[Dual Analysis] Turbo Overkill Critique

Turbo Overkill, developed by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, has unleashed its frenetic, mature-rated action on consoles. Join us to explore what Ceidz and EdEN experienced playing it on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch in this comprehensive review.

In the chaos-infused world of Turbo Overkill, you step into the combat boots of Johnny Turbo, a character decked out with unique augmentations such as hidden arm rockets and a chainsaw that extends from his lower leg, perfect for slicing through foes. When Johnny returns to his hometown of Paradise, he is horrified to discover that a rogue AI named Syn has taken control of its residents, turning them into an army of cybernetic minions. Driven by a need to erase the errors of his past, Johnny takes on the colossal challenge of dismantling this formidable AI, all while rival bounty hunters seek their share of the glory. Life has never been more perilous in Paradise.

As someone who revels in the nostalgia of early shooting games, the opportunity to dive into Turbo Overkill on Nintendo’s platform was too good to pass up. Originally launched on Steam in 2023, the game has now journeyed to the Nintendo Switch, maintaining all the action-packed spectacle. Johnny Turbo’s abilities set the stage with arm rockets for intense firepower and a lower-leg chainsaw for brutal close encounters.

Johnny’s quest unfolds as he battles through a transformed Paradise, now a battleground under the control of Syn’s malicious influence. This once-familiar place is now a dystopian nightmare where chaos spreads like a modern plague, demanding Johnny to confront and dismantle Syn’s growing legions to save what’s left of his home.

The gameplay mechanics are straightforward yet thrilling. You navigate Johnny using the left stick, aiming with the right, and adjusting perspective or activating a chainsaw slide with simple button presses. The arsenal at your disposal includes diverse primary and secondary fire options, accessed swiftly via a weapon wheel, while Turbo-Time lets you manipulate the flow of time to your advantage.

To sustain the high-octane action, players earn cash by vanquishing foes, which can be used for augmentations and weapon upgrades. This cycle of destruction and progression continues through more than twenty intense levels, with bosses granting special augments upon defeat, further enhancing your abilities in this relentless world.

The heart of the game lies in its frantic, blood-soaked gameplay, warranting its mature rating explicitly. Its post-apocalyptic visual style complements the raw violence perfectly, allowing players to delve deeper into the narratives of Johnny Turbo, Syn, and their ravaged world. Beyond the Campaign Mode, an Arcade Mode and an Endless Mode provide ample replayability for honing your skills.

The action kicks off immediately after the opening cinematic, immersing players into the high-stakes conflict right from the tutorial. The intuitive controls make Johnny’s agile and deadly movements feel fluid and empowered, although the interface could benefit from additional navigation options aligned with console standards.

Turbo Overkill caters to players of varied proficiencies with five difficulty settings, ranging from the accessible Virgin Blood to the ruthless Murder Machine, where each bullet counts against accelerated enemy onslaughts. The retro aesthetics, combined with a modern performance edge, bring the chaotic spirit of classic 1990s shooters like Doom and Heretic into a new era of gaming.

For trophy hunters, Turbo Overkill presents a comprehensive set of criteria on the PlayStation, challenging players to explore, master abilities, and pursue endless waves of foes, all while amassing an arsenal to conquer every difficulty tier and uncover hidden collectibles.

This intense homage to classic FPS games is a thrill ride of carnage wrapped in modern mechanics, satisfying both nostalgia seekers and action enthusiasts alike. Despite the graphical concessions made for the Nintendo Switch, the high-speed action maintains its essence from superior hardware, broadening its reach with a Cross-Buy feature on PlayStation consoles, ensuring that once you pay, you’re set for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 gameplay.

Turbo Overkill has taken its explosive formula and expanded onto new platforms, offering players a relentless journey as they take on Johnny Turbo’s quest to liberate his home from AI tyranny, delivering a potent blend of retro thrills and novel gameplay dynamics.