[Dual Evaluation] Turbo Overkill: A Comprehensive Review

Turbo Overkill, crafted by Apogee Entertainment and Trigger Happy Interactive, has dashed onto consoles with its pulse-pounding, mature-rated FPS gameplay. Let’s dive into our review of Turbo Overkill!

This review combines perspectives from both Ceidz and EdEN, who got their hands on the game on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Here’s what we discovered.

Imagine the raw intensity of a cyberpunk world brought to life. Turbo Overkill stands out as Apogee’s most vicious FPS offering. You step into the cybernetic boots of Johnny Turbo, armed with arm rockets and a leg-based chainsaw, a lethal duo for slicing foes in Paradise city.

Returning home, Johnny stumbles into chaos. The city’s been overwhelmed by Syn, a rogue AI with its army of augmented henchmen. Haunted by past mistakes, Johnny accepts the daunting task of dismantling Syn. But he’s not alone; rival bounty hunters are on the same mission, turning Paradise into a battleground.

Growing up with classic FPS games, I was eager to see what Turbo Overkill brought to the table on Nintendo’s platform. Originally launched on Steam in 2023, it’s now available on Nintendo Switch. As Johnny Turbo, you’re equipped with punchy arm rockets and a killer chainsaw leg—a dynamic arsenal!

Back in a troubled Paradise, Johnny faces a city taken over by Syn’s AI cohorts, turning residents into puppets of destruction. It’s a race against time to dismantle Syn’s army and bring a sliver of hope back.

The gameplay feels seamless. Use the left stick for movement, the right for aiming, while the D-Pad switches your perspective. Leap across obstacles with the B button, dash using R, and deploy your grappling hook with X. Let the chainsaw slide rip through enemies by pressing L.

Fire off your primary weapon with ZR and unleash secondary attacks with ZL. Navigate your weapon wheel effortlessly using the D-Pad. For moments when precision is key, activate Turbo-Time with the right stick to slow the world around you, turning complex battles in your favor.

The core of the gameplay is straightforward: eliminate enemies, earn cash, upgrade augments, and enhance your arsenal to stay ahead. From conquering two dozen levels to facing off against bosses for special augments, staying sharp is key.

As EdEN pointed out, the game doesn’t hold back. It’s bursting with violence, earning every bit of its mature rating on PlayStation 5. Its gritty, post-apocalyptic backdrop sets the stage for the brutal antics you’re about to dive into. Whether engaging in the storyline-driven Campaign Mode, testing skills in Endless Mode, or hopping into Arcade Mode, there’s plenty to explore.

From the get-go, the action is relentless. The tutorial stage doesn’t just teach; it thrusts you right into the chaos. The game’s a whirlwind of blood and mayhem, feeling intuitively placed with controls that keep movement and combat fluid. Mighty fun, especially when chainsaw sliding into the fray! One small gripe, though, is the main menu’s lack of Circle button support for going back—an odd omission.

For players of all skill levels, there’s a range of difficulty settings—five, to be precise. Newcomers might start with Virgin Blood, which eases the enemy strength, while seasoned players might opt for the harrowing Murder Machine, where making every shot count is crucial. Each setting offers unique challenges, from increased projectile speeds to harder-hitting foes.

The visual design brings a fresh twist to retro charm. High-poly character models and environments clad in pixelated textures pay homage to icons like Doom, only more polished and fast-paced, especially at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5. Despite a slightly jarring viewpoint scale, the burst of nostalgia is a welcome touch.

Trophy hunters will find plenty to chase, with a Platinum trophy amongst various accolades. Whether mastering difficulty tiers, finding collectibles, or reaching milestones in Endless Mode, Turbo Overkill offers challenges aplenty.

In essence, Turbo Overkill inventive a classic 90s FPS spirit with thrilling intensity. As Johnny Turbo, you charge headfirst into waves of Syn’s army, keeping each minute electrifying. It’s explosive, chaotic fun testing your reflexes.

The game, debuting on Steam and now available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, offers diverse experiences. While Switch sacrifices resolution for smoother performance and longer loading times, PS5 benefits shine with faster loading, making both versions worthy playgrounds for chaos lovers.

This review is based on copies provided by Apogee Entertainment, played on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Turbo Overkill offers an over-the-top ride for those yearning for powerhouse FPS experiences.