Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 288 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered Game Cover
Starting at €28.99Buy now
Get on Steam

"Turok 3 Shadow of Oblivion Remastered," a first-person shooter, is a restored version of the 2000 Nintendo 64 game, now upgraded with high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting, and 4K resolution capabilities. This remaster is the first to use Nightdive Studio's improved KEX engine, offering better visual fidelity and modern gamepad support. It concludes the Turok trilogy remasters, following the updates to Turok and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil.

Play Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 288 reviews
story6 positive mentions
stability6 negative mentions
  • The remaster features significantly improved graphics, modern lighting, and HD textures that enhance the overall visual experience.
  • The gameplay is smoother and more responsive compared to the original, making it a more enjoyable experience.
  • The inclusion of two playable characters with unique weapons and paths adds replayability and variety to the game.
  • The game is very short, with a playtime of around 3-4 hours, which many players feel does not justify the $30 price tag.
  • The removal of multiplayer features, which were present in the original game, is a significant loss for fans of the series.
  • The story and level design are considered weaker compared to the first two games, leading to a less engaging experience overall.
  • story56 mentions

    The story in Turok 3 is generally viewed as an improvement over its predecessors, featuring more cutscenes and character development, but it suffers from rushed pacing and unclear plot elements that leave players confused about key aspects of the narrative. While some appreciate the attempt at a more engaging storyline, many find it lacking depth and coherence, with a mix of underdeveloped characters and a somewhat generic plot. Overall, the game offers a decent narrative experience for its time, but it ultimately feels disjointed and unsatisfying, especially with its abrupt cliffhanger ending.

    • “There is a lot of story here compared to the older Turok games, and the cutscenes are very well done. The detailed character models even have animated facial expressions, which was very rare for a console game at the time, and they look even better with the remaster.”
    • “The story is interesting, the characters likable, the weapons effective, and the world engaging.”
    • “The engaging storyline and improved graphics make it a worthy addition to the Turok series.”
    • “The story is not the best, mostly because it had to be rushed, but it gets the job done.”
    • “This game tries to have more of a story and emotional moments, but it falls kind of flat and just feels lame that they expect us to be sad that generic video game man is dead; I barely even know this guy.”
    • “The story goes nowhere and is somewhat impenetrable for newcomers.”
  • graphics40 mentions

    The graphics of Turok 3 have received widespread praise, particularly for the remastered version, which features significantly improved textures, lighting, and higher resolutions that enhance the original art style. While some reviewers noted that the game was impressive for its time on the Nintendo 64, the remaster has elevated the visuals to a level that feels modern and polished, with smooth frame rates and responsive controls. Overall, the updated graphics contribute positively to the gameplay experience, making it a worthwhile addition for fans of the series.

    • “Visually stunning remaster: the original graphics have been significantly improved, with higher resolutions, textures, and lighting.”
    • “The arsenal is fun to use, and the graphical and animation changes are spectacular!”
    • “First impressions show that the game's visuals are leaps and bounds better than the original.”
    • “The game was already bad in the first place: excruciatingly corny story, goofy graphics, etc.”
    • “Crap graphics cause you got 8 megs of memory max.”
    • “Second, none of the new graphics are optional, and it looks like a cheap AI texture upscale plastered on an otherwise extremely simplistic looking game.”
  • gameplay34 mentions

    The gameplay of the remastered Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is generally described as smooth and enjoyable, with a solid arsenal of weapons and improved mechanics that enhance the experience. However, it suffers from linear level design and some dated elements typical of early 2000s games, leading to a mixed reception regarding its depth and replayability. While the game offers a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic FPS titles, its short length and simplistic boss mechanics may leave some players wanting more.

    • “The gameplay is smooth as butter, it looks great, and it's a quick and sweet ride.”
    • “The gameplay has been made much smoother thanks to the improved framerate, and the improved controls, making the game feel faster paced, and with the updated gore and dismemberment system, the weapons feel a lot more powerful because of it, and with the adjustable FOV, the game is more accessible.”
    • “The mechanics are fun, weapon diversity remains relevant throughout the game, and the puzzle-bosses are fun and unique even if a bit simple for modern gaming.”
    • “The game has its shortcomings, of course, but just like pretty much any game from the early 2000s N64/PSOne era, there are many things that just haven't aged well in terms of gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay itself is completely mediocre; it's nowhere near the creative highs of Turok 2 and barely has any of the energy that it had.”
    • “You have a few extra areas for each character, but the difference amounts to maybe 10 minutes of unique gameplay over the entire campaign.”
  • music22 mentions

    The remastered soundtrack, created by original composer Nelson Everhart, has received widespread praise for its high-quality sound and nostalgic appeal, enhancing the overall gaming experience. While some tracks are noted to be less memorable than those from Turok 2, the updated music significantly elevates the game's atmosphere, with many players highlighting specific tracks that resonate well during gameplay. Overall, the music stands out as a strong aspect of the game, even amidst criticisms of other elements.

    • “The game's soundtrack has also been lovingly remastered and sounds great.”
    • “Music is fantastic; it was rerecorded with higher quality sounds by the original composer, Nelson Everhart, who did the wonderful OST for Evolution too, I believe.”
    • “The remastered music by the original composer is also a great touch.”
    • “And they used elevator music to roll the ending credits.”
    • “At this point, the Turok game series was a shadow of its former self; everything is a downgrade from previous games except the music.”
    • “The character models, weapon models, weapons themselves, animations, environments, music, everything felt downgraded from Turok 2.”
  • replayability16 mentions

    Turok 3 offers moderate replayability primarily through the option to play as different characters, each with unique weapons and paths, which encourages multiple playthroughs. However, the game's short length and linear level design, along with the absence of multiplayer, limit its overall replay value. While some players appreciate the achievements and character variety, others feel the lack of depth and content makes it hard to justify the game's price.

    • “The game has 4 characters to play as, so it has some nice replayability.”
    • “Two characters to choose from adds a chunk of replay value to the game, especially since both Joseph and Danielle have different weapons and paths to take.”
    • “Getting the achievements is also great for replayability.”
    • “The exclusion of the N64 game's multiplayer mode definitely hampers the game's replayability a bit, but that didn't stop me from finishing my second run in under two-and-a-half hours.”
    • “Structurally, the game abandons the sprawling, replayable levels for a linear, set-piece focused journey.”
    • “Overall, Night Dive did a good job bringing Turok 3 from the buggy release on N64 to a game that shows off the potential it had back in 2000, but with the short length, lack of multiplayer, and little replay value, it's hard to justify the $30 price tag the game comes with, even considering the lengths Night Dive went to make this possible.”
  • humor7 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurdity and self-awareness, with players finding amusement in the juxtaposition of the game's price and the effort put into the port. The hilariously silly cutscenes and over-the-top gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to easily defeat the final boss, contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience. Overall, the game's quirks and unexpected moments elicit laughter, making it a memorable aspect of the gameplay.

    • “I would have been mad, but it's so ridiculous it actually starts to become funny.”
    • “Many facial animations and models got small retouches so they look more complete, yet strangely the smaller cutscenes were largely untouched, which is a shame because they are hilariously silly at times.”
    • “The fact this port exists at all is equal parts hilarious and genuinely incredible.”
  • stability6 mentions

    Overall, the remaster of Turok 3 has improved stability compared to its original N64 release, with most major glitches eliminated and a smoother performance on modern consoles. However, some minor technical issues persist, leading to mixed feelings about the game's overall polish and raising concerns about the developer's future commitment to the series. While it offers a more accessible experience, the lack of additional content and replay value may leave some players feeling that it falls short of justifying its price.

    • “Technical issues: the remaster occasionally suffers from minor technical glitches.”
    • “Overall, Night Dive did a good job bringing Turok 3 from the buggy release on N64 to a game that shows off the potential it had back in 2000, but with the short length, lack of multiplayer, and little replay value, it's hard to justify the $30 price tag the game comes with, even considering the lengths Night Dive went to make this possible.”
    • “Unless Night Dive has plans to add more to the game, at best this is a more accessible way to play Turok 3 on PC and consoles, and a complete upgrade to what was once a buggy and obscure N64 title, and at worst, it's an unfinished game that suggests Night Dive might be losing their passion for the series, which makes it hard to have confidence in a potential remaster of both Rage Wars and Evolution.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received high praise, with users noting its smooth performance and impressive visuals, even on modern hardware. Nightdive's efforts have resulted in a game that runs exceptionally well, achieving nearly 1200 fps, which stands in stark contrast to other titles that struggle with performance. Overall, the optimization is considered a significant achievement, enhancing the gameplay experience.

    • “Not only that, but the game actually runs buttery smooth; compare that to some games that look worse than this, remasters or not, and can't hardly run on most PCs out there. There has been very good optimization work done here by Nightdive; it's not just a casualty that the game runs as well as it does; they optimized it to perfection.”
    • “The game looks beautiful and runs smoothly, even on modern hardware.”
    • “I never thought Turok 3 would ever appear on PC; performance is incredible, running at nearly 1200 fps (I put a 100 fps cap on it). I wish they could backport this into Turok 2 and Turok 1.”
    • “The combat feels great and very much rivals Turok 2. Nightdive has added in much more blood, and you can blow enemies to pieces and blow parts of their bodies off. All of this was sadly missing in the Nintendo 64 version, likely because of performance issues.”
    • “Talking about controls and performance.”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as a mix of generic sci-fi elements and quirky fantasy settings, lacking the epic and mysterious feel of its predecessors. While the level design is considered dull compared to earlier titles, the improved textures contribute positively to the overall experience. Despite its inconsistencies, the game still manages to create a unique atmosphere that some players find enjoyable.

    • “The atmosphere is kind of weird; the first game was all jungly, and the second was just a random mish-mash of fantasy and sci-fi locations. This one actually starts off on what seems to be actual Earth, albeit a generic sci-fi future Earth with hover cars and dystopian, trigger-happy cops. Later on, you go back to the quirky fantasy settings with nobody batting an eye.”
    • “The atmosphere is kind of weird; the first game was all jungly, and the second was just a random mish-mash of fantasy and sci-fi locations. This one actually starts off on what seems to be actual Earth, albeit a generic sci-fi future Earth with hover cars and dystopian, trigger-happy cops. But then later on, you go back to the quirky fantasy settings with nobody batting an eye.”
    • “While Turok 2 levels were a bit too labyrinthine for my taste, they oozed atmosphere.”
    • “Atmosphere and textures are much better than the original.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The game attempts to evoke emotional responses through its story and character moments, but many players feel it falls short, lacking depth and failing to create a genuine connection with the characters. As a result, the emotional impact feels minimal, especially for those with limited investment in the series.

  • grinding1 mentions

    Players appreciate that Turok 3 improves upon the grinding issues found in its predecessors, making the gameplay experience more enjoyable and less tedious.

  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization of the remaster has sparked debate among users, particularly regarding its $30 price tag for a 23-year-old game, with some viewing it as a nostalgia cash grab. However, many agree that the remaster performs well, meeting expectations despite the pricing concerns.

    • “The monetization strategy feels exploitative, especially with the high prices for in-game items that should be accessible to all players.”
    • “It's frustrating to see a game that could be great being held back by aggressive monetization tactics that prioritize profit over player experience.”
    • “The constant push for microtransactions makes it hard to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend more money.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered

Play time

5hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
2-14hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games