The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a revolutionary console released by Nintendo in the early 1990s. It was known for its impressive library of games, including some of the most iconic titles of all time. One such game that stands out is Jurassic Park, a third-person action-adventure game based on the popular film franchise. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Jurassic Park on the SNES and explore what makes it a must-play classic.

A Brief History of Jurassic Park

Released in 1993, Jurassic Park was developed by Nintendo's internal development team, led by Yuji Horii. The game was designed to be an arcade-style action-adventure experience, where players controlled one of three characters: Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, or Dr. Ian Malcolm. Each character had their unique abilities and strengths, which would play a crucial role in the gameplay.

The game's storyline followed closely after the events of the original 1993 film, with the player controlling one of the three scientists as they navigated through the park's various attractions, including the iconic Velociraptor enclosure. The ultimate goal was to escape the island by solving puzzles, collecting items, and defeating the park's genetically engineered dinosaurs.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Jurassic Park on the SNES is a 2D side-scroller with some 3D-like graphics for its time. The game features fast-paced action sequences where players must navigate through crowded areas, avoiding obstacles and enemies while keeping an eye out for collectibles and power-ups.

Each character had unique abilities that could be used to solve puzzles or overcome challenges:

• Dr. Alan Grant was a skilled paleontologist with expertise in handling fossils and artifacts.
• Dr. Ellie Sattler was an expert in botany and medicine, which allowed her to heal injured allies and avoid hazards.
• Dr. Ian Malcolm was a mathematician who could use his knowledge of probability theory to predict enemy movements.

The game's combat mechanics involved a combination of dodging, jumping, and using the character's unique abilities to defeat enemies. The player had to strategically manage resources, such as health points, ammo, and special items like binoculars or park maps.

Graphics and Soundtrack

At the time of its release, Jurassic Park boasted impressive graphics for an SNES game. The colorful, cartoonish visuals brought the dinosaurs to life in a way that was both entertaining and educational.

The soundtrack, composed by Michael Landau and Akira Yamaoka, perfectly complemented the game's atmosphere. Iconic tracks like "Dino Roar" and "The Park Entrance" transported players to the world of Jurassic Park.

Reception and Legacy

Jurassic Park received positive reviews upon its release in 1993. The magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly praised the game's engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and memorable characters.

Although the game has not aged as well as some other SNES titles, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Jurassic Park for the SNES holds a 76% score on GameRankings, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics and players alike.

Age Rating

Jurassic Park was rated T by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) for its violence, blood, and "intense" themes. In the UK, the game received an age rating of 16 from the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) council due to its mild violence and cartoonish graphics.

While the game is not excessively gory or graphic, it does feature some intense moments where dinosaurs are killed, which may not be suitable for younger players.

Conclusion

Jurassic Park on the SNES was an ambitious project that showcased Nintendo's innovative approach to 3D-like graphics and immersive gameplay experiences. Although its release coincided with a time of great change in the gaming industry, Jurassic Park has endured as a beloved classic among retro gamers.

If you're looking for a fun and challenging experience, Jurassic Park on the SNES is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging storyline, colorful graphics, and memorable characters, this game is sure to transport you back to the world of dinosaurs and adventure.