Is it Worth Your Investment?

The debate surrounding the worth of the Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is inevitable. While these games can be sourced online and played via emulators, the value proposition of this curated collection lies in the amalgamation of convenience, nostalgia, and enhancements tailored for contemporary gaming experiences.


While it’s true you could get these games through other means, the new features included in the collection (like the save progress functionality) elevate gameplay beyond mere emulation. The convenience of having the titles readily available with added functionalities like rewinding time and on-screen maps appeals to both new and seasoned gamers.


Moreover, considering the cost and reliability of obtaining original consoles and game copies from resellers, investing in the collection becomes a more attractive proposition. Limited Run Games' effort in reviving these classics with modern touches adds substantial value, offering  hassle-free and enhanced gameplay without the uncertainties associated with retro gaming hardware and second-hand markets.


A screenshot of two dinosaurs facing off in the Jurassic Park Evolution game. 
Image via Frontier Dev UK

Conclusion: Reliving the Lost World of Gaming

In conclusion, the decision to purchase the Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection hinges on individual preferences and inclinations towards nostalgia and gaming history. For avid Jurassic Park fans and retro gaming enthusiasts, this curated assortment is an enticing gateway to revisit a lost era of gaming, providing an amalgamation of convenience, nostalgia, and enhanced gameplay.


The Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection, in all its pixelated glory, stands as a time capsule, inviting you to embark on a journey through a bygone era of gaming wonder. The modernized features, from save progress functionality to visual filters, accentuate the gaming experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for contemporary players while preserving the essence of these '90s classics. While alternatives exist, the convenience and reliability offered by this collection, coupled with its nostalgic appeal, make it a compelling choice for those seeking to unearth the nostalgia of Jurassic Park's digital adventures.



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